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Former Geelong girl Portia De Rossi and her wife, talk show queen Ellen DeGeneres, are certainly not wedded to the past. The couple are putting their Beverly Hills compound up for sale for a reported $60 million. They bought the 840-square-metre main house of the property for $29 million in 2007 and were married in the backyard in August 2008. The couple have purchased adjoining properties and converted them to staff quarters and guest houses. The house has a 10-car garage, a sunroom with barbecue and wood-burning oven and canyon views. The house is being sold by <a href="https://www.weahomes.com/" target="_blank">Westside Estate Agency</a>.
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Portia de Rossi and Ellen DeGeneres' house for sale

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Property group Peet has bought a half-stake in a $90 million mixed residential and commercial development in Flagstone City, in south-east Queensland, The Australian has reported. Industry super fund MTAA super sold the 50% share in the 1244-hectare Flagstone West development for $45 million. The development is next to an existing MTAA development in Flagstone East, which has infrastructure, services and about 3500 residents. When Flagstone West is completed it is expected to be worth $3.5 billion, and the area has been identified by the Queensland Government as an urban development area.
Eagle Street swoops away with architecture award One One One Eagle Street in Brisbane’s CBD has taken out the award for Australia’s best office architecture project at the Asia Pacific International Commercial Property Awards in Shanghai, according to The Australian. The 54-storey building, built by GPT Group for $630 million, is 40% leased, including a 10-year lease from accounting firm Ernst&amp;Young for the top five floors.
Suncorp’s shining HQ tender attracting plenty of bidders Insurance and banking company Suncorp is having no trouble finding a developer to build its flagship Brisbane office tower, with more than 25 bidders entering proposals. “We have already reduced the list and advised some of the developers that we will not progress to the next stage,” Suncorp executive general manager of real estate Peter Afflek told The Australian Financial Review. The Suncorp building, which will be between 27,000 and 30,000 square metres, will be the largest office building in Brisbane for several years and shows that developers are eager to get back into the market after years of falling commercial prices.
Gated community up for sale Ray White is selling a 39-lot gated community in Carbrook, south-east Queensland, on behalf of a mortgagee. The development, which is 30km from Brisbane CBD, had 95% of civil works completed. Ray White will auction the property at 11am on Wednesday, June 15.
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IN BRIEF: Peet invests $45 million in Queensland

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Charter Hall property group could lose up to 15% of its operating earnings if US hedge fund investors in the company’s Office Real Estate Investment Trust are successful in their attempt to remove Charter Hall as the trust’s responsible entity, according to the Australian Financial Review. US-based funds Orange Capital, Luxor Capital and Point Lobos Capital own 18.2% of the office REIT’s stock and plan to hold a unit-holder meeting to remove Charter Hall as the responsible entity. In order for the deal to go ahead, 50% of unit-holders would have to vote in favour of removing Charter Hall.
JPG to pay creditors 4 cents on dollar Johnson Property Group, one of the the largest property developer in New South Wales, will come out of voluntary administration and pay its unsecured creditors four cents on the dollar, the AustralianFinancial Review reports. The troubled property developer owes about $150 million to creditors including the Seventh Day Adventist Church, who put up to $70 million into JPG. The second-largest creditor after the church is St George Bank. JPG was responsible for much of the greenfield development in NSW, and founder Keith Johnson has slammed high state levies and the slow pace of the state’s planning process for JPG’s fall.
Bourke Street to sparkle with SwarovskiCrystal retailer Swarovski has signed a lease of more than $1 million for 280 square metres on Bourke Street Mall in Melbourne’s CBD. The luxury retailer hopes to leave its current Elizabeth Street premises and move into the shop at 276-278 Bourke Street by November, according to the Australian Financial Review. Swarovski joins a growing number of luxury retailers moving into Melbourne’s central shopping strip, including Spanish clothing store Zara and shirt retailer Thomas Pink.
US house prices hit new low US house prices have hit a new low, hitting their lowest point since 2002. The S&amp;P/Case Shiller house price index fell by 4.2% in the March quarter and now rests at 33.1% under its peak in July 2006. This is a sharper fall than the 31% fall during the Great Depression, Capital Economics analysts told The Financial Times.
Pool owners without safety certificate in deep waterHome buyers who purchase homes with swimming pools have 90 days to obtain a Pool Safety Certificate or face fines of up to $16,500, according to pool safety inspection organisation The Big Tick. From November 2015 all pool owners, whether the property is recently purchased or not, will have to get the certificate.
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IN BRIEF: Charter Hall could lose 15% of earnings

