MinterEllison Advises on $1 Billion Fund for Delivering Green Build-to-Rent Housing

March, 2020 - Australia

MinterEllison has acted for Qualitas on the establishment of the A$1billion Qualitas Build-to-Rent Impact Fund (the Fund) which will finance the construction and management of energy efficient, low emissions build-to-rent residential buildings in Australia.

The Fund is the first property debt fund in Australia to elevate its minimum sustainability criteria into its investment criteria, as well as being Australia's first dedicated build-to-rent debt platform.

"Build-to-rent" housing is purpose-built residential rental accommodation, owned by institutions and designed to meet the needs of residents. Qualitas recognises the strong and growing demand for quality rental accommodation, and the attraction for renters who increasingly value the benefits of more comfortable housing, lower energy bills and a lighter carbon footprint.

The Fund is backed with a cornerstone commitment from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, which is a "green bank' established by the Australian Government to facilitate increased flows of finance into the clean energy sector.

MinterEllison advised Qualitas on structuring and establishing the Fund. The MinterEllison team was led by Leigh De Jong (Partner). He was supported by Ben Rumble (Senior Associate) and Jonathan Dewing (Lawyer).

The firm has also assisted Qualitas on many of its fundraisings, including for its Food Infrastructure Fund, its US Multi-Family Fund and a range of other debt funds.

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