UniLodge Living Group

What UniLodge Living Group does

UniLodge Living Group is a privately held Australian multi-brand accommodation management operator headquartered in Brisbane, founded in 1996 and majority owned by John McCall MacBain through the McCall MacBain Foundation. The company manages 150+ properties across Australia and New Zealand spanning purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), Build-to-Rent (BTR), hospitality, and affordable housing, with a workforce of over 1,000 dedicated professionals. UniLodge operates through six brands — UniLodge and Student Living by UniLodge (student accommodation), Essence Communities and Essence Homes (Build-to-Rent), Essence Hotels and Apartments (hospitality), and Hive (South East Queensland student accommodation) — and is the largest operator of on-campus student accommodation in Australia and New Zealand.

The group's core offering is end-to-end property and asset management delivered to institutional investors, property developers, universities, and education providers. Services span design consulting and feasibility advisory, pre-opening mobilisation, specialised leasing and marketing, day-to-day property and facilities management, residential life and community engagement, financial reporting and analytics, and government-approved affordable housing management. A growing share of revenue comes from white-label management arrangements where developers and institutional owners retain brand equity while UniLodge delivers full operational capability under their identity — current white-label clients include the Blackstone-backed Realm portfolio (Caulfield, Kangaroo Point), the Oxford Properties/Investa Indi BTR platform (~1,400 apartments), City Freeholds' Wentworth Quarter, and Dickson Village in Canberra. Technology is framed as integrated digital platforms for bookings, access control, resident communication, and leasing analytics rather than proprietary AI/ML products.

Revenue is generated through management fees charged to property owners and institutional investors under long-term contractual mandates, supplemented by professional services fees for design consulting, pre-opening mobilisation, and specialised leasing work. The go-to-market is enterprise field sales targeting institutional capital and university procurement, complemented by inbound enquiry management via dedicated new business lines and a referral channel through developer and investor partnerships. Key customer relationships include flagship Group of Eight universities (Sydney, Melbourne, ANU, Monash, UQ, UNSW, UWA, Adelaide) plus major New Zealand universities (Otago, Canterbury, Victoria University of Wellington, Massey, Waikato, Lincoln), alongside asset-owner clients such as Aware Super, Lendlease, Sentinel Property Group, GPT Group, Blackstone, MaxCap, and Oxford Properties Group. Recent flagship launches include UniLodge Perth Central (Semester 1 2026) and Indi Southbank in Melbourne (late 2025), with the broader PBSA sector showing strong transactional momentum ($1.8B in H1 2025 per Knight Frank Australia PBSA Update Q2 2025).

Name

UniLodge Living Group

Legal name

UniLodge Living Group

Website

https://unilodgelivinggroup.com.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

1996

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

UniLodge Living Group is a Brisbane-based multi-brand accommodation management operator managing 150+ properties across Australia and New Zealand, delivering end-to-end property management, leasing, and resident engagement for universities, institutional investors, and developers across PBSA, BTR, hospitality, and affordable housing.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Property Management Services

NAICS

Residential Property Managers (531311), Real Estate Property Managers (53131)

SIC

Real Estate Agents & Managers (For Others) (6531), Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000)

akta.pro primary industry

Student Housing Property Management (BPAJAFAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Student Housing Roommate Matching, Assignments & Occupancy Management (BPAJAJAJ), Off-Campus / University-Affiliated Housing Management (EDAEAFAB), Student Housing Property Management & Leasing Operators (THAMAGAK)

Keywords

• Student accommodation management
• Build-to-rent services
• Property management services
• Purpose-built student accommodation
• Affordable housing management

Headquarters

HQ city

Brisbane

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Property and Asset Management Services: UniLodge Living Group generates revenue by providing end-to-end property management services to asset owners, investors, developers, and universities. This includes leasing, day-to-day property operations, facilities management, financial reporting, and community engagement. Revenue is derived from management fees charged to property owners and institutional investors under long-term contractual mandates.
2. Design Consulting and Feasibility Advisory: Revenue from pre-development consulting services including financial modelling, leasing projections, feasibility advice, and operational income and expense budgeting for developers and investors planning new accommodation assets.
3. Pre-Opening and Mobilisation Services: Fees for recruitment and training of on-site teams, building handover management, commissioning oversight, marketing, pricing strategy, and transition execution for new property launches.
4. Specialised Leasing and Marketing Services: Revenue from data-driven leasing and marketing campaigns, lead generation, and performance tracking services provided to property owners, typically embedded within broader management mandates.
5. White Label Property Management: Full-service property and community management delivered under a partner's custom brand. The company handles staffing, compliance, community engagement, and resident experience while the partner retains brand equity. Revenue derives from management fees under white-label operational agreements.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

UniLodge Living Group provides end-to-end property management services for student accommodation, build-to-rent, hospitality, and affordable housing assets across Australia and New Zealand. The company operates six sub-brands and delivers leasing, operations, facilities management, resident engagement, and financial reporting under long-term contractual mandates with institutional investors, developers, and universities. It also offers design consulting, feasibility advisory, pre-opening mobilisation, and white-label property management solutions.

