The Australian property market is undergoing a structural shift and it’s not just about office towers or suburban homes anymore. The Living Sector comprising Build-to-Rent (BTR), Affordable Housing, Retirement Living, Student Accommodation, and Co-Living is becoming one of the most dynamic, resilient, and investable parts of our national economy.

At Enable Talent Group, we see it every day. From global capital entering BTR to local developers pivoting into Retirement Living, the scale and maturity of this sector is accelerating. So, what’s driving this growth  and why does it matter?

Until recently, residential investment in Australia was largely dominated by individual investors and mum-and-dad landlords. Today, institutional capital is reshaping that narrative. Super funds, REITs, private equity firms, and global developers are all making strategic moves into the Living Sector.

Build-to-Rent alone has more than $16 billion in committed and planned investment, with major pipelines underway in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. At the same time, Retirement Living and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) are attracting interest from healthcare-aligned capital and social infrastructure funds. This isn’t a passing trend it’s a long-term play, driven by fundamentals.

The Living Sector is emerging as a direct response to how Australians want and need to live. Renters now account for nearly one-third of the population, and many are seeking professionally managed, secure, long-term rental options.

Student Accommodation is also back in focus as international enrolments recover, and purpose-built housing solutions outperform private rental stock. Meanwhile, our ageing population is driving the need for more diverse, community-oriented Retirement Living options.

Younger generations are delaying homeownership in favour of flexibility, which has led to the rise of Co-Living a model that combines convenience, amenity, and affordability. Each of these segments addresses real, structural gaps in the housing market.

As capital flows into the Living Sector, the limiting factor isn’t just funding  it’s talent. Success in this market depends on people who understand the nuances of residential real estate, operational models, compliance frameworks, and stakeholder expectations.

Do you have a Development Manager who knows how to deliver a BTR project on time and budget? An Asset Manager who can balance tenant experience with investor returns? A Finance lead who can report to offshore capital partners with clarity and confidence?

At Enable Talent Group, we’ve built a national, specialist network of professionals across the residential living landscape — from analysts to directors. We don’t just source talent. We identify individuals who are motivated to contribute strategically, grow with the business, and deliver impact from day one.

The Living Sector isn’t just a property trend. It’s a vital part of Australia’s economic, social, and urban future. It addresses housing shortages, supports diverse lifestyles, and contributes to sustainable city planning. As governments increasingly partner with the private sector to solve housing and infrastructure challenges, talent will be the lever that determines which projects succeed and which ones stall. The firms investing in the right people today will be the ones shaping how Australia lives tomorrow.

Where to Next?

If you're operating in the Living Sector  or looking to enter it Enable Talent Group can help you navigate it. We recruit nationally across Build-to-Rent, Affordable Housing, Retirement Living, Co-Living, and Student Accommodation, covering all key functional roles across finance, investment, development, sales, and asset management.