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The current residential market within the outer east of Melbourne is very strong and rising, according to Herron Todd White’s latest May report.
The property valuation firm says that Nunawading, Mitcham, Glen Waverley, Ringwood and Mount Waverley are among the strongest suburbs for the residential market.
“In particular the strong market is evident in suburbs such as Nunawading, Mitcham, Glen Waverley and Mount Waverley.
“Within the outer eastern suburbs the market is also strong in Ringwood, Ringwood East and Croydon.
"Within both areas family homes of 3- to 4-bedrooms are in high demand.
“The rising prices are caused by the lack of supply and high demand with buyers looking for more affordable family housing,” the report stated.
High demand in suburbs such as Mount Waverley and Glen Waverley are driving the prices up according to Herron Todd White.
“The high demand has also caused the market to continue to rise in price.
“At this point in time we do not forecast the market to decline as the demand is too strong.
“However, if a major change in the economic climate was to occur it is possible the market would decrease."
HTW gave an example of the rising prices within the outer eastern suburbs as the sale at 30 Caroline Street, Ringwood. (above)
It sold on the 4 March 2017 for $950,000.
The last sale of the property occurred in December 2013 for $572,500.
“This sale illustrates the high price increase that has occurred within the past four years,” the report advised.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Outer East Melbourne residential market strong and rising: HTW

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Properties in Hobart takes slightly more time to sell than properties in Sydney or Melbourne, according to CoreLogic’s latest report.
The property data firm says that homes in Hobart takes 38 days to be sold while units can expect to stay on the market for 35 days.
This is slightly higher than Sydney or Melbourne where it takes only a month for properties to be sold.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/22/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-22%20at%2012.20.22%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/05/22/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-22%20at%2012.20.22%20pm.jpg" alt="">
Perth and Darwin continue to be the two slowest places to sell a property with properties taking close to two to three months to sell.
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Hobart properties take 35 to 38 days to sell: CoreLogic

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The first stage of a $180 million master-planned residential village in the rapidly growing Ripley Valley region in the Ipswich growth corridor of South East Queensland has attracted strong demand, with more than 50 percent of lots already under contract.
Monterea Ripley residential village is the newest land release and will feature 900 home sites on a land area of approximately 146 acres within the picturesque Ripley Valley.
Ray White Land Marketing Director Jamie Martin said significant sales have been achieved in the first stage of the project, with particularly strong interest from local buyers.
“The enthusiasm for Monterea Ripley has been very pleasing and we have already sold more than 50 per cent of the 53 lots available,” Mr Martin said.
“The land prices start from $166,000 and lots range in size from 300 sqm to 523 sqm. We have had keen interest from local buyers, especially first home buyers wanting to secure the $20,000 first home buyers grant before the June 30 deadline.
“Buyers were asking for a value proposition and Monterea Ripley has answered by giving buyers a good range of lot sizes and affordability in the Ripley Valley.”
Mr Martin said stage two of the development is about to commence construction of another 53 lots, while a new five-acre parkland is nearing completion.
The park will be known as John Michels Reserve and will feature lush corridors of over 30,000 new plantings.
“Monterea Ripley's Green Space Master Plan will dedicate more than 22 acres to green open space,” he said.
“The market appetite for affordable lots in a high-quality master-planned village which features large areas of parklands, close to recreational and retail amenities including sporting ovals, supermarket, cafes and retail specialities has been a major attraction for buyers.”
Latest data from the Queensland Statisticians Office for the year to September 2016 has identified the Ipswich City region as having a record 1,813 vacant lot sales.
“Values achieved have shown considerable uplift growing 5.50 per cent over this last year on a per sqm basis although keeping an affordable median of $195,000,” Mr Martin said.
“The region also boasts its highest lot registrations on record over this 12-month period with a total of 2,504 standard lots, which highlights the ongoing demand in this location.
There is a strong pipeline of supply which will assist in keeping affordability in check with this annual period (to September 2016) recording an additional 3,188 lots approved across 96 projects, bringing the total closing stock level for Ipswich City at 15,270 lots.”
Monterea Ripley forms an integral part of the Monterea Neighbourhood Village and will be located directly next door to a proposed 8,000 sqm shopping centre including a major supermarket, speciality retail shops and commercial precinct with a total of 636 car parks.
About 120,000 people are expected to call the Ripley Valley home over the next 20 years and construction is underway on the $1.5 billion Ripley Town Centre.
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Strong demand for Monterea Ripley