Product overview

UniLodge Living Group is a multi-brand accommodation management platform operating six distinct sub-brands: UniLodge and Student Living by UniLodge (student accommodation), Essence Communities and Essence Homes (Build-to-Rent), Essence Hotels and Apartments (hospitality), and Hive (South East Queensland student accommodation). The company provides end-to-end property management services across these brands, including design consulting, pre-opening mobilisation, specialised leasing and marketing, property and people management, resident community engagement, financial reporting and analytics, and affordable housing management. Services are delivered through core service offerings supplemented by white label management solutions, enabling partners to leverage operational expertise under their own brand. The portfolio spans over 150 properties across Australia and New Zealand, managing accommodation for institutional investors, property developers, universities, and education providers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• UniLodge: Pioneer brand for student accommodation. Where students feel at home. Deep experience in Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA).
• Student Living by UniLodge
• Essence Communities
• Essence Hotels and Apartments
• Essence Homes
• Hive

Products and services

• Design Consulting & Feasibility Advisory
• Pre-Opening and Mobilisation Services
• Specialised Leasing & Marketing Services
• Property & People Management Services
• Resident and Community Engagement
• Financial Reporting and Data Analytics
• Affordable Housing Management
• White Label Property Management
• UniLodge (Student Accommodation Brand)
• Essence Communities (Build-to-Rent Brand)
• UniLodge Perth Central (PBSA Development)
• Indi Southbank (Build-to-Rent Development)

Quantifiable outcome

• PBSA transactions reached $1.8 billion across four major deals in the first half of 2025, a dramatic jump from $116 million in 2024, highlighting renewed confidence in the sector's growth potential (Knight Frank Australia PBSA Update Q2 2025).
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers23 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

