LEADING THE LIVING SECTOR
SINCE 1996
OUR BRANDS
01 INTRODUCTION
SIX BRANDS, ONE VISION
CREATING COMMUNITIES FOR INSPIRED LIVING
We are the largest and longest-standing private operator in the living sector in Australia and New Zealand, in operation for almost 30 years.
• Based on our tested, trusted and proven model for success evident through the strength of the UniLodge brand, our expertise now spans 5 growing brands across student living, build-torent, hotels and serviced apartments.
• We have unrivalled expertise and scale in intensive residential property management services, with proven systems and operational procedures.
• Tailored solutions: We proudly deliver customised solutions aligned with each assets unique vision and market opportunity.
OUR PROVEN APPROACH TO LIVING COMMUNITIES
Essence Homes coming soon
OUR GROWTH
With almost three decades in the Living sector, UniLodge Living Group brings unmatched expertise and market insight to every asset we manage. Since launching in 1996 with UniLodge on Broadway in Sydney, we’ve had a legacy of innovation, pioneering privatised student accommodation in Australia.
Today, we are recognised as the leading specialists in on-campus and offcampus student housing.
From our early expansions into Melbourne and Brisbane, to establishing a strong presence in New Zealand and on-campus partnerships with leading universities, our journey has been defined by a commitment to quality, innovation, and resident experience.
The launch of Essence Hotels & Apartments in 2011 and the addition of Essence Communities in 2019 further diversified our expertise into Medi-Stay and Build to Rent, positioning us at the forefront of emerging living trends.
Today, that legacy has evolved into the UniLodge Living Group, one of the largest private operators in the living sector across Australia and New Zealand.
Backed by a bold, future-focused expansion strategy, we continue to grow our portfolio across new locations and capabilities across the living sector, delivering sustainable, people-first communities that redefine the way residents live, stay, and belong.
OUR EXPERTISE
For almost three decades UniLodge Living Group has been shaping how people live. Years 29
We operate and manage properties in Australia and New Zealand, with exciting growth coming. Countries
150+ properties and counting, expertly managed for every resident. Properties
UniLodge, Student Living by UniLodge, Hive, Essence Communities, Essence Hotels and Apartments. Brands
Our global team of almost 1,300 professionals are dedicated to ensuring care, respect and reliability in every interaction. Team Members 1,300
To creating connected, thriving communities through bespoke solutions for the living sector. Vision
FROM THE BEGINNING
Launch of UniLodge on Broadway, Sydney UniLodge expanded into New Zealand (4K beds)
Aggressive expansion plan into Melbourne (UniLodge on Swanston) and Brisbane (UniLodge on Margaret)
Essence Hotels & Apartments Medi-Stay brand launched in Brisbane Expanded to Adelaide and Darwin (50 properties in portfolio)
3 key universities added: The University of Sydney, La Trobe Uni and Uni of Canterbury (13K beds)
Hive brand acquired and preparation for 6th brand launch, Essence Homes. Company rebrands to UniLodge Living Group (40K+ beds)
Essence Communities Build to Rent brand launched to market
$1B partnership with MaxCap Group and Australian Unity to develop PBSA assets nationwide, with first Perth CBD tower due in 2026
Market leader in the living sector across Australasia, with continued strategic developments, financial growth, and market expansion (Target: 70K+ beds)
DOMINATING THE LIVING SECTOR
OUR GROWTH
HEAD OFFICE
• 100 Creek Street, Brisbane Queensland
• Head Office, 110 FTE
Accounting and Finance
Marketing and Communications
Leasing
Commercial and Data Analytics
Human Resources
Training, Learning and Development
Compliance, ESG, WHS
EXPERIENCED EXECUTIVE TEAM
with hands-on involvement
PETER BATES
Executive Chairman
19 years
Peter is a Civil Engineer by profession and spent 20 years with Lendlease in Australia, New Zealand, and Asia in executive roles before joining UniLodge.
After serving as Chief Executive Officer of the UniLodge group for 12 years, Peter was appointed as Executive Chairman in 2018. He currently focuses on new business, providing valuable assistance to investors in making feasibility decisions and optimising returns.