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Proposed reforms to changes in stamp duty, first home-owners grants, shared equity and clamping down on underquoting by the Victorian government will be compared to the current rules and regulations in the New South Wales jurisdiction according to TressCox lawyers.
In a research note, TressCox said with the Victorian election just over a year away and housing affordability becoming a nation-wide issue of interest, it is of no surprise that the Victorian government is looking to implement major reforms to improve access to the housing market for first home-buyers.
"The proposed changes in Victoria will now be compared to the current rules and regulations in the New South Wales jurisdiction," it said.
"The Victorian government has proposed to completely abolish stamp duty for new and existing properties that are up to $600,000.
"Properties that are between $600,000 and $750,000 will have their stamp duty discounted.
"The current regulations also allow for concessions for pensioners for properties valued at up to $750,000 and for those individuals using the property as the Principal place of Residence for properties valued at up to $550,000.
"The Victorian proposal is subtly, yet critically different to stamp duty exemptions in New South Wales.
"The NSW exemption under the First Home – New Home Scheme only applies to homes which are of a value of up to $550,000.
"Similar to the Victorian proposal, the NSW rules do provide concessions in stamp duty for homes valued between $550,000 and $650,000.
"An exemption also exists for the purchase of a vacant block of land valued at up to $300,000 where the purchaser wishes to build their home.
"Concessions are available for vacant land valued between $300,000 and $450,000.
"It is important to note that unlike the proposed Victorian reforms, the stamp duty exemption and concession for first home buyers in New South Wales only apply to brand new homes and not existing properties.
"Currently, the Victorian rules provide a $10,000 grant for first home owners on new homes valued at up to $750,000.
"The Victorian proposals seek to incentivise purchases of property in regional areas by doubling the First Home Owner Grant to $20,000 from 1 July 2017.
"Prior to 2012 In NSW, the First Home Owner Grant provided a $7,000 grant for eligible transactions. However, for all contracts entered into after 1 October 2012, the grant applies only to new homes which do not exceed a value of $750,000.
"The transaction date of the sale of land is particularly important in NSW as it defines the grant amount a purchaser may be eligible for.
"For instance, transactions for new homes under the NSW scheme dated between 1 October 2012 to 31 December 2015 could be offered a grant of $15,000.
"Transactions from 1 January 2016 may be eligible for a grant of $10,000.
"Changes to Victorian laws provide that the concession will now only be applicable to home buyers who intend for the property to be their principal place of residence and will no longer be available for residential investment or commercial properties.
"NSW provides a $5,000 grant for purchasers of new homes which are either new homes or off the plan which are valued at up to $450,000.
"In a bid to combat vacant properties held by investors, the VRPT will be applied to properties which remain unoccupied for over six months in a calendar year.
"The tax will include some exemptions for properties used as holiday homes, for work purposes, deceased estates and for Victorian owners who are temporarily overseas.
"The tax is slated for implementation on 1 January 2018 and the current rate proposed will be 1 percent of the capital improved value of the property.
"At this stage, the new tax in Victoria does not have an equal counterpart in NSW."
For more information visit <a href="https://www.tresscox.com.au/" target="_blank">www.tresscox.com.au</a>.
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First home buyers, stamp duty exemptions and grants: Victoria versus NSW

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The Southern Tablelands residential market continues to remain at a consistent pace, according to Herron Todd White’s April report.
The property valuation firm says that the average price remaining at as a result of new land releases coming onto the market year to date.
“New land releases are trading for $220,000 to $250,000, with house and land packages ranging from $500,000 to $550,000.
"Likewise some of the villages between Sutton Forest and Goulburn, such as Marulan have seen an uptick in first home owner activity, with new land releases being quickly absorbed by the market in the $160,000 to $190,000 range for 1,000 square metre blocks,” the report stated.
Herron Todd White says that part of the attraction here aside from lower entry price is ease of access to freeway.
“As with the Southern Highlands market, the only real slowdown foreseen in the market would be as a result of a lender change in credit policy or increases in interest rates,” the report commented.
A 1450 sqm residential land at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-residential+land-nsw-marulan-201719394" target="_blank">41 Patrick Place</a>, Marulan (above) has been listed for $170,000.
Similarly a 1000 to 1450 sqm residential land at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-residential+land-nsw-marulan-201758350" target="_blank">50 Patrick Place</a>, Marulan (below) was sold in March this year for $160,000.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/05/23/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-23%20at%201.02.19%20PM.png" alt="">
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Southern Tablelands residential land sees increase in first home buyer activity

