Michael Drapac

Managing Director - Drapac Group

Michael Drapac is the Managing Director of the Drapac Group. Michael founded the Drapac Group in 1987 after working in the property agency as an estate agent and property developer for nine years.

Now with over 30 years experience within the property industry, Michael's involvement in the property industry stretched from the development of residential, commercial and industrial property to the provision of consultancy services and establishing investment opportunities.

Drapac is recognized for its ability to identify investment and property trends ahead of the market resulting in outstanding performance and exceptional track record. Over a period of time, Drapac has achieved investment returns substantially above industry benchmarks.

Michael has led the way in the development of 2400 lot, broad hectare residential developments which is highlighted by the Laurimar Project (sold to Delfin). Michael lobbied the government to convince them of the benefit of rezoning land in the Melbourne outer suburb of Doreen to residential which resulted in one of the first, large scale sub division, residential land developments. Further to the Laurimar development, Michael has led his Drapac business through the development of residential projects throughout Victoria including a 200 lot residential development in Melton, 86 coastal lot development in Fairhaven, and a 11 unit warehouse development in North Fitzroy to name a few. Drapac is currently working on a 14 townhouse development in Parkville.

Michael implemented a strong property strategy in the 1990's when he concluded that Melbourne CBD commercial property was significantly undervalued. Michael began buying numerous CBD land sites based on his research and unique strategy and by 2007, was the largest land holder in Melbourne's CBD. With Michael's leadership, the Drapac Group has developed a number of these sites and still holds a few in its portfolio. One of particular interest is the development of 200 Victoria Street Carlton which was one of the first, six star green building recognized by NABERS and is now the home to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).

Michael's property experience and outstanding achievements to date, has led to many wholesale investors seeking advice from him and wanting to invest alongside him. Through this interest, Michael has established several Managed Investment Schemes that have out-performed the market including the large institutions. Michael has a unique investment model that minimizes the risk for its investors.

Through his role at Drapac, Michael is involved in the day to day operations of the business including managing a team of staff, high level property negotiations, negotiation of debt funding and project finance, communicating with investors as well as overseeing the due diligence of property acquisitions and developments.

As part of Michael's role as Managing Director of Drapac, Michael oversees the Funds Management business unit which includes Managed Investment Schemes. Through this role, Michael is involved in the purchase and development of properties on behalf of syndicates, assists in implementing Unit Trusts, hands on involvement in equity raising and management of cashflow.

Drapac's credentials in the area of sustainability are impressive having been a committed sustainability practitioner since the early 90's and was the world's first property investment manager to sign the UN PRI. As part of Drapac's interest in sustainability, it established a Comprehensively Sustainable Development (CSD) model which encompasses cultural, architectural, spiritual and social elements of any project it undertakes.

Other activities Michael is involved with is the acquisition of property for individual investors, buyer advocacy, property consultancy and market research. Michael is regularly invited to present at industry forums and has previously been invited to present to local government.

Michael holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Melbourne which he majored in biochemistry and pathology. Michael has also undertaken Property studies at the Securities Institute of Australia. Michael is currently a Director of Drapac Management Limited, Fraynework (2006 to current), Chair of Advisory Board to Ethics department of the Monash Medical School, and Boardmember of the Global Reconciliation Committee (2008 - current).