<html><body>
Developers who aim projects at foreign investors are facing bleak times under the Budget package.
New developments will be subject to a 50 percent cap on foreign investment off the plan sale approvals to “safeguard the opportunity for Australian buyers to purchase”.
The new regulation applies only to developments with at least 50 units. 
The current level is 100 percent after the Rudd government lifted it from 50 percent during the global financial crisis.
"We will restore the requirement that prevents developers from selling more than 50 percent of new developments to foreign investor," the Treasurer said. 
Meanwhile, foreign investors in residential real estate will be slapped with a “ghost tax” if they leave their properties empty or not available for rent for at least six months of the year.
The annual charge will be equivalent to the foreign investment application fee which was paid at the time of application and will work out to at $5000 plus annually.
The measure is expected to net $20 million in revenue over the next four years.
Earlier in February Property Observer published an article by Robert Simeon where the agent suggested the need to reverse the off-the-plan ratio back to 50 percent from 100 percent to overseas buyers. 
"We are now going into the ninth year of 100 percent and the only clear impact we are seeing is that foreign investors have become a most dominant player," he wrote.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Reins tightened for developers aiming projects at foreign investors in 2017 Budget

<html><body>
The Federal Budget has given seniors a nudge as part of its attempts to ease housing affordability by getting them to downsize. 
From July 1, 2018, people aged 65 and over will be able to make a non-concessional contribution (NCC) of up to $300,000 from the sale of their principal residence into their superannuation, if they have lived there for at least 10 years.
With this move, the government aims to encourage empty nesters to downsize to free up more multi-bedroomed properties.
The downsizing contributions will be outside of existing contribution caps, and both members of a couple will be able to take advantage of the measure from the same home. The scheme is expected to cost the government $30 million in lost revenue over the forward estimates period, News.com.au reported.
The new incentive is in addition to concessions already permitted and will be exempt from the age test, work test and the $1.6 million balance test for the NCC.
The measures apply from July 1, 2018.
The budget measure has been welcomed by the SMSF Association.
Association Chief Executive Officer John Maroney it would allow a couple to contribute up to $600,000 from the sale of their home to superannuation outside of the existing caps and balance restrictions.
"This means people can make a significant top-up contribution to their super funds, allowing them to fund a dignified and secure retirement,” he was cited as saying by moneymanagement.com.au.
"While the measure may not be a significant trigger to encourage downsizing, we welcome the ability for older Australians to top up their superannuation where downsizing their home provides them with funds to do so.”
But there are concerns for down-shifters on how the extra super assets would reduce their part-pension entitlement.
SMSF Association head of policy Jordan George had advised caution about such a move ahead of the budget.
“Incentives to encourage people to downsize their home is a sensible idea,” George told selfmanagedsuper. 
But while the exemption was a good idea in principle, George said it was crucial to consider any ramifications of such a measure for people’s pension entitlements. 
“The assets test for the age pension when people downsize and the profit from downsizing may affect their entitlement to the age pension – that could become a significant issue,” he noted. 
KPMG tax partner Damian Ryan said allowing older couples downsizing to contribute to their super funds was welcome news.
"This will allow some older Australians to sell the family home and contribute some of the proceeds into superannuation,” he said, adding, “Those on the age pension are unlikely to take up this initiative.”
He said the measure would be attractive to a group of members who would like to sell their family home but due to contribution caps would have been prevented from topping up their superannuation balance, essentially transferring funds from one tax-preferred asset to another.
Also, residence requirements for the Age Pension and Disability Support Pension are increasing to 10 years continuous residence, including five of a person’s working life, which will affect about 2,400 people.
 