TOMAS JOHNSSON
Chief Executive Officer
7 years
Tomas Johnsson joined UniLodge in September 2018 as the Chief Executive Officer. He has over 25 years experience in senior management roles in the tourism industry specialising in accommodation. Tomas successfully completed his Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 2016 and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Tomas is currently Deputy Chair of the Student Accommodation Council by The Property Council of Australia.
CHRIS WEBB
Chief Financial Officer
7 years
Chris is an accomplished financial leader who has 25+ years of experience in senior roles across Property, Funds Management and Big 4 consulting at companies such as PwC, QIC, UBS, RetireAustralia.
He has a Bachelor of Commerce and Laws from the University of Queensland and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants. Chris has proven himself to be a reliable asset for many major companies.
MATT ROW
Chief Operating Officer
8 years
With more than two decades of experience in management and operations, Matt joined the UniLodge Group in 2017 and is responsible for managing all of operations across Australia and New Zealand. Before that, Matt was the Chief Operating Officer for Retire Australia, the largest private retirement village owner-operator in the country.
GRANT WALDECK
Chief Sales and Marketing Officer
8 years
As an accomplished marketing professional who brings a wealth of experience, Grant joined the UniLodge Group in 2017. Prior, he spent two decades with distinguished international blue-chip companies, such as Flight Centre, Queensland Rail and Compare the Market Australia, and held the esteemed role of Marketing Director for Domino’s Pizza Indonesia.
Chief People Officer
6 years
Vicki joined the UniLodge Group as Chief People Officer in 2019. She is a highly experienced professional, having dedicated the past 20 years to developing her expertise in human resources. Her impressive career has seen her travel across Australia, the United Kingdom and even the Maldives.
VICKI NAGLE
OUR VISION
To create communities for inspired living
Our vision, mission and values are the foundation of everything we do. Grounded in integrity, inclusion and community, they drive our decisions and shape our future.
Together, they define our ambition to set new benchmarks in the Living sector and shape the future of urban living.
To be the leading operator in the Living sector
We build relationships on trust We seek to inspire and be inspired OUR VISION OUR MISSION OUR VALUES
We care for each other and our residents
We pursue excellence
We value diversity and inclusion We grow together
WHAT WE BRING
Flexible service delivery
Proven digital tools & systems
Operational excellence built for scale
Proven 30-year track record
Data-driven strategies
Resident-centric focus
Commitment to responsible living
Design consultancy & feasibility advisory
Affordable housing management
OUR SERVICES
Pre-opening mobilisation (incl. transition planning)
Leasing and marketing
WHAT WE DELIVER
Tailored property, leasing, and operational strategies
Sector expertise across student, Build-to-Rent, and hospitality
Flexible solutions that maximise returns
Core services adapted to niche market needs
Brand-specific approaches for targeted results
Strong focus on stakeholder value and community impact
OUR PARTNERS
Long term partnerships are in our groups’ DNA. We are proud to have long-standing partnerships extending beyond 10 years with some of Australia’s best private and public institutions. Each partnership is different, and we pride ourselves in creating bespoke offerings to suit the specific needs of each client:
• Flexible to the needs of clients
• Pliable Tech Stack
• Ability to scale with partners
• Strong client retention
• Institutional grade administrative function to ensure exacting compliance and reporting standards
We are proud to be partners with Essence Communities, who share our vision of unlocking the value of BTR properties by exposing them to the longer-stay corporate accommodation market.
Michael Carne
Urban Rest
OUR PARTNERS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING INSTITUTIONS:
OUR ESG COMMITMENT
At UniLodge Living Group and through our family of brands, we recognise our responsibility to operate sustainably and ethically. Our ESG commitment is integrated into every stage of the resident and partner journey, shaping how we deliver our services and manage our communities across Australia and New Zealand.
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
We are committed to reducing our environmental impact through energy-efficient operations and sustainable practices and strive to support our partners meet benchmarks such as NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Rating System) for building energy and water efficiency, Green Star and Homestar certifications where applicable, striving for environmentally responsible living. We actively promote responsible waste management, emissions reduction, and water conservation across our portfolio.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Fostering safe, inclusive, and engaged communities is central to our purpose.