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Residential tenancy legislation The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/R/ResidTenRAA08.pdf" title="Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/R/ResidTenRAR09.pdf" title="Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Regulations" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Regulation 2009</a> are the relevant legislation for residential tenancies in Queensland.
Further information for residential landlords The Queensland government has also produced a <a target="_blank" href="https://rta.qld.gov.au/zone_files/Docs/managing_general_tenancies.pdf" title="Guide for landlords" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">guide for landlords</a>.
Dispute resolution for residential tenancies The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rta.qld.gov.au/" title="Residential Tenancies Authority" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">Residential Tenancies Authority</a> is responsible for residential tenancies and offers mediation in the case of disputes. If mediation is unsuccessful, either party can escalate the dispute to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
Further resources The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reiq.com.au" title="Real Estate Institute of Queensland" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">Real Estate Institute of Queensland</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyoz.com.au/qld/Division/Default.aspx" title="Property Institute of Australia" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">Property Council of Australia</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ntd.net.au" title="National Tenancy Database" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">National Tenancy Database</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.poaa.asn.au/index.php?page=poaq" title="Property Owners Association of Queensland" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">Property Owners Association of Queensland</a> are also useful resources for landlords.
Commercial tenancy legislation Commercial tenancies in Queensland are governed by the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/R/RetailShopLA94.pdf" title="Retail Shops Act" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">Retail Shop Leases Act 1994</a>, and the state government website has a list of<a target="_blank" href="https://www.deedi.qld.gov.au/" title="Regulations relating to retail tenancies" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;"> regulations relating to retail tenancies</a>.
Dispute resolution for commercial tenancies Disputes relating to commercial tenancies are heard by <a target="_blank" href="https://www.qcat.qld.gov.au/" title="QCAT" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">QCAT</a>, but the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.deedi.qld.gov.au/" title="Retail Shop Leases Registry" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">Retail Shop Leases Registry</a> provides informal mediation.
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Useful links for landlords in Queensland

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Residential tenancy legislation In Western Australia, residential tenancies are subject to the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.slp.wa.gov.au/pco/prod/FileStore.nsf/Documents/MRDocument:20853P/%24FILE/ResdntlTenanciesAct1987_04-h0-00.pdf?OpenElement" title="Residential Tenancies Act" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">Residential Tenancies Act 1987</a> and the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/C2007Q00141)" title="Residential Tenancies Regulations" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">Residential Tenancies Regulations 1989</a>.
Further information for residential landlords The WA government has also produced an<a target="_blank" href="https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/consumerprotection/PDF/Publications/Renting_out_your_property_2010.pdf" title="Information brochure for landlords" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;"> information brochure for landlords</a>.
Dispute resolution for residential tenancies <a target="_blank" href="https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/ConsumerProtection/" title="Department of Consumer Protection" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">The Department of Commerce and Consumer Protection </a>hears disputes relating to residential tenancies.
Further resources <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reiwa.com.au" title="Real Estate Institute of Western Australia" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">The Real Estate Institute of Western Australia</a>, the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.po.asn.au/" title="Property Owners Association of Western Australia" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">Property Owners Association of Western Australia</a>, Property Council of Australia and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ntd.net.au/" title="National Tenancy Database" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">National Tenancy Database</a> may be useful for landlords in WA.
Commercial tenancy legislation Commercial tenancies are governed by the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.slp.wa.gov.au/pco/prod/FileStore.nsf/Documents/MRDocument:10384P/%24FILE/CommTenancyRetailshopsAgsAct1985_03-d0-02.pdf?OpenElement" title="Commercial Tenancy (Retail Shops) Act" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">Commercial Tenancy (Retail Shops) Act 1985</a> and are regulated by the<a target="_blank" href="https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/consumerprotection/content/business/Commercial_tenancy/index.htm" title="Department of Commerce" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">Department of Commerce</a>.
Dispute resolution for commercial tenancies The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sat.justice.wa.gov.au/" title="South Australian Administrative Tribunal" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">State Administrative Tribunal</a> is responsible for mediating and ruling on disputes related to commercial tenancies.
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Useful links for landlords in Western Australia