</body></html>

Budget 2017 encourages downsizing by pensioners, caution urged on entitlements

<html><body><div title="Page 1">
The Real Estate Institute of Western Australia said the 2017 Budget saw the need to improve housing affordability and address supply constraints as well retain negative gearing and Capital Gains Tax (CGT) arrangements for property investors.
Hayden Groves, president, REIWA said the emphasis on housing affordability is long overdue, and he is pleased the Government is driving policy to improve housing outcomes, by helping first home buyers salary sacrifice a proportion of their pre-tax income.
"The Budget also encourages senior Australians over 65 to down size by making a non-concessional contribution of up to $300,000 into their superannuation fund from the proceeds of the sale of their principal home," he said.
“While we’re pleased the Turnbull Government have recognised the need to assist Australian seniors with housing affordability, more still needs to be done.
"REIWA will continue to advocate for reform to transfer duty, specifically a $10,000 concession for seniors to ‘right size.
The wins for small business owners included:
<ul>
<li>Small businesses with a turnover of up to $10 million will continue to be able to immediately write off expenditure up to $20,000 for a further year.</li>
<li>The Federal Government will take further action to reward States and Territories that cut red tape costs for small businesses.</li>
</ul>
"Most of our members are small business owners and these initiatives by the Federal Government will be a welcome relief to them given the challenging market conditions the industry is currently facing.
"although there were many positives for the WA real estate industry in the Budget, the Institute was disappointed the Government has chosen to slug foreign investors with a $5,000 levy if they fail to occupy or lease their property for at least six months each year.
"Additionally, the 2017-18 Budget prevents developers from selling more than 50 percent of new developments to foreign investors.
“Foreign investment in WA represents a very small proportion of our local market. These policies will only further dampen an already subdued housing market and deter foreigners who are not permanent residents to locate and live in WA."
</div></body></html>

2017 Budget focus on housing affordability welcome news for Western Australia

<html><body>
First home buyers will finally be able to top up their superannuation to save for a lower taxed deposit under the federal government’s wide-ranging housing affordability package.
Under the scheme for first home buyers, existing super balances will remain locked away.
But from July 1, savers will be able to salary sacrifice extra contributions into their superannuation account above the compulsory contribution, up to a maximum of $30,000 in total and $15,000 in a single year.
They will then be able to withdraw that cash from July 1, 2018 onwards, along with any associated earnings.
“Under this plan, most first home savers will be able accelerate their savings by at least 30 per cent,” Treasurer Scott Morrison said in his budget speech.
The SMSF Association Chief Executive Officer John Maroney says the Government initiative linking housing and superannuation offers superannuation funds, including the SMSF sector, an excellent opportunity to engage younger fund members in their superannuation.
The first home buyers’ proposal strikes the right balance between encouraging young people to save for a first home deposit in a concessional tax environment, but also protecting their retirement savings for the longer-term.”
Villawood Properties has applauded the First Home Super Saver Scheme, announced in last night’s Federal Budget.
Its executive director, Rory Costelloe, said the Budget’s housing affordability measures would be embraced by many who had been struggling to save a sufficient deposit in a market where prices continue to grow at unprecedented rate. 
"The Government's salary sacrifice option for first home buyers signals greater consideration for the wider market as it supports the first home buyers, without taking anything away from the wider market. 
“It's difficult for traditional young first home buyers to compete with the volume of new buyers, particularly given that Victoria had an immigration boost of 110,000 people last year. 
“The comparatively modest amount allowed for salary sacrifice will also mean there's not a sudden influx of purchasers on the market ready to buy, which would escalate already high demand even further,” Mr. Costelloe said. 
Costelloe added that giving new buyers access to funds through schemes such as the salary sacrifice option and revisions to First Home Buyers benefits were not enough to cool the housing market and that there is a real need slash current delays in getting land to market. 
“Victoria currently on has 21 days’ worth of supply of land on the market, in a competitive market its more like 90 days, the real answer to affordability is to increase supply - this means reduce planning red tape and third party appeal rights to allow developers to get sufficient supply to the market,” said Mr Costelloe.
Dubbed the “First Home Super Savers Scheme”, it will attract the tax benefits of superannuation, with contributions and earnings taxed at 15 per cent, rather than marginal rates, and withdrawals taxed at 30 per cent below their marginal rate.
“Savers will not have to set up another account, they can just use their existing super account and decide how much of their income they want to put aside to save for their first home deposit,” Mr Morrison said.
<div id="unruly-publisher-marker__inArticle">For an idea of how it would work, the government gives the example of “Michelle”.</div>
Michelle earns $60,000 a year, and salary sacrifices $10,000 of her pre-tax income into her superannuation account, boosting her balance by $8500 after contributions tax. After three years, she can withdraw $27,380 plus earnings on those contributions, paying tax of $1620, leaving her with $25,760 for her deposit. That works out to about $6240 more than if she had saved in a standard deposit account.
The scheme is expected to cost the budget bottom line $250 million over four years, while the Australian Taxation Office will be given an additional $9.4 million for its implementation.
Siobhan Hayden, HashChing COO, said Any Federal initiatives that allows Australians to salary sacrifice a proportion of their pre-tax income towards a deposit "is a good initiative." “However, Australia is not a single housing market, and therefore any single measure introduced by the Federal Budget to address this holistically will not be successful. “Supply issues still prevail, which continues to elevate prices in highly sought after suburbs. “Even those living in expensive suburbs are surprised by their own asset appreciation. “Innovative lending products will need to be introduced by existing lender participants, whereby multiple applicants can borrow but are proportionately liable. 
 “In the medium term, the Federal government should do a comprehensive review of the tax tabled on a new house build which is currently circa 40%,” she said.
</body></html>

Voluntary super scheme for first home buyer savers in 2017 Budget

<html><body>
Treasurer Scott Morrison’s ‘scalpel’-like approach to address housing affordability involves incentivising private investors to with tax discounts if they offer their property at below-market rents.
As part of the Budget announcement, the government will introduce a new National Housing and Homelessness agreement with the states and territories to ensure a supply of housing for those most in need. The agreement includes $375 million of government funding for housing for the homeless and those needing crisis accommodation. 
Beginning next year, private investors would be offered incentives to invest in affordable housing, with a 60% discount on capital gains if they provide their property at below-market rent and to tenants on low-to-moderate incomes managed by a registered community housing provider. 
The government will also establish a trust to get investors – both foreign and domestic – interested in investing in affordable housing.
“It’s a comprehensive plan, it’s not a silver bullet – nor is it intended to be,” Morrison was cited by saying in his budget lockup press conference by crikey.com.au.
Managed Investment Trusts (MITs) will be allowed to invest in affordable housing and investors who buy into these trusts will see an increase in the capital gains tax discount they receive of 60 percent up from 50 percent.
The discount, which will cost the government about $15 million over two years, helps to compensate for the lower yield on investing in social housing, according to The Australian Financial Review.
As another move to encourage investors, the government will strengthen the rent guarantee in these homes by allowing direct deductions of welfare payments from tenants. But investors must keep the property rental affordable for at least 10 years to get the discounts.
The establishment of a National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation (NHFIC) will provide $63.1 million over four years to operate a so-called “bond aggregator” that aims to provide cheaper financing for community housing providers. This is a good idea that should have a positive effect, and help address the high cost of funds that often plagues financing of housing for low-income earners, said economics professor Richard Holden. 
However, the federal government's budget met with its dose of scepticism from industry players.
Sara Watts, interim CEO of City West Housing, said the budget didn't go far enough on rental affordability.
“Last night’s budget doesn’t go far enough to address affordable rental housing shortfalls in our major cities, particularly for those who may never be able to afford their own home. Nor did the government add any clarity to the discussion about the difference between affordable housing and housing affordability. As a consequence, many key workers are no closer to being able to live near their place of work," said Watts.
However, she did welcome the introduction of a National Housing Infrastructure Facility that seeks to providing long-term, low cost financing for affordable rental housing.
"This will help affordable housing developers fund the construction of high-quality affordable rental housing stock."
 “For more than 20 years, City West Housing has designed, built and tenanted award-winning affordable housing for key workers in the City of Sydney area. Today, City West Housing owns and manages over 700 properties, has delivered 104 new properties into the market in 2016 and will have another 310 properties available to key workers by the end of 2019,” added Watts.
</body></html>