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The local residential market in Bundaberg is stable, which is a term frequently used to describe the area, according to Herron Todd White’s latest May report.
The property valuation firm says that sales volumes have slowed slightly with median values dropping slightly by around 5 percent.
“The median vacant land price is $150,000 for the postcode.
“The median house and unit prices are $295,000 and $225,000 respectively for the last quarter.
“Affordability is the big draw card to the area along with the proximity to the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef and the relaxed lifestyle.
“The key to getting the market to move upwards is attracting more people to the area with flights to other major centres apart from just Brisbane.
“This would then attract more investment and that would require more infrastructure spending.
“Another way would be for the government to include existing property in the First Home Owner’s Grant which would also stimulate the economy,” the report stated.
A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-norville-125255794" target="_blank">57 Mimnagh Street</a>, Norville (above) has been listed for $229,000.
Similarly a three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-bundaberg+west-124161154" target="_blank">8 Adams Street</a>, Bundaberg West (below) has been listed for $235,000.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/05/19/8%20Adams%20Street.jpg" alt="">
A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-burnett+heads-120435465" target="_blank">4 Scott Street</a>, Burnett Heads (below) was recently sold for $235,000.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/05/19/4%20Scott%20Street.jpg" alt="">
Similarly a three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-bundaberg+south-125182738" target="_blank">17 Hargreaves Street</a>, Bundaberg South (below) was recently sold for $223,000.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/05/19/17%20Hargreaves%20Street.jpg" alt="">
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Bundaberg residential market stable: HTW

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Canberra’s unit prices in private treaty sale hover around the $400,000 mark, according to CoreLogic’s latest report.
The property data firm says that the current median price for units in Canberra is $399,250.
Houses in Canberra cost around a $605,000 medium.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/22/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-22%20at%2012.20.06%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/05/22/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-22%20at%2012.20.06%20pm.jpg" alt="">
Sydney continues to be the most expensive place to purchase a unit with units sitting at a $730,000 medium.
Adelaide is the cheapest place to purchase a unit with a unit there costing around a $348,500 medium.
A one bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-act-o%27connor-125514882">7/16 Macpherson Street</a>, O’Connor (above) has been listed for above $360,000.
Similarly a three bedroom unit at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-act-bruce-125498294">15/48 Lampard Circuit</a>, Bruce (below) has been listed for $390,000 plus.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/05/22/15_48%20Lampard%20Circuit.jpg" alt="">
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Canberra unit median prices approaching $400,000 mark: CoreLogic

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Palmerston is the cheapest place to purchase a townhouse in ACT, according to Investar’s latest April report.
The property investment firm says that the median price of a townhouse at Palmerston is $345,000.
This is followed by Calwell with $360,000 and Belconnen with $365,000.
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Suburb
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Postcode
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Bedrooms
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Current median price
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Palmerston
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
2913
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$345,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Calwell
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
2905
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$360,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Belconnen
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
2617
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$365,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Gordon
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
2906
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$379,500
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Ngunnawal
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
2913
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$$380,000
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
A two bedroom townhouse at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-townhouse-act-palmerston-124353030" target="_blank">14/215 Kosciuszko Avenue</a>, Palmerston (above) has been listed for $329,950.
Similarly a two bedroom townhouse at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-townhouse-act-palmerston-124470174" target="_blank">2/5 Figg Place</a>, Palmerston (below) was sold in February this year for $345,000.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/04/12/2_5%20Figg%20Place.jpg" alt="">
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Palmerston townhouse median price at $345,000: Investar