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Residential tenancy legislation Residential tenancies in South Australia are governed by the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.legislation.sa.gov.au/LZ/C/A/RESIDENTIAL%20TENANCIES%20ACT%201995/CURRENT/1995.63.UN.PDF" title="Residential Tenancies Act" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">Residential Tenancies Act of 1995</a>, and the South Australian government has produced an accompanying <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ocba.sa.gov.au/assets/files/inform_brochure.pdf" title="Informational brochure for landlords" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">information brochure</a>.
Further information for residential landlords The Office of Consumer and Business Affairs, a division of the South Australian Attorney-General’s office, has produced a series of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=0C606CFB566D1677" title="Tenancy dispute resolution videos" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">videos on dispute resolution for residential tenancy</a> and an <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ocba.sa.gov.au/tenancies/res/landlords" title="Information kit for landlords" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">information kit for landlords</a>.
Dispute resolution for residential tenancies Residential tenancy disputes in South Australia are the purview of the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.sa.gov.au/government/entity/1040" title="Residential Tenancies Tribunal" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">Residential Tenancies Tribunal</a>.
Further resources <a target="_blank" href="https://www.landlords.org.au/Default.aspx" title="The Landlords Association of South Australia" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">The Landlords’ Association of South Australia</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reisa.com.au" title="Real Estate Institute of South Australia" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">Real Estate Institute of South Australia</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyoz.com.au/sa/Division/Default.aspx" title="Property Council of Australia" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">Property Council of Australia</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ntd.net.au/index)" title="National Tenancy database" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">National Tenancy Database</a> may also be useful for landlords.
Commercial tenancy legislation Retail and commercial leases are subject to the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.legislation.sa.gov.au/LZ/C/A/RETAIL%20AND%20COMMERCIAL%20LEASES%20ACT%201995/CURRENT/1995.14.UN.PDF" title="Retail and Commercial Leases Act" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">Retail and Commercial Leases Act 1995</a>, and information can be found on the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sa.gov.au/subject/Business,+industry+and+trade/Starting+and+managing+a+business/Starting+a+business/Locating+the+business/Retail+tenancies" title="SA government website" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">South Australian government’s website</a>.
Dispute resolution for commercial tenancies Disputes relating to retail or commercial tenancies can be mediated by the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ocba.sa.gov.au/index" title="Office of Consumer and Business Affairs" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">Office of Consumer and Business Affairs</a> and brought to the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.courts.sa.gov.au/courts/magistrates/index" title="South Australian Magistrates Court" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">Civil (Consumer and Business) Division of the Magistrates Court</a>.
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Useful links for landlords in South Australia

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Residential tenancy legislation Laws regarding residential tenancies in Victoria are outlined in the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/Domino/Web_Notes/LDMS/LTObject_Store/LTObjSt5.nsf/DDE300B846EED9C7CA257616000A3571/ECD74A4F9E870913CA25781C0015F8EA/%24FILE/97-109aa055%20authorised.pdf" title="Victoria Residential Tenancies Act" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">Residential Tenancies Act 1997</a> and the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/Domino/Web_Notes/LDMS/LTObject_Store/LTObjSt5.nsf/DDE300B846EED9C7CA257616000A3571/ECD74A4F9E870913CA25781C0015F8EA/%24FILE/97-109aa055%20authorised.pdf" title="Residential tenancies regulation" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">Residential Tenancies Regulations of 2008</a>.
Further information for residential landlords Consumer Affairs Victoria has produced a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/CA256902000FE154/Lookup/CAV_Publications_Renting/%24file/RentingComplete.pdf" title="Guide for landlords" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">guide to residential tenancy</a> for both landlords and tenants.
Dispute resolution for residential tenancies Disputes regarding residential tenancies in Victoria are handled by the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.vcat.vic.gov.au/CA256DBB0022825D/HomePage?ReadForm&amp;1=Home~&amp;2=~&amp;3=~" title="VCAT" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal</a>.
Further resources Other useful resources include the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reiv.com.au" title="Real Estate Institute of Victoria" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">Real Estate Institute of Victoria</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.poa-vic.org/" title="Property Owners Association of Victoria" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">Property Owners Association of Victoria</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyoz.com.au/vic/Division/Default.aspx" title="Property Council of Australia" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">Property Council of Australia</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ntd.net.au/index" title="National Tenancy Database" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">National Tenancy Database</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/CA256EB5000644CE/page/Renting?OpenDocument&amp;1=910-Renting~&amp;2=~&amp;3=~" title="CAV" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">Consumer Affairs Victoria</a>.
Commercial tenancy legislation Retail tenancy in Victoria is governed by the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/Domino/Web_Notes/LDMS/LTObject_Store/LTObjSt3.nsf/DDE300B846EED9C7CA257616000A3571/BBE8B0A7F118CE5FCA257761002C3F33/%24FILE/03-4a013.pdf" title="Retail leases act" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">Retail Leases Act 2003</a> and the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sbc.vic.gov.au/images/stories/vsbc_Retail_Leases_Regulations_010111.pdf" title="Retail leases regulations" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">Retail Leases Regulations 2003</a>.
Dispute resolution for commercial tenancies The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sbc.vic.gov.au/retail-leasing-matters/dispute-resolution" title="Victorian Small Business Commissioner" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">Victorian Small Business Commissioner</a> is responsible for mediating disputes arising from commercial tenancies. Should mediation prove unsuccessful, matters can be escalated to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.vcat.vic.gov.au/CA256DBB0022825D/page/Other+Disputes+at+VCAT-Retail+Tenancies?OpenDocument&amp;1=75-Other+Disputes+at+VCAT~&amp;2=50-Retail+Tenancies~&amp;3=~" title="VCAT" style="outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; text-decoration: underline; color: #6888b1;">VCAT</a>.
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Useful links for landlords in Victoria

