Aura Holdings attracts US investment as it seeks to more than double in size

Queensland-based retirement village operator Aura Holdings today announced that New York-based alternative investment firm Stonepeak has taken a 50% equity stake in the business.

Stonepeak’s investment, together with a committed development facility with senior domestic lenders led by Westpac with NAB and ANZ alongside, will see up to $1 billion of capital made available to support Aura’s extensive development pipeline.

“Stonepeak’s investment gives Aura the runway to accelerate its strategy of adding much-needed, age appropriate housing in areas grossly lacking suitable downsizing options for locals,” Aura Co-Founder Tim Russell said.

Founded in 2016 by Tim Russell and Mark Taylor and led by Sean Graham as CEO, Aura specialises in developing retirement apartments and community facilities in highly sought-after, infill locations.

With a pipeline growth of 2,000-plus apartments over the next five years, Aura has six fully operational villages with nearly 800 units across southeast Queensland and an additional development which broke ground September 2025. Six developments are in the near-term pipeline while more than 10 are in early development.

Stonepeak’s investment in Aura marks its second platform investment in Australia and New Zealand’s retirement village sector. New Zealand retirement village operator Arvida Group was acquired by Stonepeak in July 2024.

“Aura is well-positioned to serve Australia’s retirees given its premium portfolio spanning desirable retirement destinations, proven development track record, and experienced leadership team, who bring a deep understanding of what matters most to seniors.” said Darren Keogh, Senior Managing Director at Stonepeak.

Additional terms of the transaction were not disclosed, and the deal has already closed.

Stonepeak specialises in infrastructure and real assets with approximately AUD$120 billion (US$84 billion) of assets under management.