MODEL

Model is a new, Australian purpose-first built-to-rent group and we’re taking a distinct approach to the housing crisis. Watch now to learn more. #modelaustralia #rentforgood #buildtorent #housingcrisis

Big things are happening at MODEL! We’re excited to announce our first Build-to-Rent (BTR) project at Johnston Street, Abbotsford. Set to be Melbourne’s tallest residential mass timber building, this project flips the script on what it means to rent. Designed to be Australia’s first Passive House certified large scale apartment building, our Johnston Street property ensures superior energy efficiency and exceptional indoor environmental quality. The $120m project includes 200 residences and is targeting 100% net-zero operations, with a goal of achieving carbon-positive outcomes. Here’s a look how we’re reimagining the BTR landscape: - 50% reduction in embodied carbon: Building for a more sustainable future. - NatHERs 9 Rating: Delivering high energy efficiency for every apartment. - 6 Star Green Star Building: Exemplary performance in sustainability across the board. - Passive House Certified: Ensuring superior energy efficiency and indoor environment quality - Mass Timber Construction: Innovating building methodology that reduces our carbon footprint. - Biodiversity Gain: Over 10% improvement in local biodiversity, contributing to a healthier environment. - Affordable Housing: 10% of apartments dedicated to affordable housing, creating inclusive communities. - Nestled in a hidden gem of Johnston Street, this project adds another string to the local bow and raises the bar for what sustainable living could look and feel like. It’s more than just a building—it’s a commitment to long-term security, wellbeing, and community. @rors_hunter , Founder & CEO of MODEL, shared, “We’re not just creating buildings—we’re creating spaces that improve how people live. It’s about real connections, wellbeing, and making Abbotsford an even better place to call home. We couldn’t be more excited to bring this vision to life.” We’d like to thank our extraordinary and committed partners whose passion and expertise help us make bold moves: Our architects @fraserandpartners , ESD Consultants @hipvhype , our Planners @urbis_au , Quantity Surveyors and Carbon Planners @slattery_qs , Structural and Mass Timber Engineering @bge.engineering and our services engineers @neuron.build

This is what Model is made of - a team of enthusiastic and driven individuals who care deeply about affecting positive change and creating a thoughtful build-to-rent brand for the future. #rentforgood #buildtorent #sustainablefuture

Better outcomes don't happen by accident. They're built in from day one. Today we're proud to announce @multiplexconstruction__au as our delivery partner on our first two projects in Abbotsford: ~$330M combined development cost, and the foundation of something we intend to scale. We've chosen an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) model because the status quo isn't good enough. ECI gets cost, carbon, buildability and program on the table from day one. One integrated team, making better decisions, earlier. In a market where cost and delivery risk are real, that alignment is how you protect design quality, commercial outcomes and long-term asset performance at the same time. It's also what makes the ambition deliverable: Australia's tallest timber residential building, Certified Passivhaus, 6 Star Green Star, 9 Star NatHERS, and the adaptive reuse of Abbotsford's 100-year-old Schweppes factory. Two buildings. One benchmark. The start of a A$4B Rent For Good portfolio by 2031.

The largest ever PHIUS certified project, the 26-story 425 Grand Concourse in the Bronx, was constructed at only a 2% premium. At landmark scale, delivered at a minor cost premium when compared to conventional builds truly demonstrates that high‑rise Passivhaus certification can be cost‑competitive at scale. To dive deeper on this and more, download the impactful research report from JLL on our website.

Arnold Development Group (ADG), a Kansas City-based sustainable multi-family developer, has set new industry standards with their flagship project, Second and Delaware. Completed in 2022, this 276-unit development earned the distinction of being the world's largest Passivhaus certified building, exemplifying how energy efficiency and sustainability can yield both environmental and financial benefits. To dive deeper on this and more, download the impactful research report from JLL on our website.

Project Blå Port, a greenfield BTR development completed in 2023 comprised of 10 stories and 57 apartments, is a cutting-edge project in a regional Swedish city outside the main metropolitan areas has achieved what many thought impossible: net-zero emissions during its operational phase. An incredible achievement that inspires our vision. The development showcases an array of innovative sustainable technologies, setting a new standard for residential construction in the Nordics and beyond. To dive deeper on this and more, download the impactful research report from JLL on our website.

Project Breeze, a high-performing ESG residential portfolio in Finland comprising 350 apartments across 6 buildings built between 2017 - 2021, was acquired for an Article 9 Fund (EU). Project Breeze set a new precedent in the Nordic real estate market (Q4/2023), proving that strong ESG performance can translate directly into financial value, even in challenging market conditions. To find out more about this case study and more world-class examples like it, check out our JLL-commissioned research on our website.

As MODEL’s trajectory continues, with our pipeline expanding and our vision taking shape across the eastern seaboard, we’ve refined our website to reflect this moment in time. The new site articulates our evolution with clarity, giving investors a deeper understanding of who we are, why we exist, and what we’re building. It also introduces more detail on our upcoming developments and their transformative impact for residents. Take a look, explore what’s new, and let us know what you think!

At MODEL, we apply hotel operation principles to rental housing, creating an environment where the resident comes first. It’s an approach that delivers genuine value for renters and investors. And, surprisingly, it’s the first of its kind. Watch our video from the recent Living Sector's Summit to learn more.

What does 2026 look like for MODEL? With planning approvals secured, our first two residences underway, and bringing world-leading sustainable practices to the national conversation, we’ve certainly got a lot to look forward to. Keep your eyes on MODEL as our momentum moves quickly through the year.

2025 has been a pivotal year for MODEL, marked by incredible momentum towards a better future for renters. We’ve brought clarity to our vision, made progress on finalising our two Melbourne projects, strengthened our leadership team and shared our ideas on national stages. And none of this would have been possible without the support we’ve had along the way. Thank you to our partners, collaborators or anyone who simply believes in what we’re doing. Let’s keep the momentum going in 2026!