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<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/tools/time-s-up-for-unlicensed-mortgage-brokers/2011063050660">Yesterday</a> we looked at how the mortgage broking industry has consolidated with around a fifth of practitioners leaving the industry.
The consolidation has come about partly in response to the compliance costs associated with new licensing requirements.
Mortgage brokers must pay both an application fee and an annual compliance certificate fee that ranges from $450 to more than $26,000 depending on the type of business and number of loans written a year. 
Besides the fees, brokers must also invest in staff training and have adequate financial resources to meet ASIC requirements
All these requirements are contained in the National Consumer Credit Protection Act, which replaced a patchwork of state laws.
The regulatory transformation and ASIC’s emphasis on compliance puts a greater onus on all individuals engaging in credit activities to keep the borrowers’ best interests at heart.
“You could argue that we’ve always operated that way, but the important thing now is that it is enshrined in legislation,” says Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia chief executive Phil Naylor, who estimates that 40% of borrowers use the services of mortgage brokers to secure a home loan.
 
What’s changed? 
The NCCP Act is 450 pages long, but the biggest single change to consumers is the awkwardly worded “not unsuitable” clause.
Under the new laws, it’s not enough for mortgage brokers to help customers find a loan – they must ensure that the loan is ‘”not unsuitable”. Unsuitable loans include contracts where borrowers are unable to make repayments or can only do so with substantial hardship, or contracts that do not meet a borrower’s requirements or objectives.
As a result, brokers must make reasonable enquiries about a borrower’s financial situation, as well as their requirements and objectives. In addition, they are required to make reasonable efforts to confirm a borrower’s statements.
Using this information, mortgage brokers must then determine if the loan product recommendations are “unsuitable”. If deemed that the credit products are “not unsuitable”, the broker can proceed with the recommendations. A broker must also give customers a copy of the assessment if requested.
“The biggest advantage to borrowers is that onus is not just on the lender, but on the broker as well,” says Tim Brown, CEO of Vow Financial, the fifth-largest mortgage aggregator in Australia.
Strings attached?
Some industry observers argue the legislation tips the scale too far in favour of the consumer, taking away borrowers’ responsibility when it comes to credit contract obligations.
Kym Dalton, principal at mortgage industry consultants SAKS Consulting, believes the act will lead to a more litigious environment, as consumers seek to use it to their advantage.
He charges that borrowers facing mortgage stress will be more inclined to blame lenders and brokers for their situation.
According to Dalton, brokers are “putting too much emphasis on what ASIC will do as a regulator and not looking at the consumer end of it – it’s called the ‘National Consumer Credit Protection Act’ for a reason”, he says.
Some brokers warn access to credit will be increasingly difficult for consumers as lenders struggle to define what “responsible lending” really means.
In a client email, Smartline mortgage broker Kevin Lee stated the “knee-jerk reaction” from lenders to the act has been “nothing short of amazing”.
“Each one has their own interpretation of what responsible lending means, and each has introduced more requirements on you and I. Some institutions have covered it off with a half page of extra questions, whilst others have created literally pages and pages of extra compliance.”
One the biggest casualties of lender caution is low-doc loans, according to national mortgage broker Loan Market, part of the Ray White Group.
The company released research in February that noted low-doc applications have fallen by half – from 10% to just 5% of overall loan lodgments – following the introduction of NCCP regulations.
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Mortgage brokers fearful new requirements will be too costly

