Asset Management & Unison Property Corporation
Asset Management
Repairs and Maintenance
This year, we improved the way we manage repairs and maintenance by enhancing transparency and communication. New features – including photo submissions, preferred scheduling, and SMS updates – kept renters better informed about upcoming contractor visits. These changes led to a 6-point increase in satisfaction, with 75% of renters reporting they were satisfied with Unison’s repairs and maintenance service in 2025, up from 69% in 2023.
Upgrades and Capital Works
Unison continued to invest in safe, secure, and well-maintained housing for renters across our portfolio.
We completed 370 asset life-cycle and property quality inspections, helping us proactively identify and address long-term maintenance needs.
875 units benefited from essential upgrade works, including:
- Smoke alarm upgrades and fire door replacements
- Common area painting and waterproofing
- CCTV installation to improve safety and security
- Access upgrades including intercoms and front door replacements
- Bulk hot water systems, lift improvements and vacant unit upgrades
- Heritage restoration works at our Barkly Street property in Footscray
172 externally funded environmental sustainability upgrades were delivered through programs like the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU), including the installation of 4-star WELS-rated showerheads to meet upcoming Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) minimum standards.
We delivered 62 capital works projects across our housing portfolio, including major planned improvements and urgent unplanned works, enhancing safety, compliance, amenity, and long-term asset performance.
Our Commitment to ESG
In FY2024-25, Unison continued as an early adopter of the Community Housing Industry Association’s (CHIA) Environmental Social & Governance (ESG) reporting framework, reinforcing our commitment to transparency, accountability, and sector leadership. As ESG-aligned investment becomes increasingly critical to unlocking capital for community housing and retrofitting, we are maturing our approach to align with evolving standards and position Unison for long-term impact and investment readiness.
We prioritise environmental sustainability by incorporating energy-efficient designs into new developments and retrofits at existing properties, and source renewable energy, reducing both our carbon footprint and costs for residents.
Socially, we are dedicated to fostering inclusive and supportive communities, ensuring that our housing solutions are affordable and cater to the diverse needs of our renters.
Our governance practices emphasise transparency and ethical management, building trust with partners and ensuring the long-term success of our projects. The wellbeing of our people is a strategic priority and Unison’s supply chain management prioritises social procurement.
Energy Upgrades Deliver Comfort and Cost Savings for Renters
As part of Unison’s commitment to sustainability under our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy, we prioritised energy-efficient design in new developments and retrofitted existing properties to reduce our carbon footprint and lower living costs for renters.
In March, Unison leveraged the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Program to install water-saving showerheads and draught proofing across 120 units at eight properties. As part of the upgrades, inefficient showerheads were replaced with low-flow models, and weather strips were installed to help regulate indoor temperatures.
The property and housing teams worked together to ensure renters were informed and satisfied with the upgrades—resulting in warmer homes, lower bills, and a smaller environmental footprint.
Service Delivery & Property Improvements
11,122
Maintenance requests managed
Includes urgent and non-urgent requests
4,632
Urgent repairs managed
By our Maintenance Team
91%
Urgent repairs completed
Within 24 hours
172
Households benefited
From funded energy efficient upgrades
875
Households benefited
From property upgrade works
370
INSPECTIONS COMPLETED
For asset life-cycle and property quality
75%
OF RENTERS SATISFIED
With Unison’s repairs and maintenance service, up from 2023.
62
CAPITAL WORKS PROJECTS COMPLETED
Unison Property Corporation
Unison’s Property Corporation (UPC) delivers high-quality property services while creating employment pathways and reinvesting surplus back into our services, our properties and communities.
As part of its operations, UPC also manages Owners Corporations, supporting residential communities with governance, maintenance, and financial oversight to ensure well-maintained living environments.
Owners Corporation Management
Unison manages 15 Owners Corporations across 527 lots, ensuring well-maintained, financially sound, and compliant residential communities. Our Owners Corporation team supports property owners by overseeing common property maintenance, managing budgets and arrears, and ensuring effective governance.
In 2024–25, we achieved several key milestones:
- Supported three Owners Corporations to secure government Solar Initiative grants under the Solshare Program, enabling rooftop solar installations and reducing electricity costs for renters.
- Renewed five Contracts of Appointment, ensuring continuity of service and trusted management.
- Transitioned from Filesmart to Strata Connect, halving program costs and improving internal efficiency and client experience.
- Reduced long-term arrears by 50%, from over $100,000 to $50,000, strengthening financial sustainability across our portfolio.
Owners Corporations
Lots
Repairs and maintenance work orders
ISO Certification Milestone
In April 2025, UPC’s Social Enterprise achieved a major milestone—earning three internationally recognised ISO certifications:
- ISO 9001 – Quality Management System:
Demonstrates our commitment to operational excellence and consistent service delivery. - ISO 14001 – Environmental Management System:
Recognises our efforts to reduce environmental impact while maintaining high standards. - ISO 45001 – Occupational Health & Safety Management System:
Boosts effectiveness, efficiency, and continual improvement.
Social Enterprise Snapshot
23
Staff
3
Groundkeepers
16
Cleaners
4
Administrative staff
3
ISO certifications achieved
26,357
Routine cleaning hours completed
3,430
Routine groundskeeping hours completed
26
Suburbs
Jiseth Was Given an Opportunity to shine at UPC
Read more of Jiseth’s story“I’ve been working here for almost three years, I started as a cleaner for a year and a half, and then I got the opportunity to work in the office as a HSEQ Officer because of my professional background back in Colombia. It was a great opportunity—I couldn’t be happier.
It was a great to have the chance to earn money and keep studying. I felt welcome from the beginning. At UPC, you don’t feel alone. Everyone is at the same level, no matter your position. You meet people from different backgrounds and stories—it’s a real community.”
Social Outcomes: Words From our UPC team
“Unison employs people from disadvantaged backgrounds, giving them a chance to contribute and fight social isolation. When I started, I was a cleaner, and as the company grew, they moved me from cleaning to Team Leader, from Team Leader to supervisor - showing that opportunities are here for everyone”Richard, UPC Supervisor
“When I came from Sudan, language was a big barrier that prevented me from working in many places. At Unison, I found a place where everyone is welcome, and I feel comfortable working and improving my communication. I see the impact of my work in how clean and improved the buildings have become."”Hassan, Cleaner
“I went from not being able to do much on WorkCover to actually socializing and having people around me. Now I get to chat with residents, shake hands, and feel connected to the community.”Mikey, UPC cleaner
UPC Social Enterprise
UPC is a social enterprise built on the principles of people, place, and community. It reinvests surplus funds directly into the communities we serve, creating lasting social and economic impact.
For over nine years, UPC has provided high-quality cleaning and groundskeeping services across Victoria. Our work goes beyond property maintenance—it creates employment pathways, fosters inclusion, and strengthens community wellbeing.
Services delivered include:
In FY2024–25, UPC was responsible for cleaning and groundskeeping across 78 sites in 26 suburbs, including: