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The failure of regulators to halt recent east coast house price growth has led to the downgrade of the wider Australian banking sector.
The global ratings agency S&amp;P Global Ratings has downgrade the credit quality of 23 banks and lenders, including Australia's biggest regional bank.
It comes as it warns of a sharp correction scenario in property prices and bigger bank losses.
The Ratings agency base case for the housing market is an "orderly unwind" of house prices.
"We still maintain our base case expectation that the unwinding of these imbalances will be orderly and we think that will be either a slowdown growth rate of property prices or a very mild decline in property prices," S&amp;P advised.
"That is our base case."
The downgrades were triggered by S&amp;P's decision to increase Australia's "economic risk" score, from three to four on account of economic imbalances, specifically rising property prices and high household debt.
The big four banks were spared because of their implied "too big to fail" government guarantee status. 
S&amp;P Global Ratings director Sharad Jain said risks to the Australian economy had become even more pronounced since the ratings agency downgraded the Australian banking sector to negative watch back in October 2016 as house prices continued to move higher and higher.
"Growth in private sector debt was more or less in line with expectations since then while property prices accelerated in the two quarters," Mr Jain said.
Mr Jain said that until the imbalances had "substantially unwound" the banking sector remains exposed to an "elevated level of risk of a sharp correction for property prices".
"To reflect the increased risk, we have lowered our assessment of the standalone credit profiles [SACPs] of almost all financial institutions operating in Australia."
Mr Jain acknowledged that house price growth had begun to slow and that the macro-prudential interventions made by APRA were likely to have more impact in the months ahead and see the imbalances "move in the right direction".
Jain said that although he expected macro-prudential measures from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, such as caps on investor and interest only lending, to contribute to a further slowing of house price growth in Melbourne and Sydney, the impact of a correction on the banks "was no longer consistent with our previous assessment".
Among the bigger institutions to be hit by the downgrade are AMP Bank, Bank of Queensland and Bendigo and Adelaide Bank. AMP has been downgraded to A+ with a negative outlook to A with a stable outlook while Bank of Queensland and Bendigo and Adelaide Bank have both been downgraded from A- with a negative outlook to BBB+ with a stable outlook.
Among the others to be downgraded were Australian Central Credit Union, Auswide Bank, Community CPS Australia, Credit Union Australia, Defence Bank, Fisher &amp; Paykel Finance, G&amp;C Mutual Bank, Greater Bank, IMB, Liberty Financial, mecu, Members Equity Bank, MyState Bank, Newcastle Permanent, Police Bank, QPCU, Rural Bank, Teachers Mutual and Qudos Mutual (formerly Qantas Credit Union).
The downgrade brings S&amp;P's ratings in line with rival Moody's.
Meanwhile the Australian Financial Review says investors are surging into mortgage bonds in Australia.
New residential mortgage-backed securities issuance has more than doubled so far this year to $10.5 billion from $5.1 billion a year earlier, data compiled by Bloomberg show.
More than half of the issuance has been fuelled by non-bank lenders. 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Orderly correction in property prices forecast by S&P

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Barry Plant Mount Waverley has been accused of misleading consumers in the way it categorised properties for sale on realestate.com.au.
The properties were allegedly placed in price search parameters lower than the appraisal price misrepresenting prices on 25 properties.
The allegations relate to 2014 and 2015 in Burwood, Chadstone and Ashwood, but mostly Mount Waverley. 
It was alleged an appraisal figure on a three bedroom home in Mount Waverley of $1.4 million to $1.6 million came up in internet searches listed at $850,000.
The property sold at $1.5 million.
Another house on the website at $650,000+, had been appraised at $800,000 and sold for $860,000.
Documents show Barry Plant Mount Waverley agents accurately envisaged selling prices, however CAV claims they made internet price misrepresentations.
The case will go to mediation in July, with a ten day trial set down for June 4 next year.
Barry Plant is due to respond to the allegations to the court by mid-next month.
The internet search engine brings up a list of advertised properties which corresponded to the price range entered by the consumer.
Consumer Affairs Victoria accuses the agent of representing to potential purchasers that the vendors would sell at the “blind” price, when in fact the agreed estimated selling price was more.
Melbourne South Eastern Real Estate Pty Ltd (ACN: 128 550 541) – trading as Barry Plant (Mount Waverley), Barry Plant (Oakleigh) and Barry Plant (Wheelers Hill) will front the Federal Court of Australia, for alleged contraventions of the Australian Consumer Law and the Australian Consumer Law (Victoria).
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Barry Plant Mount Waverley internet price guidance triggers CAV court action

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A six bedroom Clayfield house has been sold for $1.75 million making it Brisbane’s most expensive weekend auction sale.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-clayfield-125260494" target="_blank">122 Alexandria Road</a>, the property has been recently renovated. It last traded in 2010 at $1.3 million.
Enjoying many living zones including a gourmet kitchen that leads to an oversized private alfresco dining/entertaining guest area which overlooks the pool and gardens.
<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/2017/05/21/122%20Alexandra%20Road-2.jpg" alt="">
The kitchen has a huge island bench, stone and marble benches, walk-through butler’s pantry including Miele appliances.
Master suite features walk-in robe along with ensuite with dual basin.
The property was offered through Ray White agent Damon Warat.
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Six bedroom Clayfield house sold for $1.75 million