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Residential tenancy legislation
Laws regarding residential tenancies in New South Wales are covered by the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/maintop/view/inforce/act+42+2010+cd+0+N" title="New South Wales Residential Tenancies Act">Residential Tenancies Act 2010</a>  and by the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/maintop/view/inforce/subordleg+664+2010+cd+0+N" title="New South Wales Residential Tenancies Regulations">Residential Tenancies Regulation</a> 2010. These laws came into effect in January 2011, and a Q&amp;A addressing some common concerns about them can be found <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rpemery.com.au/rental_agreement/new-tenancy-laws-NSW." title="New South Wales Residential Tenancies Act Q&amp;A">here</a>.
Further information for residential landlords The NSW state government has a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/Tenants_and_home_owners/Being_a_landlord" title="New South Wales guide for landlords">guide for landlords</a> on its website.
Dispute resolution for residential tenancies Disputes regarding tenancy in New South Wales are handled by the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cttt.nsw.gov.au/default.htm" title="New South Wales Consumer, Trader and TenancyTribunal">Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal</a>.
Further resources The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reinsw.com.au/" title="Real Estate Institute of New South Wales">Real Estate Institute of New South Wales</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.poansw.com.au" title="Property Owners Association of New South Wales">Property Owners Association of New South Wales</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.propertyoz.com.au/NSW/Division/Default.aspx" title="NSW division of Property Council of Australia">Property Council of Australia</a> and<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ntd.net.au/index" title="National Tenancy Database"> National Tenancy Database</a> are other resources that can be useful for landlords of residential properties.
Commercial tenancy legislation Owners of commercial properties in New South Wales can find information about retail tenancy on the NSW state government’s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/Businesses/Retail_tenancy" title="NSW commercial tenancies information">website </a>. Retail leases in the state are governed by the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/maintop/view/inforce/act+46+1994+cd+0+N" title="NSW Retail Leases Act">Retail Leases Act of 1994</a>.
Dispute resolution for commercial tenancies Any disputes regarding retail tenancies must be mediated by the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/Businesses/Retail_tenancy/Resolving_retail_tenancy_disputes" title="NSW commercial tenancy dispute mediation">Office of Fair Trading</a> , but if this does not resolve the dispute, the matter can be escalated to the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lawlink/adt/ll_adt.nsf/pages/adt_retail_leases_division" title="NSW Administrative Decisions Tribunal">Administrative Decisions Tribunal</a>.
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Useful links for landlords in NSW

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{yoogallery src=[images/stories/June6sentinel]}
32 Sentinel Court, Raby Bay, Queensland, 4163
Built for Savage Garden musician Daniel Jones, this five-bedroom, six-bathroom house on the outskirts of Brisbane has a private marine, more than 2300 square metres of beach-front property and a five-car garage. It is being sold by<a target="_blank" title="LJ Hooker" href="https://www.ljhooker.com.au/11PVF2S"> LJ Hooker</a> Cleveland agent Tom Banjanin, with an asking price of $8.5 million plus. Jones sold the property in 2007.
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Truly, madly, deeply

For most new apartment buildings, the Owners Corporation starts life with little more than a bank account and the first quarterly strata levies.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/9-gay-street-castle-hill-9-gay-street-castle-hill-nsw-2154">9 Gay Street</a> in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a>, it starts with around $7 million in reserve.

It's an unusual legacy of what was once one of Sydney's highest-profile apartment remediation projects. When the development, originally known as Skyview and built by disgraced developer Top Place, came under scrutiny by then NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler, an $11 million remediation bond was negotiated to ensure any building defects could be fully rectified.

The building underwent an 18-month remediation program, during which around $4 million of that bond was spent bringing the building up to the standard it should have been in from the outset.

After extensive inspections, all active rectification orders have been lifted. What's more, around $7.2 million remains secured for the Owners Corporation for the next 15 years.

In a twist few would have predicted, what began as a significant concern for purchasers has left the building with something almost unheard of in the apartment market: a multi-million-dollar financial reserve from day one.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359136]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a> Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said the structure offers buyers a level of certainty that is difficult to replicate.

"The $11 million bond established for the Skyview Castle Hill development represents exceptional value, providing genuine financial security for purchasers," Huxley said.

