Nation is significantly influencing the rapidly expanding build-to-rent market in NSW, leveraging its growing portfolio of around 5000 apartments to become one of the largest providers in the sector.

Nation, Coronation Property’s dedicated build-to-rent division, opened two landmark projects in Sydney in 2024—Mason & Main at Merrylands and Charlie Parker at Parramatta City.

Mason & Main, the multi-award-winning precinct designed by Woods Bagot, is currently one of the largest build-to-rent projects in NSW, comprising 434 build-to-rent apartments—significantly larger than the industry median of 229 apartments.

So far in Australia, 14,000 build-to-rent apartments have been completed and a further 10,000 are expected to be tenanted by the end of 2026.

This is proving the once alternative asset has become mainstream, delivering premium rental yields and growing institutional investment.

EY research shows there is the potential for 150,000 new homes to come to the market in the next decade, growing the sector from its already strong $16.87 billion base in 2023.

Coronation Property managing director Joe Nahas identified early opportunities in creating Nation to manage the company’s growing build-to-rent portfolio effectively and positively transform Australia’s rental market.

▲ Inside Mason & Main at Merrylands.

“We created Nation to set the benchmark for what developers and investors should look for in a build-to-rent provider,” Nahas said.

“It’s a stable, long-term asset class, and our strong early leasing success at Charlie Parker and Mason & Main demonstrates a clear market demand for premium rentals.

“Our next step is continuing to maintain high occupancy and resident satisfaction by supplying more build-to-rent homes.”

While the build-to-rent asset class is increasingly appealing in the luxury market segment, the developments also play a significant role in delivering affordable housing solutions.

“Nation’s unique approach combines flexible leasing, premium design, and dedicated housing options for essential workers,” Joe Nahas said.

“This comprehensive model directly addresses Australia’s evolving housing needs and promotes sustainable community living.”

▲ The swimming pool at Mason & Main.

Under Joe Nahas’ leadership, Coronation Property currently manages nearly $2 billion in assets across NSW, with a pipeline of $1.3 billion in projects under construction.

Further expansion into the build-to-rent sector is a key part of the business’s strategy, with Nation positioned as a customer-centric rental provider designed to operate with independence from Coronation Property.

Launched in late 2023 and operational from 2024, Nation was created to address rental instability issues and provide investors with a long-term, sustainable business model.

Early success includes high lease-up results and positive resident feedback, indicating strong market acceptance.

Nation’s leasing model prioritises flexibility, allowing residents to move seamlessly between Nation-managed properties without breaking lease agreements, a feature unique within NSW’s build-to-rent market.

This resident-first approach ensures that housing evolves alongside tenants changing lifestyles, while also ensuring improved tenant retention.

“The flexible leasing model allows residents to move between Nation-managed properties without breaking their lease,” Nation head of operations Stephanie Mitevksi said.

The emphasis on flexibility goes beyond leasing, seamlessly integrating into Nation’s premium deign and amenity offerings, ensuring that every residence is more than just a rental—it’s a long-term home.

▲ Inside an apartment at Mason & Main.

Communities managed under the Nation brand purposefully feature a multitude of amenities such as co-working spaces, gyms, pools, cinemas, EV charging stations, private dining rooms, rooftop terraces, and resident lounges, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to enhancing modern rental living.

This seamless experience is further elevated by Nation’s proprietary digital platform.

“Our integrated smart technology and app makes every part of the resident experience effortless, from leasing and maintenance requests to community engagement,” Mitevksi said.

The Nation App acts as a digital key, allowing residents to access buildings and lifts effortlessly, much like a luxury hotel. It also serves as a digital concierge, enabling instant communication with the resident services team, booking of amenities, access to lease documents, and real-time community updates.

Several new Nation projects—in St Peters, Erskineville, Waterloo, and St Leonards—are slated to become available for rental from 2026 onwards.

These developments are expected to add more than 2200 apartments to the market, significantly enhancing Nation’s presence in the build-to-rent sector and further solidifying its commitment to innovative, resident-centric living experiences.

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