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A new development at Wentworth Point, in Sydney’s western suburbs, is utilising smart technology to attract buyers for its final stage of release.
All apartments at One the Waterfront by PietyTHP comes with the built-in home automation technology that can control an entire home environment and increase security.
A wall mounted tablet acts as the main user panel to operate the device. It allows for lighting, audio and TV control, as well as remote intercom connection with direct access to the 24 concierge service located in the private lobby.
The Push System and fibre optic network also provides superfast internet and is offered as a standard inclusion in all one, two or three bedroom apartments.
“In the past decade technology has advanced rapidly. We have smart phones, smart cars, even smartwatches however most new apartments have remained in the stone ages,” remarked Rhys Morgan, national sales director at LINK.
“Properties of the future will connect and integrate people’s lives where lights, music and blinds can all be controlled from your phone whether or not you’re even in the building. One The Waterfront is leading the smart home revolution by offering this to buyers now.”
When completed, the Wentworth Point development will comprise nine buildings set along the waterside.
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Smart tech a seller for One the Waterfront in Wentworth Point

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The home value of Perth continues to decline, according to CoreLogic’s latest report.
The property data firm says that in the past 12 months Perth’s home value has declined by 4.5%.
This is followed by a monthly decline of 0.7% in home values. There was a 0.1% weekly decline too in the west.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/22/Screen%20Shot%202017-05-22%20at%2012.19.35%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%2012.19.35%20pm.jpg" alt="">
Sydney and Melbourne home values continue to grow significantly with gains of 11% and 12% respectively in the past 12 months.
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Perth's home values still in decline: CoreLogic

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Echuca's residential market continues to remain strong with tight supply, according to Herron Todd White’s (HTW) May report.
The property valuation firm says that the lack of supply is likely to be temporarily alleviated due to additional supply in both Moama and Echuca.
“The local market continues to be relatively strong with generally tight supply on account of limited residential land supply in the past 12 to 18 months, although this is likely to be alleviated in the short term by additional supply in both Moama and more particularly Echuca,” the report said.
“Average pricing has pushed up in recent times with good demand and limited supply in the $350,000 to $450,000 bracket resulting in an upward shift in demand for properties priced in excess of $400,000 for mortgage belt type properties.
“Melbourne buyers continue to underpin the higher end of the market with several off river sales in excess of $800,000, particularly in Moama for custom built and well finished properties.
“The buoyant agricultural sector has also been a positive for the local economy.
“A slow down in the market in Melbourne or closure of a significant factory would likely affect the higher market segments and mortgage belt segments respectively, although there is likely to be significant cushioning from any metropolitan softening because the local market has not charged ahead at the same rate, with local prices more likely to plateau.”
A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-echuca-124713066" target="_blank">244 Farley Road</a>, Echuca (above) has been listed for $435,000.
Similarly a four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-echuca-125472554" target="_blank">11 Charlton Court</a>, Echuca (below) has been listed for $445,000.
<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/2017/05/19/11%20Charlton%20Court.jpg" alt="">
A four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-echuca-124328474" target="_blank">135 Stawell Street</a>, Echuca (below) was recently sold for $422,500.
<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/2017/05/19/135%20Stawell%20Street.jpg" alt="">
Similarly a three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-echuca-125123286" target="_blank">204 High Street</a>, Echuca (below) was recently sold for $376,000.
<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/2017/05/19/204%20High%20Street.jpg" alt="">
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Echuca residential market remains strong: HTW

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Sandy Bay ranks as the most expensive place in Hobart to purchase a house, according to a recent Investar report.
The property investment firm says that the median house price in Sandy Bay is $850,000.
This is followed by West Hobart with $690,000 and New Town with $600,000.
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
Suburb
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
Postcode
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
Bedrooms
</td>
<td valign="top" width="122">
Current median price
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
Sandy Bay
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
7005
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
4
</td>
<td valign="top" width="122">
$850,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
West Hobart
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
7000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
4
</td>
<td valign="top" width="122">
$690,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
New Town
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
7008
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
4
</td>
<td valign="top" width="122">
$600,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
Blackmans Bay
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
7052
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
4
</td>
<td valign="top" width="122">
$569,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
Tranmere
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
7018
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="122">
$547,500
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
Mount Nelson
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
7007
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="122">
$499,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
South Hobart
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
7004
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="122">
$495,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
Kingston
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
7050
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
4
</td>
<td valign="top" width="122">
$492,500
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
North Hobart
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
7000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="122">
$475,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
Lindisfarne
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
7015
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
4
</td>
<td valign="top" width="122">
$460,000
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
A four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-sandy+bay-124612226" target="_blank">13 Powell Street</a>, Sandy Bay (above) has been listed for over $895,000.
Similarly a four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-tas-sandy+bay-124351546" target="_blank">56 York Street</a>, Sandy Bay (below) was sold on March this year for $850,000.
<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/2017/04/18/56%20York%20Street.jpg" alt="">
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Sandy Bay the most expensive locality in Hobart to purchase a house: Investar