Budget 2017 promises capital gains tax discount for affordable community housing investors

<html><body>
The housing focus in the 2017 Budget sends an important signal to the community the Government is serious about delivering more affordable housing, according to the Housing Industry Association.
Graham Wolfe, deputy managing director, HIA said there are no simple solutions but providing well targeted assistance to help first home buyers save for their first home and to providers of community housing through the ‘National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation’ will make a difference.
“Although not an affordability measure, the incentives for ‘downsizers’ will also help stimulate the supply of new housing more appropriate to the needs of our seniors," he said.
“Much of the work to improve housing affordability rests with state and local governments and the Budget has made significant commitments to encourage action.
"The National Housing Infrastructure Facility has $1billion behind it is more than just window dressing.
“Linking the National Housing and Homelessness Agreement’s $1.8 billion to the states and local governments delivering improved housing supply and better planning systems is a significant and welcome reform.
“The ‘city deals’ expansion into smaller scale projects is also a welcome development: the big ticket projects are important but much can be achieved by removing obstacles to more efficient delivery of homes.
“However HIA is concerned about the negative impacts on residential building from the Budget’s measures on foreign investment.
“Plans to tax vacant homes, limit the share of foreign investment in new projects and increase foreign investor duties all send exactly the wrong signal to potential investors in Australia.
“HIA would urge the Government to build on the Budget’s initial steps towards more affordable housing by making this a standing item on the COAG agenda.
“In the meantime HIA will continue to urge the Government to undertake a thorough national inquiry into housing affordability and establish a mechanism for the regular monitoring of the crucial supply of land for the residential building industry."
</body></html>

2017 Budget is a step towards housing affordability: HIA

<html><body>
The Real Estate Institute of Australia has applauded announcements made in the 2017 Budget to address housing supply and affordability.
Malcolm Gunning, president, REIA said he is pleased that the Government reiterated that it will not remove or limit negative gearing or change the capital gains tax as this would increase the tax burden on Australians trying to provide a future for their families.
“The boost to infrastructure spending, measures to improve housing supply, the extension of small business concessions, and the retention of the current negative gearing as well as CGT arrangements for taxation of property investments will help ensure that the property sector remains an important contributor to economic growth,”  he said.
"This recognises that the current arrangements increase the supply of housing for our growing population, keep rents affordable and ease the burden on social housing.
“With home ownership in Australia declining and first homebuyers finding it increasingly difficult to enter the housing market, allowing first homebuyers to build deposits with superannuation through voluntary contributions is welcome.
“Whilst REIA has advocated for a more aggressive approach to bridging the deposit gap by allowing first homebuyers access to existing balances in superannuation accounts the Government’s initiative will reduce the time taken to save for a deposit by around 25 percent.
“The change in the threshold for foreign resident capital gains tax withholding to $750,000 from the current $2 million is not welcome and could be considered misguided as most foreign investors buy higher valued properties in Sydney and Melbourne and to a lesser extent in Brisbane.
“It is more red tape and not necessary. With the median house price of $743,776 across Australia this will mean most properties will be subject to this requirement and results in more work for sales agents and conveyancers and depending on the workload this presents for the ATO may even delay settlements.
“With forecasts of moderate growth, an improvement in the unemployment rate, inflation well within the RBA’s target zone, the Budget is welcome news for home owners, prospective buyers and renters."
</body></html>

