With Australia’s tertiary education sector bouncing back and international student numbers on the rise, Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) is re-emerging as one of the country’s most sought-after alternative asset classes.
Against this backdrop, The Urban Developer’s PBSA Summit will convene the sector’s key stakeholders—developers, investors, operators, policymakers and advisors—for a one-day program dedicated to exploring the future of student housing.
From shifting supply-demand dynamics and capital market recalibrations to regulatory reform, design innovation and delivery challenges, the summit will unpack the trends and pressures shaping the next phase of growth in PBSA.
As universities expand and students demand more connected, community-focused, and high-quality living environments, this event provides a critical pulse-check on where the sector is heading in 2025 and beyond.
Building the Scape Brand
As Australia’s largest PBSA operator, Scape is setting the national benchmark for scale, innovation and the student experience.
In a headline fireside chat, Craig Carracher AM, excecutive head of Scape, will reflect on the evolution of the PBSA sector, the brand’s bold national strategy and where it’s heading next.
This exclusive conversation will offer rare insight into how Scape is transforming student accommodation across Australia and will be a must-attend session for anyone invested in the sector’s future.
PBSA supply, demand and performance snapshot
Capital flows and investor strategies
Enrolment trends driving future demand
Development pipeline and hotspot locations
Planning and regulatory changes impacting PBSA
Design trends enhancing student experience
Technology integration in operations
Delivery strategies and construction efficiencies
Innovations from emerging private developers
Craig Carracher AM – Executive Chair, Australia, Scape
Conal Newland – International Director, Head of Living APAC, Cushman & Wakefield
Alex Stuart – Director, Urbis
David Hill – Chief Investment Officer, Cedar Pacific
Darren Dawson – General Manager - Social Infrastructure Funds, Australian Unity
Ben Pomroy – Principal, Rothelowman
Simon Hulett – Head of Direct Investment, MaxCap
Jack Peschardt – Construction Manager, Decode
Alexander Karamouzis – Vertical Lead Shared Living Spaces – Oceania, Salto
Date: Thursday, August 14, 2025
Venue: Gate 8, Melbourne
Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm AEST
Audience: 100-plus C-Suite Professionals
Whether you’re a developer navigating the complexities of planning and delivery, an investor exploring alternative assets, or a university operator redefining student experience—The Urban Developer’s PBSA Summit is your opportunity to connect, learn and lead in the next chapter of the sector.