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Melbourne’s industrial markets are likely to benefit from ongoing economic and population growth, strong retail trade and proposed infrastructure projects, according to Cushman &amp; Wakefield's latest report.
Given the strong fundamentals and limited available stock in general, competition to secure investment assets will remain strong over the near term which may prompt further, though modest, yield compression, the report advised.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/04/18/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-18%20at%209.30.26%20am.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/2017/04/18/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-18%20at%209.30.26%20am.jpg" alt="">
"Melbourne’s occupier market remains active, driven by manufacturing, logistics, and, postal and warehousing sectors.
Available space in the East/South East markets remains tight, as such most of the larger scale leasing activity has been in the Western market.
Anmar and Isuzu trucks have most recently committed to a purpose-built facility (37,000 sq m) in DEXUS’ Industrial Estate on Foundation Road, Laverton North," the report stated.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/04/18/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-18%20at%209.30.37%20am.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/2017/04/18/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-18%20at%209.30.37%20am.jpg" alt="">
"In reflection of limited vacant space, prime net face rents in the East and South East markets have shown strongest rental growth, increasing by 11% and 12% over the last six months to $90-$100 and $85-$95 per sq m respectively for assets &lt;4,000 sq m and &lt;6,000 sq m.
Melbourne industrial investment totalled $200m in Q1 2017, a considerably stronger result than the $95m recorded in Q1 2016," the report commented.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/04/18/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-18%20at%209.30.53%20am.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/2017/04/18/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-18%20at%209.30.53%20am.jpg" alt="">
Rolling annual investment volume increased 12% q-o-q, largely as a result of investment in the West being above the longer-run average over the past twelve months.
"The West recorded the largest investment volume for the second consecutive quarter, with much of the $115m in Q1 underpinned by Deutsche Asset Management’s acquisition of 45 Fulton Drive, Derrimut for $36.1m, coupled with Cache Logistics Trust’s purchase of 217-225 Boundary Road, Laverton North for $22.2m.
In light of strong investment into the West, prime yields in this market have tightened 25-50 bps over the past six months to 6.25%-6.75%," the report stated.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/04/18/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-18%20at%209.31.02%20am.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/2017/04/18/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-18%20at%209.31.02%20am.jpg" alt="">
However, yields remain tightest in the South East, reflecting strong competition for limited quality stock.
 
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Ongoing economic growth contributing to Melbourne's industrial market

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Throughout 2016 Townsville’s retail market remained patchy, according to Herron Todd White’s recent report.
The property valuation firm says that the total transactions of all properties have equalled to $5 million.
"Quality properties with strong lease covenants transacted, several high profile neighbourhood shopping centres changed hands and a number of smaller showrooms, bulky goods centres and convenience centres also transacted at around the $5 million mark," the report commented.
This indicated a strong improvement for quality assets in regional areas at investment yields of circa 7%, demonstrating the yield disparity when compared with similar style assets in the southern metro markets.
"The year ahead for the retail sector is likely to remain patchy, with quality property with strong lease covenants continuing to attract interest.
However the balance of the market is likely to remain in a holding pattern at the bottom of the market cycle," the report warned.
The Cairns retail market passed through the bottom of the cycle during the course of 2014, but the limited recovery thus far means that the retail property market remains relatively flat.
"It must also be said that retail property sales in Cairns are extremely sporadic, with most sales involving retail property of mixed use retail and office buildings or tenant buyout of single premises.
High exposure CBD retail space remains reasonably well occupied, but vacancies are more noticeable in the lesser exposure locations and on the CBD fringe.
Rents have remained generally stable, showing ranges of $600 to $800 per square metre per annum for prime CBD space and $1,000 to $1,500 per square metre per annum in key tourist precincts such as the Cairns Esplanade," the report stated.
"Blue chip retail located within the main Esplanade tourist strip as well as the central business district shows reasonably low vacancies, although there is also limited demand from new businesses.
"There remains good investor demand for well leased properties which rarely come onto the market.
"Though the economic conditions in Cairns are likely to improve through buoyant tourism activity, little change is expected in retail market conditions during 2017."
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Townsville retail market begins to improve while Cairns remains flat: HTW

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A 500 square metres of building area on a 654 square metre site in Deepdene, Melbourne has sold to a local investor for $3,532,000.
The 68-72 Whitehorse Road property is zoned Commercial 2 and includes 13 metres of street frontage to Whitehorse Road, 48 metres on Barnsbury Road and rear laneway frontage of 13 metres.
Marketing agents Tom Maule and Adrian Boutsakis of Teska Carson said they received 80 bids from eight separate bidders for the property.
They said the property offered development potential and was sold subject to three leases with a total rental of $114,510 per annum on a 3.24 percent yield.
The tenancies include a large retail showroom, a two bedroom residence, and warehouse space.
Boutsakis said the property was close to public transport, recreational facilities, several of private and public schools, and quick access to major arterial routes.
He said both investors and developers saw the location as an attractive investment due to increasing demand from a growing population.   
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Deepdene mixed use property sells for $3,532,000

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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