• Cultural safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Māori communities
• Equity, diversity, and inclusion across our teams and resident population
• Resident wellbeing through curated community programs and support services
• We are proud of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) journey in Australia, and continue to build meaningful connections through education, employment and cultural understanding
• We partner with universities and the McCall Macbain Foundation to provide scholarships for financial support to enable ongoing learning and development of intercultural competencies. Through our partnership with the McCall Macbain Foundation, we help make positive and lasting global change across education, climate and health.
GOVERNANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY
Our teams operate with integrity, transparency, and a strong sense of accountability. We maintain:
• Compliance with all regulatory standards in Australia and New Zealand
• Rigorous risk management and business continuity protocols
• Strong governance frameworks that guide ethical decision-making
• Clear reporting mechanisms for partners, investors and stakeholders.
WHITE LABEL MANAGEMENT
Our Infrastructure, Your Brand
Under a “White Label” arrangement, the property and operating platform is managed and presented to the customer under your brand, allowing internal and third-party ancillary services to be delivered on one platform with full systems integration.
This maximises customer experience and ancillary revenue streams.
Our infrastructure has been developed to incorporate your branding hence giving customers the perception that all the services they experience are being delivered by your Brand. The white label approach ensures that all customer facing “touch points” are linked to the brand so there is no confusion. Our staff are clothed in uniforms depicting the brand, signage on the property signifies the brand and written correspondence always refers to the brand.
FOR BTR
• “Realm” Kangaroo Point for Blackstone
• “Realm” Caulfield for Blackstone
• “Dickson Village” for Aware Super.
• “Indi Sydney” for Investa/Oxford
• “Indi Southbank” for Investa/Oxford (construction)
• “Indi Footscray” for Investa/Oxford (construction)
• Wentworth Quarter, Sydney
FOR STUDENT ACCOMMODATION
• Y-Suites A’Beckett for Wee Hur
• Y-Suites City Gardens for Wee Hur
• Y-Suites on Waymouth for Wee Hur
• Y Suites on Moore for Wee Hur
• Y-Suites Regent for WeeHur
• Y Suites Gibbons for Wee Hur
• University of Sydney Portfolio for USYD
• University of Melbourne Portfolio
• Bruce and Wright Hall, for the ANU
02 UNILODGE
ABOUT UNILODGE PART OF UNILODGE LIVING GROUP
Since 1996, UniLodge has pioneered the market for student accommodation management and become the largest PBSA operator in Australia and New Zealand.
The continued growth of UniLodge is no coincidence. We specialise in the professional operation and management of student accommodation. Our success is built upon a proven formula that delivers genuine value to investors and student residents alike.
All properties managed by UniLodge are ideally located either on campus or in close proximity to universities, colleges and other education institutions. The layout and amenity of our properties is carefully considered for student living, providing a secure and supportive community to promote positive life experiences for students and peace of mind for parents.
Our diverse and vibrant community welcomes students from across the globe. Whether they seek proximity to campus or wish to immerse themselves in local culture, we offer unmatched flexibility and choice.
Each UniLodge employee has a strong focus on delivering quality, innovation, efficiency and customer responsiveness to all of our stakeholders.
We work with international agents across Asia and have global student networks.
PARTNERSHIPS
Privately owned since day one, student accommodation has always been our core business. This focus has seen us forge strong, ongoing relationships with many of the region’s most respected educational institutions including:
• Australian National University
• AUT University
• Charles Darwin University
• Curtin University
• James Cook University
• La Trobe University
• RMIT University
• Shafston International College
• Swinburne University
• Taylor’s College
• The Australian National University
• The University of Auckland
• Trinity College
• University of Canberra
• University of Canterbury
• University of Melbourne
• University of New South Wales
• University of Queensland
• University of Sydney
• University of Technology Sydney
• Victoria University
• Victoria University of Wellington
• Western Sydney University
UNILODGE SERVICES
A key differentiator across our UniLodge properties is our student life and pastoral care programs, such as Residential Life and Project 100 and our Under 18 program.