"Unlike a standard insurance policy, this bond consists of real funds held in trust for the Owners Corporation, offering a tangible layer of protection and added peace of mind."

The apartments themselves have been designed with a focus on practical, contemporary living. Interiors feature Smeg appliances, stone benchtops, tiled living areas, carpeted bedrooms, 2.7-metre ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and ducted heating and cooling throughout.

Residents also have access to a range of shared amenities, including two rooftop barbecue areas, a swimming pool, children's playgrounds, secure building access, storage cages, and visitor parking.

The location continues to be one of the project's strongest drawcards. Castle Hill Metro Station sits virtually on the doorstep, providing direct connections across Sydney's expanding Metro network, while Castle Towers offers extensive retail, dining, entertainment, and service amenities within walking distance.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359127]

The building, now named after its location at 9 Gay Street, comprises a diverse mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments starting from just under $600,000.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett said demand in the Hills District continues to be driven by buyers seeking convenience and connectivity.

"Interest from both owner-occupiers and investors in Castle Hill remains exceptionally strong, with buyers consistently prioritising developments in close proximity to the Metro station and Castle Towers Shopping Centre," Hamblett said.

"There is a clear trend in the market, with purchasers seeking convenient access to transport and lifestyle amenities that support a seamless, low-maintenance way of living."

On top of the long-term protection afforded by the remaining $7.2 million bond, Equitifund is offering a limited-time stamp duty rebate on selected apartments.

Eligible purchasers can also secure finance options, including a 3.99 per cent two-year variable rate, loan-to-value ratios of up to 90 per cent, and interest-only lending options through EquitiCredit.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=147685]

Joel Robinson

Why this Castle Hill apartment building starts with a $7 million advantage

For much of the past few years, conversations about Australia's property market have centred on the rapid growth seen in Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Perth. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3004">Melbourne</a> has followed a different trajectory.

That relative underperformance is now encouraging some buyers to reassess the city, particularly those willing to look beyond short-term market movements and focus on quality property in established locations, along with the long-term growth prospects of a city expected to overtake Sydney as Australia’s most populous.

John Bekiaris, Research &amp; Market Insights at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Projects by Equitifund</a>, said Melbourne's current position is attracting increasingly sophisticated purchasers.

"Melbourne continues to present one of Australia's strongest long-term investment stories," Bekiaris says.

"While other capital cities have experienced stronger recent growth, that relative underperformance is exactly what's attracting sophisticated counter-cyclical investors."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363268]

Equitifund isn't just commenting on Melbourne's property market, it's investing in it.

The Sydney-headquartered capital partner has taken over the remaining apartments at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/victoriana-melbourne-20-queens-road-melbourne-vic-3004">Victoriana</a>, the recently completed glass-encased development opposite Albert Park Lake in Melbourne's tightly held St Kilda Road precinct.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and built by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hickory">Hickory</a>, Victoriana places residents between one of Melbourne's most recognised parklands and the CBD, offering oversized two and three-bedroom apartments aimed at owner-occupiers seeking a genuine alternative to a traditional family home.

The development comprises 232 completed residences alongside a suite of resident amenities, including a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, landscaped entertaining areas, resident lounges, EV charging, secure basement parking and a concierge-style arrival experience.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363229]

The apartments have been designed with owner-occupiers firmly in mind.&nbsp;Open-plan living and dining areas flow onto generous balconies framing views across Albert Park Lake, Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Melbourne skyline.

Kitchens feature Gaggenau appliances, stone benchtops and generous preparation space. Bedrooms include built-in robes, while bathrooms feature full-height textured tiling. Hardwood flooring and ducted air conditioning complete residences designed for long-term living.

Rothelowman's architecture takes its cues from the landscape opposite the site. Sweeping horizontal glazing references the movement of Albert Park Lake, while generous balconies and expansive glazing strengthen the connection between the apartments and the surrounding parklands. The result is a building designed to deliver the scale and amenity expected of luxury apartment living, while offering the larger floorplans increasingly sought by owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363284]

The location is one of Victoriana's defining characteristics. Positioned on Queens Road, residents are directly opposite Albert Park Lake and within easy reach of Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens, South Melbourne, St Kilda Road and the CBD. With few comparable development opportunities remaining in the precinct, buyers are increasingly placing value on outlooks that are unlikely to be interrupted by future construction.

Greg Huxley, Founder of Equitifund, believes those qualities become even more valuable over time.

"Premium real estate has always rewarded buyers who take a long-term view," Huxley said.