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Developer Mirvac has held a Topping Off ceremony to celebrate the completion of structural works at their office development in Docklands.
Mirvac’s 664 Collins Street building is slated for completion in 2018.
664 Collins Street is final stage of the Southern Cross Station complex.
Simon Healy, Mirvac’s general manager of commercial development said 664 Collins will feature innovative smart technology, allowing us to better understand the building’s utilisation, collecting real-time data to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
“The Topping Off ceremony today acknowledges a successful collaboration between partners, tenants and stakeholders in the ongoing delivery of 664 Collins, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for being involved in creating this unique building," he said.
 “Focusing on tenant experience, we’re creating connectivity throughout the building; developing adaptive and intuitive workplaces."
Tenants include Pitcher Partners and ExxonMobil.
John Brazzale, managing partner, Pitcher Partners, said the fantastic location, large expansive floor plates and the innovative workplace technology integrated at 664 Collins make it a truly outstanding office building.
“Sitting at the nexus of Melbourne CBD’s major transport hub, allowing easy access to adjacent amenity, the building is a vibrant, connected environment that will enable us to move to the next level of client service and allow us to create an exceptional workplace for our staff,” he said.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/05/23/664%20Collins%20Street_Topping%20off_2.jpg" alt="">
Damon Van Horne, associate principal, Grimshaw Architects said, working closely with Mirvac, has allowed them to create a highly flexible building offering exceptional workspace, excellent amenity and leading workplace technology.
“Our partnership with Mirvac builds on the success of their landmark 699 Bourke Street office building, also designed by Grimshaw in collaboration with Mirvac.”
Pitcher Partners has pre-committed to over 9,000 square metres over 3.5 levels with a 12 year lease.
ExxonMobil has pre-committed to 7,100 square metres across three levels, bringing the total area pre-leased to over 60 per cent.
664 Collins Street is targeting a 5 Star Green Star Design and 5 Star NABERS Energy rating.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/05/23/664%20Collins%20Street_Topping%20off_3.jpg" alt="">
For more information please visit <a href="https://bourkeandcollins.mirvac.com/664-collins.htm" target="_blank">https://bourkeandcollins.mirvac.com/664-collins.htm</a>
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Topping Off at Mirvac's office Docklands development

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Coastal areas continue to be the most in demand locations in Ballina and Byron Bay, according to Herron Todd White’s latest report.
However, the property valuation firm says locations which have traditionally been less sought after remain strong, with prospective buyers operating in a heated market prepared to overlook negative attributes.
“With significant increases in values over the past 24 months any increase in stock or reduction in demand will likely see a reduction in value,” the report stated.
“The increases in value would not appear to be sustainable.”
Mullumbimby appears to be the most desired location at present, while demand for lower priced units in the Ballina area is strong, whilst the $1 million plus market in coastal areas such as Lennox Head and East Ballina continues to perform well.
The report advised the demand in Mullumbimby was being fuelled by interstate buyers looking to find alternatives to the more expensive resort towns of Brunswick Heads and Byron Bay.
“The average house price point for the particular suburb of Mullumbimby ranges between $750,000 and $1 million,” the report advised.
“The product at this price point is varied between either an older style dwelling or newer product.
“The older dwellings comprise single level houses built about the 1950s located in the flat part of Mullumbimby close to the local township,”
A four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-mullumbimby-124897086" target="_blank">2 Palm Avenue</a>, Mullumbimby (above) has been listed for $989,000.
Similarly a five bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-mullumbimby-122164038" target="_blank">871 Main Arm Road</a>, Mullumbimby (below) has been listed for $845,000.
 <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/04/20/871%20Main%20Arm%20Road.jpg" alt="">
 “If interest rates remain low and the demand for these particular houses remains high, the current sustainability of these houses to the market place will remain unchanged,” the report said.
 “People tend to be paying a significant premium for a renovated or revamped classic product in this suburb.
“There is both opportunity for renovation in Mullumbimby and for purchase of properties that have already had renovations done.”
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Mullumbimby in demand with interstate buyers: HTW

Apartment buyers in New South Wales are set to gain a decade of insurance-backed protection against major building defects, after the NSW Parliament passed the Fair Trading and Building Legislation Amendment Bill 2026.&nbsp;

The Bill establishes decennial defect insurance, known in the market as Latent Defects Insurance (LDI), as an alternative to the existing two-year strata building bond. It cleared the Legislative Council with amendments on Tuesday evening (August 4, 2026), with the Legislative Assembly agreeing to those amendments shortly after.

Under the reform, eligible developers can satisfy their statutory bond obligation by taking out an approved decennial-style policy that gives owners 10 years of cover for major structural defects from completion, claimable directly, without first having to pursue developers or builders through costly legal action.&nbsp;

The change forms the final tranche of amendments arising from the 2021 statutory review of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 and related legislation.

Resilience Insurance, which originated the cover in Australia and has delivered it in NSW since 2022, welcomed the passage and credited the NSW Government for delivering it.

“This is protection apartment buyers have needed for a long time, and the credit for delivering it belongs to the NSW Government,”&nbsp;said Corey Nugent, CEO of Resilience Insurance.

“Minister Chanthivong and his team have shown real leadership in replacing an outdated two-year bond with cover that matches the lifespan of the buildings people are buying into. Reform like this is what good, evidence-based regulation looks like.”

Resilience has delivered LDI in NSW since 2022, protecting thousands of apartments, giving the State, and now the country, real-world evidence of how decade-long, no-fault protection works in practice.

The reform also places NSW within a wider national shift.

NSW is the third jurisdiction to put decennial cover into law. The ACT legislated for it in 2024, with the scheme taking effect in late 2025, and Victoria passed its own framework on 17 June. Between them, the three cover the majority of Australia's apartment market.

The reform commences once the legislation is proclaimed, which is expected in the coming weeks. From that point, developers of Class 2 residential apartment buildings can meet their statutory obligation with an approved decennial policy in place of the bond.

Buyers who purchased into projects that took out the cover early are among the first in the country to take keys to apartments carrying decade-long structural protection.

“With the legislation passed, the focus now turns to making it work for buyers,”&nbsp;Nugent said.

“There are already thousands of apartments in NSW covered by this insurance, bought by developers who moved early. The question every buyer should be asking in a display suite is a simple one: does this building come with 10-year defect cover, and who stands behind it?&nbsp;

“We look forward to working with the Government and the Building Commission in coming weeks as the framework moves to implementation, and to sharing what we have learned over the past four years so the protection reaches owners as smoothly and quickly as possible.”

Other states are working through their own reform programs. Western Australia has indicated that decennial cover is within consideration a later stage of its reform sequence, and Queensland has been examining the settings as it looks at the development pipeline ahead of the 2032 Olympics.

Resilience Insurance acknowledges the NSW Government’s continued focus on strengthening consumer protection while supporting housing delivery across the State.

Fast Facts: What the reform means

<ul style="color:#222222; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:small; font-style:normal; font-variant-ligatures:normal; font-weight:400; text-align:start; white-space:normal; background-color:#ffffff; text-decoration-thickness:initial; text-decoration-style:initial; text-decoration-color:initial">
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Proven at scale:&nbsp;Decennial cover has operated in NSW since 2022, protecting thousand of apartments.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">10 years of cover:&nbsp;Protection for major structural defects runs for a decade from completion, claimable directly and with no legal action required.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">An alternative to the bond:&nbsp;Eligible developers can meet their statutory obligation with an approved decennial-style policy in place of the 2% strata building bond.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Part of a national shift:&nbsp;The ACT has had decennial provisions in force since 2025 and Victoria passed its framework in June. NSW now joins them.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">No-fault, first resort:&nbsp;Owners corporations claim directly from the insurer without first having to establish who is liable for the defect.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Cost-competitive:&nbsp;At approximately 1.8% of build cost, LDI is typically priced below the 2% bond while offering broader, longer protection.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Market position:&nbsp;Resilience originated LDI in Australia and has delivered it in NSW since 2022.</li>
</ul>

Fast Facts: What is Resilience LDI?

<ul style="color:#222222; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:small; font-style:normal; font-variant-ligatures:normal; font-weight:400; text-align:start; white-space:normal; background-color:#ffffff; text-decoration-thickness:initial; text-decoration-style:initial; text-decoration-color:initial">
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Resilience Latent Defects Insurance (LDI):&nbsp;Covers major structural defects for 10 years from completion.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Consumer-first:&nbsp;Direct claim access, no need for lengthy legal action.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Cost advantage:&nbsp;At approximately 1.8% of build cost, LDI is typically priced below the traditional 2% Strata Bond while offering broader protection.</li>
	<li style="margin-left:15px; font-family:Aptos, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:12pt; color:#000000">Market leader:&nbsp;&nbsp;Resilience Insurance originated LDI in Australia and is the national market leader.</li>
</ul>

Joel Robinson

NSW parliament passes 10-year defect insurance laws for new apartment buyers

Builder-developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mcnab-developments">McNab</a> has wasted little time reshaping one of South Brisbane's most significant undeveloped apartment sites after acquiring the property earlier this year.&nbsp;

McNab has lodged plans to scrap an existing approval for two 30-storey towers and instead deliver a single 28-storey residential building, preserving part of the site for a future development opportunity.

The proposal, lodged over <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/64-peel-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101">64 Peel Street and 9 Cordelia Street</a>, is for a residential-led mixed-use development comprising 124 apartments above a landscaped podium, alongside a boundary realignment that preserves part of the land for a future residential project.

<img alt="First look: McNab resets decade-old South Brisbane approval with 124-apartment tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="743bf564-3f8f-45fc-b8d3-bbf18f5b628f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/mcnab%20Peel%20st%20podium.png?VersionId=EhCxGrVn_VFH3qTbKnI4WppGwaMnOn0t" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hayball">Hayball</a>, the development will deliver 119 two-bedroom and five three-bedroom apartments across 23 residential levels. A five-level podium will accommodate 135 car spaces, while the ground floor will include a 66 sqm commercial tenancy, an activated residential lobby with work-from-home spaces, and a publicly accessible landscaped plaza linking Cordelia and Peel streets.&nbsp;

Communal amenities will span Level 6 and the rooftop, including indoor and outdoor recreation spaces, a swimming pool, barbecue facilities, kitchen and dining areas, lawn space, sauna, steam room and yoga facilities.

The application also proposes a boundary realignment to create a standalone 1,290 sqm development lot while retaining an adjacent parcel for future redevelopment, allowing the balance of the site to contribute additional housing over time.

Hayball said the architecture has been shaped by the site's elevated corner position at the intersection of Peel and Cordelia streets and Brisbane's subtropical climate.

The design incorporates generous landscaped setbacks, a masonry podium wrapped with planting, large north-facing balconies, and a slender tower profile intended to maximise natural light, cross ventilation and long-range views. The rooftop has been conceived as a wellness-focused retreat overlooking Brisbane, with amenities positioned to capture views towards Mount Coot-tha and the CBD.

<img alt="First look: McNab resets decade-old South Brisbane approval with 124-apartment tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5f99e84-6ad8-4a87-82d1-869685b754d2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/mcnab%20tower%20perspective.png?VersionId=Gw0IuJaSAlk.tvGBxInhZOcQAdIB..2b" />

The planning submission positions the proposal as a response to both changing market conditions and Brisbane's Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct planning reforms.

McNab acquired the site after the previous approval was granted, with the existing scheme no longer reflecting current residential market demands, economic conditions, construction challenges, construction efficiencies or the quality of development outcome now being pursued, the planning report noted.

McNab continues to expand its residential development pipeline across Brisbane and the Gold Coast. The developer recently launched The Tannery in West End, securing more than 60 per cent of apartments before the project's public release. It is also delivering Elements Budds Beach in Surfers Paradise and Lucia Highgate Hill, an eight-apartment boutique development overlooking the Brisbane River.

McNab resets decade-old South Brisbane approval with 124-apartment tower

A steeply sloping Bellevue Hill site is set to accommodate a new mid-rise apartment development, with plans lodged for 20 homes that respond to the site's dramatic topography.

The proposal for the consolidated land at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/138a-140-bellevue-road-bellevue-hill-nsw-2023">138A-140 Bellevue Road</a> has been designed by Sydney architecture practice Common Office, which has used the site’s substantial fall to distribute the building’s scale and unlock 20 apartments without presenting the full height to the street.&nbsp;

“The unique design strategy leverages the site’s substantial topographical fall to facilitate increased density, presenting a seven-storey profile to Bellevue Road while rising to 10 storeys at the rear,” Common Office said in its architectural design report.

The apartment mix spans one, two, three- and four-bedroom residences. Four two-bedroom apartments are designated as affordable housing, while the plans also include two adaptable dwellings. The mix is majority three-beds, with the typical three-bed apartment offering around 144 sqm internally, with balconies of around 15 sqm.

The affordable housing component represents 15 per cent of the residential floor area and allows the project to access additional height and floor space under the NSW Government’s in-fill affordable housing provisions. The site also falls within the inner area of the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy because it is within 400 metres walking distance of Double Bay Town Centre.

<img alt="First Look: Plans lodged for topography-led affordable housing project in Bellevue Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1230d0f-3bfa-4a11-abaf-0928c66ef345" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bellevue%20da.png?VersionId=dZeMK3P.OutGjN8ycjsxm8uNsj_QFWQv" />

Common Office has arranged the building around a masonry podium and a lighter upper volume, drawing on two recurring elements of Bellevue Hill’s established architecture: sandstone bases and the vertical proportions of local Inter-war Art Deco apartment buildings.

“The proposal is governed by a holistic design language that reconciles the solid horizontal masonry of the neighbourhood’s podiums with the elegant verticality of its Art Deco heritage,” the architect said.

“The building maintains a consistent rhythmic logic utilising deep recesses and a sophisticated material transition to break down the 10-storey scale into a series of articulated, human-scale volumes.”