PROJECT 100
A student engagement initiative that focuses on maintaining regular, meaningful contact with students throughout their stay, through a combination of both personal interaction blended with modern technology touchpoints.
Project 100 aims to foster a connected and supportive living environment for all residents.
UNDER 18 PROGRAM
A key UniLodge offering is our expertise in providing accommodation for students under the age of 18. We have a deep understanding of the legislation and heightened duty of care requirements in relation to Under 18 residents and deliver a contemporary accommodation service to ensure the safety and wellbeing of younger students.
Our Under 18s program is supported by a solid operating platform of processes and procedures, staff training and development, all of which underpin the delivery of this niche service offering. Wherever required all of our staff hold a Police Check and Working with Children Check.
RESIDENTIAL LIFE PROGRAM
The physical and emotional wellbeing of our residents is the utmost importance. With security, safety, convenience and support provided by UniLodge, students are free to focus on their studies and broadening their social networks. We offer advice on finding academic support, and help students settle into their new lifestyle. The program includes a structured calendar of events and initiatives designed to promote wellbeing, personal development, and social connection.
Whether it’s a fitness class, a movie night, study groups or leadership workshops, we create meaningful experiences that bring people together and enrich everyday living.
PROJECT 100
Project 100 aims to foster a connected and supportive living environment for all residents. This is done through a mix of soft touch points, face to face check ins and events and through technology.
GENERAL WELFARE MONITORING
• Internet usage
• Key use
• U18 curfew check
• Physical sighting checks and tracking
ONLINE
• Though the APP
The
overall goal is a score of 100% across 8 key student touch points that make up ‘Project 100’
IN PERSON
• Check in on arrival, orientation, and inductions
• Res Life Managers and Advisors available onsite
• Soft touch points through newsletters, building notices, and student surveys
• Staff onsite are trained to recognise and track issues at in person touch points, such as mail collection, rent payment, maintenance logs and guest registration
• In room where available, if cleaning is done, maintenance and inspections
• Facilities use including vacuum hire, equipment use, bikes, vacation forms tracking and merchandise purchasing
UNDER 18'S PROGRAM
OUR UNDER 18'S PROGRAM INCLUDES:
• Students are met on arrival at the property
• Under 18s orientation
• Strict curfew times and processes
• Single sex apartments
• Security and monitoring
• No tolerance policy on alcohol, smoking, drugs and gambling
• Regular communication with parents/ guardians
• Pastoral care
• Processes for residents with medical conditions or illnesses
• Processes to ensure student issues are escalated and handled in a professional, caring manner
• Understanding how difficult it can be for young people, especially those arriving from overseas, to meet new friends and settle into their new environment, UniLodge ensures that our Residential Life Program events are Under 18s friendly
RESIDENTIAL LIFE PROGRAM
The physical and emotional wellbeing of all our residents is of the utmost importance. With security, safety, convenience and support provided by UniLodge, students are free to focus on their studies and broadening their social networks. We offer advice on finding academic support, and we're always on hand to make sure residents are healthy and happy.
Our Residential Life Program helps students settle into their new lifestyle. It gives them the opportunity to make new friends and explore their surroundings like a local.
SOCIAL
To provide residents with lifelong friendships and connections through social interactions and local experiences, whilst enabling community belonging.
The Residential Life Program is a great way to make friends and experience Brisbane and its surrounding regions. Moving from Darwin was pretty nerve-wracking but with the help of Residential Life Program, I was able to get out and about on a university student budget and interact with others in the same position as me.
Molly, UniLodge on Margaret Resident
ACADEMIC
To support residents through their study experience so that they can achieve academic and personal success; including degree attainment, improved career prospects and future employability.
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
To encourage positive mental and physical personal health and assist with leisure pursuits amongst the broader community.
COMMUNITY
To promote a sense of community connection and responsibility and engage residents in a range of socially responsible and sustainable practices.
CULTURAL
To assist in the development of cultural competency - the understanding and appreciation of human differences and to encourage social responsibility.