"Victoriana represents the kind of asset that's increasingly difficult to recreate today, particularly in an established location like Queens Road."

He said rising construction costs are also changing the way buyers assess completed developments.

"When you combine an irreplaceable location with thoughtful architecture and premium finishes, you create something that becomes increasingly difficult to reproduce as construction costs continue to rise."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363228]

According to National Sales Director Ben Hamblett, enquiry has been driven largely by Melbourne downsizers and buyers upgrading from smaller apartments.

"Interest in Victoriana continues to build, with strong buyer focus on the larger owner-occupier residences within the development," Hamblett says.

"Enquiry is increasingly driven by local buyers who recognise the rarity of what's on offer: park-facing apartments in an established neighbourhood where new development opportunities are becoming increasingly scarce. At Victoriana, the view is not just a feature; it's an appreciating asset in its own right."

He said interstate enquiry has also strengthened as buyers reassess Melbourne's position within the national property cycle.

"Melbourne currently stands as the most compelling entry point of any major Australian capital, and discerning buyers are beginning to recognise what those who move early always understand: the best opportunities are taken before the price rise confirms them."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=1979]

Why now is the time to buy in Melbourne's premium apartment market

Developers and apartment buyers have a narrowing window of opportunity before Brisbane's Olympic infrastructure pipeline begins competing directly with residential construction, pushing up costs, tightening labour supply and making new projects increasingly difficult to deliver.

While Brisbane's apartment market continues to benefit from strong population growth and limited housing supply, industry research suggests the years leading up to 2027 could prove to be the most important period for developers looking to secure builders and buyers hoping to purchase before the next wave of price increases.

A new Colliers report, Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games: Creating Solutions, highlights the scale of the challenge. While thousands of new homes are planned across South East Queensland, the Brisbane Olympic Athletes Village alone will deliver more than 10,500 beds during the Games before being converted into around 1,750 to 2,000 apartments. Equivalent to almost two years of typical inner-city apartment supply, the project will also absorb a significant share of the construction workforce and building materials.

The broader construction pipeline paints an even clearer picture.

Construction Skills Queensland's Horizon 2032 report forecasts Queensland's annual construction pipeline will average $69 billion over the coming years before peaking at $75 billion in 2027-28. Demand for construction workers is expected to increase by 17 per cent to almost 150,000 people, with the industry facing an annual shortfall of around 19,000 workers that could blow out to as many as 35,000 during the peak construction period.

The Olympic venues, athletes village and supporting infrastructure will account for billions of dollars worth of work across South East Queensland through to 2032, creating intense competition for labour at a time when Australia's residential construction sector is already under pressure.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=373834]

Colliers Queensland Residential Director Andrew Scriven said the convergence of these projects is creating a clear window of opportunity for both developers and buyers.

"From 2027 onwards, the market will shift dramatically," Scriven said.

"Labour will increasingly be locked into government-led infrastructure and Olympic projects, which means private residential developments will face higher costs and tighter margins. The developers who move now are the ones most likely to get projects off the ground."

Scriven said the same dynamic would also affect buyers, with fewer apartment projects expected to launch once construction capacity tightens.

"If you're looking to change your lifestyle over the next five years, now is your window of opportunity to buy."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150713 project_image_fid=373827]

Developers are already positioning themselves ahead of that window.

Following the success of Monarch at Toowong, Consolidated Properties is preparing to launch two new Brisbane apartment projects in the second half of 2026. They include <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gloriette-30-bedivere-street-yeerongpilly-qld-4105">Gloriette</a> at Yeerongpilly Green, a 25-storey tower within one of Brisbane's key Olympic precincts, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, a recently approved 25-storey riverfront development at 47 Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

Hutchinson Builders will deliver both projects, with early works already underway at Yeerongpilly and Newstead expected to commence later this year.

The timing comes as Brisbane's fundamentals continue to strengthen, with strong interstate migration, population growth and vacancy rates remaining below 1.5 per cent.

Colliers Queensland researcher Pragya Sharma said Greater Brisbane is forecast to require around 40,000 new apartments between 2021 and 2031.

"There's a real mismatch emerging between when housing is needed and when it will be feasible to build," Sharma said.

"As a result, the period leading up to 2027 presents a key window of opportunity for developers to secure approvals, funding and construction capacity, while buyers will have greater choice before supply constraints intensify."

