FAQ : The Living Sector

What Is It?


The Living Sector refers to a growing segment of real estate focused on where and how people live, spanning Build-to-Rent (BTR), Affordable Housing, Retirement Living, Student Accommodation, and Co-Living. While each asset class has its nuances, together they represent a powerful shift in Australia’s housing landscape from traditional ownership to lifestyle-driven, purpose-built rental and managed living models.


Driven by demographic shifts, urbanisation, affordability challenges, and institutional investment, the Living Sector is forecast to become one of Australia’s most valuable property verticals. The Build-to-Rent pipeline alone exceeds $16 billion, while the Retirement Living and SDA markets are expected to double in value over the next decade as demand surges.


At Enable Talent Group, we specialise in recruiting across this sector because we believe it sits at the intersection of urban development, social impact, and long-term investment strategy. Below, we answer the most common questions we receive from clients and candidates navigating this dynamic market.

  • What types of roles do you recruit for in the Living Sector?

    Enable Talent Group recruits across the full lifecycle of residential living projects, including:


    Finance & Investment: Analysts, Associates, Fund Managers as well as mainstream finance (i.e. CFO, FC, FBP, FP&A etc)


    Development: Development Managers, Project Directors


    Asset Management: Asset Managers, Portfolio Leads


    Sales & Marketing: Leasing Managers, Marketing Directors


    Strategy & Operations: General Managers, Heads of Residential


    ESG and Sustainability


    Executive Leadership 

  • Who are your typical clients in the Living Sector?

    We partner with developers, operators, REITs, institutional investors, and fund managers operating across the residential landscape. 


    Whether it's a start-up launching a new BTR platform or a global fund scaling student accommodation, we deliver senior talent that aligns with both business strategy and sector expertise.

  • What’s the difference between Build-to-Rent and Co-Living?

    Build-to-Rent (BTR) refers to purpose-built, professionally managed residential buildings that are held long-term by a single owner for rental income.


    Co-Living, by contrast, offers shared living environments with private rooms and communal spaces, often catering to younger professionals or students. It’s more flexible, community-focused, and often includes shorter lease terms.

  • Why is recruitment in this sector so specialised?

    These asset classes require a deep understanding of property development, financial structuring, regulatory compliance, and tenant experience. 


    The right hire can significantly impact project timelines, investor returns, and operational efficiency — making specialist recruitment essential.

  • Do you recruit nationally or just in Melbourne?

    Enable Talent Group operates nationally, with strong networks in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and emerging regional markets. 


    We also assist overseas candidates looking to relocate and bring international experience into the Australian living sectors.

  • What’s the typical salary range for roles in this sector?

    Analysts/Associates: $110k–$160k


    Managers (Development, Asset, Finance): $160k–$250k


    Directors/Heads of: $250k–$400k+

    These vary based on organisation size, asset class, and geographic focus.



  • Can you help with interim or contract placements?

    Yes. While we specialise in permanent search, we also support clients with interim talent solutions — especially for time-sensitive developments, transaction periods, or maternity cover across finance, development, and operations roles.


    We hold a full Victorian Labour Licence 

  • How do you assess candidate fit for this sector?

    We go well beyond the CV. Our assessment process focuses on three key dimensions:


    Technical capability — We evaluate experience in finance, development, investment, or operations specific to residential living assets. We look for sector fluency, not just job titles.


    Motivation to succeed — We dig into why a candidate is interested in the role and the sector. Is this just another job, or a strategic career move? We explore their desire to grow with the business and contribute to long-term outcomes — especially important in investment-backed environments.


    Cultural alignment — We assess whether the candidate thrives in fast-paced, commercially focused, or mission-driven environments. This includes communication style, leadership preferences, adaptability, and ability to collaborate across internal and external stakeholders.


    Ultimately, our goal is not just to place candidates — but to help build teams that scale, stay, and succeed.



  • How can I access pre-qualified candidates now?

    Watch This Space - Coming Soon