03
STUDENT LIVING
BY UNILODGE
ABOUT STUDENT LIVING BY UNILODGE
PART OF UNILODGE LIVING GROUP
Student Living by UniLodge reaches valueconscious individuals who don’t need our full suite of services but still want to be close to major education institutions. Best suited for independent and more mature students.
Student Living by UniLodge are usually strata owned buildings that often offer a larger floorplan and lower price point than general UniLodge properties.
A COLLECTION OF BESPOKE PROPERTIES FOR MORE INDEPENDENT STUDENT LIVING
• Leveraging the UniLodge brand, distribution, and corporate services
• Quality support by the UniLodge operating platform
• Flexible product delivery to suit local demand
• Service offering designed to meet specific target market needs
• Suits high yield building design
• Efficient business models to meet investor needs
• Can be fully or partially furnished rooms and apartments
• Suitable for hybrid operating models
TRACK RECORD
04 ESSENCE COMMUNITIES
ABOUT ESSENCE COMMUNITIES
PART OF UNILODGE LIVING GROUP
Since 2019, Essence Communities has gained momentum and is one of the few operators in build to rent across Australia.
With a proven track record, leveraging the UniLodge operational platform, we have made exciting progress with the recent opening of Indi Sydney, the CBD’s first purpose built build to rent residence and Wentworth Quarter (203 apartments and 8 townhouses exclusively for rent in Wentworth Point along the waterfront), and Dickson Village (Canberra’s first build-to-rent, paving the way for further BTR opportunities in ACT.
The on-site management team is fantastic, always approachable, helpful and quick to respond, and the monthly resident activities make it feel like home..
Dickson Village Apartments
Shea
REALM KANGAROO POINT, BRISBANE
Speak to us about personal introductions and/or site visits at any of our properties.
PROJECT FEATURES
• Build-to-Sell project adapted to BTR
• No lead-in time to leasing. Standing start for operational team
• Leasing period overlaid by capex works on site, cleaning and preparation
• No furniture packages available initially
• Logistical staggering of move-ins challenging
• Supported the development of the Realm brand, and launched in market
• Supported the delivery of BTR amenities and created services
• Developed and implemented technology solution
• Developed and implemented community program
OUR VALUE ADD
• Successful Mobilisation
• Lease-up better than underwrite
• Rents achieved premium over underwrite assumptions
• White label brand
• Essence provided tech services in relation to design, IT solutions and amenity curation on the run
• Essence supported with furniture pack solutions, preferred suppliers and a back catalogue of lessons learned
• Tech solution was deployed fast and with reliability
• Track record of fast lease up despite no initial in-market brand recognition
• In-house marketing expertise helped develop brand characteristics, tone of voice and positioning
• Operational expertise delivered brand promise to brand standards
• Delivery of community strategies and launch of community app
05
ESSENCE HOTELS & APARTMENTS
ABOUT ESSENCE HOTELS & APARTMENTS
PART OF UNILODGE LIVING GROUP
Since 2011, Essence Hotels and Serviced Apartments have proven strong financial performance with outstanding guest feedback.
Medi-stays are our specialty–we are strategically placed to support those visiting for medical reasons.
We offer the best balance of service, experience and track record. We offer a full level of service offering recognising that medical guest have unique needs and support needed during their stay.
TRACK RECORD
Apartments
Essence Suites Taringa
PROJECT FEATURES
• Direct access to The Prince Charles and Holy Spirit Private Hospitals and close to Westfield Chermside boutiques, cinemas, cafes and restaurants
• Four star apartment hotel
• Conference facilities, complimentary secure car parking, guest lounge, garden terrace.
PROJECT FEATURES
• Walking distance to Taringa café precinct and Indooroopilly shopping centre.
• Four and half star suite hotel
• Onsite of Westside Private Hospital
• Conference facilities and guest lounge, car parking and city views.
PROJECT FEATURES
• Hybrid with UniLodge Carlton
• Melbourne CBD fringe, close to Queen Victoria Market and Melbourne Central Shopping Centre, nearby RMIT and The Uni of Melbourne.
+61 7 3233 3700
info@unilodge.com.au
unilodgelivinggroup.com.au UNILODGE LIVING GROUP HEAD OFFICE
