Smith Collective shares Lessons as Australia’s first Build-to-Rent Community Ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games

Smith Collective is proudly celebrating its fifth anniversary as the country’s first build-to-rent community and shares its secrets of success as a pioneer in the industry ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games.

Whilst it first housed the 6,500 athletes for the 2018 Commonwealth Games, from the outset Smith Collective was designed for long-term use as a rental community.

At the Games’ conclusion, the temporary modifications in-place for the games were removed, and the master-planned rental community came to fruition. The first residents moved in by January 2019.

Today, Smith Collective is at capacity with over 2,200 residents enjoying the re-imagined rental experience through its sustainable, mixed-use design and renters-first philosophy.

Offering high-quality rental housing, amenities, and round-the-clock services; Smith Collective provides a sense of stability, community and belonging for those seeking long-term renting over homeownership.

Speaking on the fifth anniversary of the project, Smith Collective’s General Manager, Matt Taplin, said: "We are thrilled to celebrate five years of Smith Collective and the success of our efforts to provide high-quality rental housing and lifestyle experiences for residents. We are proud to have contributed critical first steps in the growth of the build-to-rent model in Australia.”

As the world sets its eyes on Queensland ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, Smith Collective is poised to share its experience and lessons learned in designing a successful build-to-rent community that temporarily transforms into an Athletes Village.

The success of Smith Collective demonstrates the long-term benefits of the build-to-rent model for the community in providing critical housing supply.

Some key takeaways from the project include:

• Designed with the community in mind: Smith Collective was designed to be an inclusive neighbourhood, with liveability for residents at the forefront, offering shared spaces such as co-working areas, lifestyle facilities, and community amenity hubs including outdoor pools, gymnasiums and playground. Despite its central location, Smith Collective boasts large outdoor green spaces, neighbouring parks and sporting fields for residents to benefit from, unique to other rental communities. The Smith Collective Village offers a range of shopping, dining and lifestyle facilities, ensuring everything residents’ need is within easy reach.
• Embrace the build-to-rent ethos: As the first build-to-rent community in Australia, Smith Collective has laid the foundation for this successful, long-term rental model. Smith Collective prides itself on exceptional service to residents, offering on-site maintenance services and 24/7 security, going above and beyond what other rental experiences offer. Smith Collective is aware that its success relies on the satisfaction of its renters, with great importance placed on this.
• Sustainability at the forefront: Smith Collective was a pilot project for the Green Star Communities sustainability tool, and achieved a 6-Star rating, recognised for social sustainability factors including governance, liveability, economic prosperity and innovation. The community also offers vast greenspace, setting it apart from other high-density rental communities.
• Partner with the community: Smith Collective has partnered with local businesses and organisations to provide a range of lifestyle opportunities for its residents, from free fitness classes to pet competitions, movie nights, community outdoor events and more.
• Central location: Smith Collective is intentionally located within Gold Coast's Health & Knowledge Precinct (GCHKP), connected to nearby public transport, Griffith University, and hospitals. Many of Smith Collective’s residents can walk to their work or study in the precinct and shop, dine and take care of the health needs in the on-site retail area.

“It is clear this model of living is a sustainable way to meet the increasing demand for rental accommodation, particularly on the booming Southeast Queensland corridor.

With the Olympics on its way in 2023, Smith Collective is a notable example of the positive legacy an Athletes Village can have, and the long-term benefit it can provide a community post-Games,” said Taplin.

To learn more about Smith Collective visit https://www.smithcollective.com.au/

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