<img alt="First Look: Plans lodged for topography-led affordable housing project in Bellevue Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0147f503-1af1-4d51-97fb-c2f1cba63a9d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bellevue%20bldg.png?VersionId=GoW7q3NlK67OpnePXhk7zvklrlKb72Qc" />

Large-format sandstone tiles will define the lower levels, establishing a robust base that negotiates the change in elevation from Bellevue Road. Above, red-tinted precast concrete frames, recessed balconies, anodised aluminium screens and expanded metal details will create a more vertically expressed façade. Integrated planter beds will introduce greenery across balcony edges and recessed sections of the building.

The elongated northern façade has been divided into three recessed vertical masses to reduce its perceived length. Triangular window elements and metal privacy screens reference the geometry of nearby Art Deco buildings while controlling overlooking toward surrounding homes. The southern elevation will incorporate further privacy screening, landscaped edges and deep balconies to maintain light and ventilation.

<img alt="First Look: Plans lodged for topography-led affordable housing project in Bellevue Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e8679cf1-18bc-4447-8a0f-0052b94ab83c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Bellevue%20da%20rooftop.png?VersionId=5SQqQqRFf76rvE2p1TbxJSweMN70AIbc" />

Private and communal landscaping is distributed throughout the development. A landscaped garden apartment is positioned within the lower portion of the site, while a communal terrace on Level 5 will include a central timber deck, barbecue facilities, resident planting plots and areas for outdoor dining and informal gatherings.

Common Office described the terrace as an elevated sanctuary designed to capture district views and sunlight. Its planting strategy incorporates endemic species associated with the Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub, extending the landscape vertically through the building and providing habitat for local flora and fauna.

A second communal outdoor area is proposed at roof level, with built-in seating, paved gathering areas and perimeter planting.

Bellevue Hill is enjoying renewed momentum in the new apartment market, with several boutique developments recently launched and currently under construction. Positive Investment Enterprise is delivering the 16-apartment Kew Palm House on Birriga Road, while Chanine Developments is also under construction at Florian, a 36-apartment project on Banksia Road.

&nbsp;

Bellevue Hill is enjoying renewed momentum in the new apartment market, with several boutique developments recently launched and currently under construction.

First Look: Apartment development pitched for Bellevue Hill, Double Bay fringe

South Brisbane's apartment pipeline continues to build momentum, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/trk-property-group">TRK Property Group</a> lodging plans for a 161-apartment tower on Montague Road as developers accelerate investment across the Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct.

The proposal for 176–186 Montague Road would replace an existing office building with a 20-storey residential tower designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, adding to a growing pipeline of high-density projects reshaping one of Brisbane's fastest-evolving inner-city precincts.

The project has been conceived as a "living building", featuring a flowing tower form, extensive vertical landscaping, and generous communal spaces that respond to the evolving Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct.

TRK Property Group Development Director Matt Kan said the project reflected the confidence developers have in South Brisbane's long-term future.

"South Brisbane is entering an incredibly exciting period, and we see Montague Road sitting right at the heart of that evolution," Kan said.

"With the former Visy site directly opposite us and significant investment planned throughout the broader Kurilpa precinct, there is a real sense of momentum around this part of the city and what it will become over the coming years.

"For TRK, this is an opportunity to be part of that next chapter and deliver a project that responds to where the precinct is heading, while contributing to the continued evolution of Brisbane's river edge."

<img alt="First look: TRK Property joins South Brisbane apartment surge with Montague Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="590fe1ad-f892-4446-a679-80e33a16d029" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/TRK%20tower%20facade.png?VersionId=uOJStrcKpyHFcPE1w6_9SMAFzVMCcZll" />

The scheme includes a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, incorporating multi-purpose rooms in selected residences to provide additional flexibility for home offices or expanded living areas. The proposed mix comprises 15 one-bedroom, 13 one-bedroom plus MPR, 73 two-bedroom, 26 two-bedroom plus MPR, 30 three-bedroom, and four four-bedroom apartments.

Rather than adopting a conventional rectilinear tower, COX Architecture has developed a sculpted form inspired by the movement of the Brisbane River.

"The proposal has been designed by COX Architecture as a 'living building' that responds to the site's riverine setting, floodplain history and evolving urban context within the Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct," the planning report states.

"The architectural form draws from the fluid nature of the Brisbane River, with a curved and undulating tower form that creates a varied architectural edge and avoids a conventional rectilinear tower expression."

The podium has also been designed as an architectural feature rather than a conventional parking structure, with cascading planting, screening and natural-toned materials softening its appearance. Resident parking is elevated above ground level to address the site's flood constraints, while habitable apartments sit above flood planning levels. Upper-level communal facilities are designed to accommodate shelter-in-place arrangements during major flood events.