30 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Cedar PacificcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCedar Pacific is a major developer partner whose logo appears on the UniLodge Living Group website. Cedar Pacific develops student accommodation assets that are managed by UniLodge, including properties in the Melbourne portfolio.
• University of OtagocoreOthersUniversity of Otago is one of New Zealand's leading universities with a long-standing student accommodation partnership with UniLodge, managed under the company's New Zealand operations.
• University of CanterburycoreOthersUniversity of Canterbury is a key university partner in New Zealand with student accommodation management partnerships spanning more than a decade.
• Australian National University (ANU)coreOthersANU is a flagship university partner in Australia with long-standing on-campus student accommodation management by UniLodge.
• University of SydneycoreOthersUniversity of Sydney is a flagship university partner in Australia with long-standing on-campus student accommodation management by UniLodge.
• University of Queensland (UQ)coreOthersUQ is a flagship university partner with long-standing on-campus student accommodation management by UniLodge, including properties where Peter Bates (Executive Chairman) studied civil engineering.
• University of MelbournecoreOthersUniversity of Melbourne is a flagship university partner with long-standing on-campus student accommodation management by UniLodge.
• University of Technology Sydney (UTS)coreOthersUTS is a key university partner with student accommodation management by UniLodge.
• Queensland University of Technology (QUT)coreOthersQUT is a key university partner with student accommodation management by UniLodge.
• Monash UniversitycoreOthersMonash University is a flagship university partner with long-standing on-campus student accommodation management by UniLodge.
• RMIT UniversitycoreOthersRMIT University is a key university partner with student accommodation management by UniLodge.
• University of AdelaidecoreOthersUniversity of Adelaide is a key university partner with student accommodation management by UniLodge.
• University of Western Australia (UWA)coreOthersUniversity of Western Australia is a key university partner with student accommodation management by UniLodge.
• University of New South Wales (UNSW)coreOthersUNSW is a key university partner with student accommodation management by UniLodge.
• James Cook UniversitycoreOthersJames Cook University is a university partner with on-campus student accommodation managed by UniLodge. The Townsville campus features a dedicated Indigenous Advisor (Aunt Vonnie) supported through the company's RAP.
• Victoria University of WellingtoncoreOthersVictoria University of Wellington is a key university partner in New Zealand with student accommodation management by UniLodge.
• Massey UniversitycoreOthersMassey University is a key university partner in New Zealand with student accommodation management by UniLodge.
• University of WaikatocoreOthersUniversity of Waikato is a key university partner in New Zealand with student accommodation management by UniLodge.
• Lincoln UniversitycoreOthersLincoln University is a key university partner in New Zealand with student accommodation management by UniLodge.
• Realm Australia (Blackstone / 151 Property)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerRealm Australia is a Build-to-Rent business owned by Blackstone's Real Estate funds and managed by 151 Property. Essence Communities provides white-label property management for the Realm portfolio, including Realm Caulfield in Melbourne and Realm Kangaroo Point in Brisbane.
• Wentworth Quarter (City Freeholds)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerWentworth Quarter is a premium Build-to-Rent development designed by Bates Smart and developed by City Freeholds at Wentworth Point, Sydney. Essence Communities delivers white-label operational management, including leasing, resident experience, and building operations under the Wentworth Quarter brand.
• Indi Portfolio (Investa / Oxford Properties Group)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerIndi is Investa's Build-to-Rent management platform backed by Oxford Properties Group, delivering nearly 1,400 BTR apartments across Sydney and Melbourne. Essence Communities provides operational management for the Indi portfolio.
• Dickson VillageminorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerDickson Village in Canberra is Australia's first Build-to-Rent community. Essence Communities provides operational management under the Dickson Village brand, including management of the affordable housing allocation for key workers.
• Knight FrankminorOthersKnight Frank is referenced as a research partner providing market intelligence. Their Australia PBSA Update Q2 2025 report documents PBSA transactions reaching $1.8 billion in the first half of 2025, providing market context for UniLodge's growth trajectory.
• ACUHO-I (Association of College and University Housing Officers - International)coreOthersUniLodge Living Group is a member of ACUHO-I, the leading global association for campus housing professionals. Their General Manager Portfolio (NZ), Jacob Waitere, serves as Global Ambassador - Australasia for ACUHO-I. Membership supports best practice, research, and professional development.
• APSAA (Asia-Pacific Student Accommodation Association)coreOthersUniLodge Living Group is a member of APSAA, the peak industry body for post-secondary student accommodation in the Asia Pacific region. Their General Manager Portfolio (NZ), Jacob Waitere, serves as President of APSAA.
• SAA (Student Accommodation Association)coreOthersUniLodge Living Group supports SAA through its UniLodge brand and its NPAS program, which promotes quality, safety, and student wellbeing across the accommodation sector. CEO Tomas Johnsson serves as Deputy Chair of the Student Accommodation Council (Property Council of Australia).
• IEAA (International Education Association of Australia)minorOthersUniLodge Living Group is a member of IEAA, a professional body that strives to empower professionals, engage institutions, and enhance Australia's reputation as a provider of world-class education.
• Property Council of Australia (PCA)coreOthersUniLodge Living Group is a member of the Property Council of Australia, which facilitates industry advocacy, research, events, professional development, and connection. CEO Tomas Johnsson serves as Deputy Chair of the Student Accommodation Council under the PCA umbrella.
• Red FrogsminorOthersUniLodge Living Group sponsors and collaborates with Red Frogs, an organisation that works to increase social inclusion, reduce sexual assault and harassment, and enhance the overall safety and wellbeing of young people in Australia and abroad.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Stockland: Stockland is a major Australian diversified real estate developer with BTR and residential portfolios. Comparable through its BTR ambitions and large-scale property management capabilities, though broader in scope than UniLodge's focus.
• JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle): JLL is a global real estate services firm with property management operations. Comparable to UniLodge through its institutional property management services, though far broader in scope and not specialized in student accommodation.
• Cushman & Wakefield: Cushman & Wakefield is a global real estate services firm with property management operations. Comparable to UniLodge through institutional property management services, particularly for BTR and residential assets, though broader in scope.
• Mirvac Group: Mirvac is a leading Australian property group with significant BTR development and management operations. Comparable to UniLodge's Essence Communities through its Build-to-Rent focus and institutional-grade property management.

Direct peers

• Scape Australia: Scape is one of Australia's largest purpose-built student accommodation providers, owned by Brookfield. Directly competes with UniLodge in Australian PBSA, servicing both domestic and international students across major university campuses.
• Iglu Student Accommodation: Iglu is a major Australian student accommodation operator with properties across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and other university cities. Directly comparable to UniLodge as a PBSA-focused operator with similar target customer base (university students).
• Chapter Living: Chapter Living is an Australian student accommodation operator with significant presence in Sydney. Directly competes with UniLodge in PBSA with university partnerships and similar target customer segments.
• Y Suites (UniLodge competitor): Y Suites is a purpose-built student accommodation operator in Australia, owned by AMP Capital. Competes directly with UniLodge in Australian PBSA, with similar focus on international student market and university partnerships.
• Greystar Real Estate Partners: Greystar is the world's largest student housing operator and a leading multifamily property manager. Directly comparable to UniLodge as a global PBSA and BTR management operator with institutional client relationships, though operating at much larger scale and global footprint.

Regional players

• Investa (Oxford Properties): Investa is an Australian commercial property manager backed by Oxford Properties Group that launched the Indi Build-to-Rent platform. UniLodge's Essence Communities manages the Indi portfolio, making Investa a direct customer and BTR industry peer in the Australian market.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/unilodge-living-group

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about UniLodge Living Group