Local, Kio, Model to Highlight Aussie BTR Opportunities in Thursday MTD TV Panel

Australia’s build-to-rent sector takes centre stage this week as the sixth annual Mingtiandi APAC Residential Forum launches on MTD TV, with executives from Local: Residential, Kio Investment Management and Model joining MSCI for a one-hour panel discussion.

The panel at 10:00 AM Hong Kong time on Thursday arrives as trades of income-earning residential assets in Australia jumped 134 percent last year to A$8.2 billion ($5.8 billion), according to MSCI, making the country one of the fastest-growing living sector markets in the Asia Pacific region.

With more than 15,000 build-to-rent units already operational and nearly 30,000 more under development across some 90 projects, according to advisory firm Franklin Street, the sector has transformed quickly from a niche play into one of the most closely watched real estate strategies in the region. 

The panel is the first of two sessions in this month’s forum, which is sponsored by Yardi and is free to view for registered users. Registration is available at the link above.

Australia Transformation in Focus

Representing Local: Residential in the discussion will be the company’s head of investments Chris Axsentieff. The Macquarie-backed venture, which ranks as Australia’s largest build-to-rent platform by units, recently expanded its portfolio to approximately 4,000 units with a stabilised value of A$3.25 billion after completing its acquisition of a 355-unit South Melbourne project from Hines in February.

Joining from Kio will be founder and managing director Sam Bisla, who spent time as head of living at Hines before establishing the Warburg Pincus-backed investment manager. Kio is currently developing a combined portfolio with an end value of A$1 billion across build-to-rent and studio living strategies in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Model founder and chief executive Rory Hunter rounds out the builder-operator-fund manager contingent. He established the Melbourne-based sustainable build-to-rent company in 2023, and has since secured development approval for its first two projects, including a development in Melbourne’s Abbotsford area set to become the city’s tallest residential timber tower.

Benjamin Martin-Henry, head of private assets research for the Pacific at MSCI, will provide data context for the conversation, drawing on the index maker’s transaction and investment performance figures for the sector.

Japan Multifamily Up Next

The forum returns on Tuesday 24 March with a panel dedicated to Japan, Asia Pacific’s largest and most mature rental residential market.

Alyssa Partners managing partner and chief executive Chedli Boujellabia will join the session alongside Gaw Capital Partners’ Isabella Lo, who heads the Hong Kong-based fund manager’s Japan business. Alyssa recently added Mitsui & Co to its roster of partners as the Tokyo-based alternative manager continues to source properties from developers and grow its team in an increasingly competitive market.

Samurai Capital president and chief executive Ken Aoyama brings an operator’s perspective to the discussion. His company has partnered with Manulife Investment Management, Mubadala Investment Company and Proprium Capital Partners on rental residential projects in Japan, including the Haun co-living platform.

Emily Fell, senior director for Asia Pacific capital markets at Savills, completes the Japan panel lineup, drawing on more than 15 years advising on living sector transactions across Asia Pacific and Europe.

Both sessions stream live on MTD TV and are free of charge for Mingtiandi members.