<img alt="First look: TRK Property joins South Brisbane apartment surge with Montague Road tower plans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="01fa15d0-90df-46c7-9555-7941fc45373c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/TRK%20podium.png?VersionId=mHyua.w1pHGBt9qEdWzrlsv.leztUCwO" />

Communal amenity is a major focus of the proposal. Around 1,815 sqm of shared resident space is proposed across the ground floor, level 19 and the rooftop, including co-working areas, indoor and outdoor recreation spaces, wellness facilities, dining and gathering areas, lawn spaces, a rooftop pool and spa, and extensive landscaping. At street level, a landscaped forecourt and approximately 345 sqm of publicly accessible open space along Montague Road are intended to improve the pedestrian experience while activating the building's frontage.

The development will provide 163 car spaces, including 152 resident bays and 11 visitor spaces, together with 144 bicycle spaces incorporating resident storage, visitor parking, bicycle maintenance facilities and e-mobility charging infrastructure.

The site sits within one of Brisbane's fastest-changing inner-city precincts, less than two kilometres from the CBD and within easy reach of South Bank, West End, the Queensland Cultural Centre and extensive public transport connections. The Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct planning framework is encouraging higher-density residential development to help meet Brisbane's housing supply targets while supporting walkable, transit-oriented neighbourhoods.

TRK Property joins South Brisbane apartment surge with Montague Road tower plans

Article summary

<ul data-end="785" data-start="311">
	<li data-end="459" data-section-id="5hbcyr" data-start="311">Pikos Group has released the five-penthouse collection at Skye Kangaroo Point, headlined by a two-storey sky home spanning more than 1,000 sqm.</li>
	<li data-end="561" data-section-id="1p7lq8n" data-start="460">Early buyer interest suggests the residences could set a new Queensland apartment price record.</li>
	<li data-end="667" data-section-id="1y70z0l" data-start="562">The collection includes four move-in ready penthouses and the highly customised Skye One residence.</li>
	<li data-end="785" data-section-id="yvm0y1" data-start="668">The release caps one of Bri​sbane's most ambitious luxury apartment developments overlooking the Brisbane River.</li>
</ul>

<hr data-end="790" data-start="787" />
Pikos Group has released the five-penthouse collection at its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/skye-residences-by-pikos-kangaroo-point-8-river-terrace-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">Skye by Pikos</a> development in Kangaroo Point, with early buyer interest indicating the flagship residences could eclipse every apartment sale previously recorded in Queensland.

The collection crowns the luxury riverfront development with five residences, including four completed penthouses and Skye One, a two-level sky home spanning more than 1,000 sqm that will be tailored to its eventual owner.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90059 project_image_fid=374075]

Wanting to offer a fully customisable home, Pikos is offering Skye One as a blank canvas, allowing the buyer to work alongside the developer's design team to customise the home's layout, finishes and internal spaces.

The residence will feature a 247 sqm private rooftop terrace with its own swimming pool, sauna, steam room, outdoor kitchen and multiple entertaining areas overlooking the Brisbane River and CBD skyline.

The remaining four penthouses have been completed and are ready for immediate occupation, each offering four bedrooms, expansive open-plan living areas, soaring ceilings and private lift access.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90059 project_image_fid=374059]

One of the defining features throughout the project is its use of Roman Classic Travertine, with more than 20,000 sqm of the natural stone imported from Italy after being personally selected by Pikos Group Founder and Executive Director Pedro Pikos, interior designer Julie Williamson and third-generation stone specialist Mario Caucci.

Pikos said the penthouse collection represented the culmination of the company's long-term vision for Skye.

"True legacy isn't measured by what we build today, but by what endures tomorrow," Pikos said.

"Our ambition is to create places that become more valuable with time, enrich the lives of generations, and stand as timeless landmarks long after we've stepped away."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=90059 project_image_fid=374060]

Williamson said the interiors were inspired by the natural character of Kangaroo Point and the Brisbane River rather than international design trends.

"Materiality tells the story of a place," Williamson said.

"We looked to the movement of the Brisbane River, the texture of the cliff face and the warmth of the surrounding landscape to create interiors that feel understated, enduring and unmistakably Brisbane."

Positioned above the Kangaroo Point cliffs, Skye places residents within walking distance of Howard Smith Wharves, South Bank and James Street while offering uninterrupted river and city views.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=90059]

Staff reporter

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