Developer’s Perspective: Underwriting New Projects in the Current Economic Environment

Overview

In this panel, we explore how developers, operators and key consultants are approaching their development pipelines, balancing opportunity and risk in the current economic environment.

Speaker

Robert McDonald | RetireAustralia Chief Development and Acquisitions Officer

Robert McDonald has more than 25 years of experience across property development and corporate real estate. Beginning his career in property valuation and commercial leasing, he has spent the past 15 years leading the planning, development and delivery of major real estate projects, including senior leadership roles with two leading Queensland listed property companies before joining RetireAustralia.

Stephen Abolakian | Hyecorp Co-Managing Director and Head of Development

Stephen Abolakian is the chair of the HyeCare Board and co-managing director of Hyecorp, one of Sydney’s leading property groups, a multi-award winning, family owned and operated company who design, develop and build luxury apartments. Stephen oversees the company’s development, project management, finance, legal, sales and marketing activities.

Georgia Willis | Regis Executive General Manager

Georgia leads Regis’ property division, overseeing land acquisitions, new developments and refurbishment projects that support the Company's national growth strategy. With a focus on innovation, operational efficiency, and future-ready design, she is driving the delivery of high-quality residential aged care communities that meet the changing needs of older Australians.

Bryce O’Connor | YPM Group Co-Founder and Managing Director

Bryce O’Connor leads Australian project marketing and residential sales agency YPM Group. With 20-plus years of experience, he has overseen more than 7000 residential sales and $7 billion in transactions across South East Queensland and Victoria, partnering with developers including Mirvac, Far East Consortium and Gurner. Known for strategic insight and market expertise, he's helped deliver landmark projects like Queen's Wharf, growing YPM into a 40-strong multidisciplinary team.

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