Colliers research outlines a critical pre-2027 window to start residential projects before labour squeeze: now is the time to buy

Developers, buyers on watch in South East Queensland ahead of construction crunch: Colliers

It's taken less than nine months for developer Sherpa Property Group to sell out all 51 apartments in its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-oasis-palm-beach-7-9-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Oasis</a> development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>, over a year before its anticipated completion.

&nbsp;

Located at 7-9 Sixth Avenue, the $67 million development has resonated strongly with both local owner-occupiers and downsizers seeking high-quality apartments within walking distance of the beach, dining precincts and everyday amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357458]

Christie Leet, Founder of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Group</a>, said the sell-out reflected both the strength of the Palm Beach market and the success of Sherpa's community-first approach to development.

"The sell-out of Oasis is a fantastic outcome and reinforces the strong demand we're seeing for thoughtfully designed apartments in lifestyle locations," Leet said.

"From the outset, our vision was to create a development that genuinely enhanced the Palm Beach community while providing residents with exceptional homes and wellness-focused amenities.

"We've been incredibly encouraged by the level of local support throughout the campaign, 72.5 per cent of buyers are locals, with a significant proportion of purchasers choosing Oasis as their future home rather than an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357463]

Construction is now progressing following development approval, with trusted builder LPS Group delivering the project and completion anticipated in Q3 2027.

Oasis forms part of Sherpa Group's successful Flourish collection, which has become recognised for its focus on wellness, community and elevated coastal living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357469]

Residents will have private access to a rooftop amenity space featuring a pool, gym, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, spa and barbecue facilities.

"The success of Oasis demonstrates that buyers continue to prioritise quality, location and lifestyle," Leet said.

"We are proud to have delivered a project that has resonated so strongly with the market and look forward to bringing Oasis to life for our future residents."

Sherpa recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a>, its third instalment of the Flourish brand in Palm Beach following Flourish Oasis and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151449]

Sherpa sells out Flourish Oasis in booming Palm Beach

Urban Property Group's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-vera-macquarie-park-94-talavera-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">La Vera</a> is leading the next phase of Macquarie Park's residential evolution, with the new apartment development set to become the first of several new apartment projects in the precinct to complete.

The 169-apartment building has now topped out ahead of its scheduled completion in the third quarter of 2026, as new residential investment continues to reshape one of Sydney's largest employment hubs into a true mixed-use precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=368645]

Cox Architecture has designed La Vera to capture the best of its unique positioning on Talavera Road, orienting the building towards Lane Cove National Park.&nbsp;The building features a sculpted northern façade with flowing curves inspired by the surrounding landscape, while its city-facing elevation adopts a more structured architectural expression to maximise skyline views.

"The vision for the project was to conceive a building that adopted an organic and curvilinear form to the northern portion that faces the Lane Cove National Park," <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a> Director Felipe Miranda said.

"The residents that reside in the northern portion of the building benefit by having beautifully crafted curved balconies that speak to the natural context and heighten the relationship of their internal living spaces to the external balconies."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=358802]

La Vera offers a diverse mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom configurations, with prices currently starting from $740,000. Buyers so far have been a mix of Sydney-based investors,&nbsp;metro commuters, owner-occupiers and downsizers from surrounding North Shore suburbs.

Both investors and owner-occupiers have been drawn to La Vera's proximity to Macquarie University, Macquarie University Hospital, Macquarie Centre and the Sydney Metro, infrastructure that supports both strong rental demand and a convenient lifestyle for residents.

The apartments feature full-height glazing, timber flooring throughout living areas, stone kitchen benchtops, SMEG appliances, floor-to-ceiling bathroom tiling and ducted air conditioning.

Residents will have access to a rooftop recreation level featuring a swimming pool, sauna, barbecue facilities and landscaped relaxation areas, complemented by additional communal space at ground level. Many apartments enjoy uninterrupted views across Lane Cove National Park, reinforcing the project's connection to its natural setting.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=364551]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>, a family-owned developer and builder with nearly four decades of experience, holds a 4.5-star iCIRT rating and was Australia's first developer to introduce 10-Year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI). La Vera is the first apartment development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Park</a> approved to offer the additional insurance protection, alongside a five-year warranty on SMEG appliances.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said the additional protection reflects changing buyer expectations in the off the plan market.

"Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been. Having LDI is a tool to portray the confidence that we have in our product, and a confidence we want buyers to share," Elias said.

Following completion of the building later this year, buyers will move into their apartments well before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134951]

Cassidy Knowlton

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