2017 Budget welcome news for home owners, prospective buyers and renters: REIA 

<html><body>
The federal budget has addressed housing affordability issues in the Budget with an emphasis on “building more homes”, and Western Sydney figures prominently in it.
Treasurer Scott Morrison said there would also be “tens of thousands” of new homes delivered in western Sydney as part of the “Western Sydney city deal”.
The population of Western Sydney is expected to reach 1.4 million people by 2036, so an additional 180,000 new homes and jobs creation is required to support this population growth. 
The Western Sydney City Deal between the federal and state governments, according to the Urban Developer, pledges to;
<ul>
<li>target additional infrastructure investment to increase public transport and reduce traffic congestion, so people can spend more time with their families</li>
<li>deliver more jobs closer to homes and services, with a focus on youth and indigenous training and skills development.</li>
<li>increase housing through better planning and density done well, and streamlining approvals across all three levels of government</li>
</ul>
Since the election of the NSW Coalition government in 2011, there has been a renewed push for not only better infrastructure in Western Sydney, but also to decentralise Sydney by moving government offices that have traditionally resided in the CBD and migrate them to outer suburbs such as Parramatta and Liverpool.
NSW Premier Mike Baird and then Prime Minister Tony Abbott had first announced a second airport in Western Sydney’s Badgerys Creek. Baird and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in October 2016 called the Western Sydney City Deal the "nation’s largest ever planning and investment partnership".
The federal government recently promised to build the Western Sydney Airport after the owners of Kingsford Smith Airport declined the offer.  It will provide up to $5.3 billion in equity to establish WSA Corporation Limited from 2017-18 to develop the airport. Works are expected to commence by late 2018 and airport operations by 2026, creating 20,000 jobs.
The push for Western Sydney housing began in 2014 when planning policy changes allowed 2,500 Western Sydney home sites to be instantly brought online.
Property Observer wrote that multi-storey residential towers are expected to be built in many parts of Sydney as numerous areas undergo a rezoning. 
</body></html>

Western Sydney to have 'tens of thousands' of homes, says Budget 2017 

<html><body>
Negative gearing remains, but the entitlement rules are being tightened around what can be claimed by property investors on travel expenses.
Investors will no longer be able to claim tax deductions for travel expenses “related to inspecting, maintaining or collecting rent for a residential rental property” from July 1.
Of the nation's 2 million landlords, about 1.3 million are negatively geared.
The measure is intended to “address concerns that many taxpayers have been claiming travel deductions without correctly apportioning costs”.
The government expects the travel changes to bring in an extra $540 million in revenue over the next four years.
Australia's 1.3 million-strong contingent of negatively geared landlords will no longer be able to claim travel expenses for inspecting their residential properties.
It also applies for travel to collect rent on a property.
At present, travel-related ­expense claims related to inspections but in reality ‘holidays’ is costing the government more than $160 million a year.
"This is an integrity measure to address concerns that many taxpayers have been claiming travel deductions without correctly apportioning costs, or have claimed travel costs that were for private travel purposes," the budget papers say.
It does not apply to commercial property.
Property management fees for third parties such as real estate agents will remain tax deductible.
The 2017 budget sees rules being tightened around what can be claimed by property investors, specifically around depreciation deductions.
<div>
 
</div>
</body></html>

Property investors to lose travel expense tax claims: 2017 Budget

<html><body>
The 2017 Budget sees rules being tightened around what can be claimed by property investors, specifically around depreciation deductions.
Under new rules coming into effect from July 1, depreciation deductions for plant and equipment items such as washing machines and ceiling fans will only be allowed if the investor actually bought them.
Of the nation's 2 million landlords, about 1.3 million are negatively geared.
It is described as an “integrity measure.”
It is intended to address concerns that items are being claimed as tax write-offs by successive investors in excess of their actual value.
It is calculated to claw back $260 million over the next four years of the budget.
The changes will apply to any items purchased after budget night, May 9, but existing investments will be grandfathered.
"Acquisitions of existing plant and equipment items will be reflected in the cost base for capital gains tax purposes for subsequent investors."
Those investments will continue to give rise to deductions for depreciation until the investor no longer owns the asset or the asset reaches the end of its effective life.
Assets purchased after budget night will attract a deduction over the effective life of the asset but subsequent owners will not be able to claim deductions on that asset.
Investors will also no longer be able to claim <a href="/expert-insights/69959-property-investors-to-lose-travel-expense-tax-claims-2017-budget" target="_blank">tax deductions for travel expenses</a> “related to inspecting, maintaining or collecting rent for a residential rental property” from July 1.
The government expects the travel changes to bring in an extra $540 million in revenue over the next four years.
It intends to use the “integrity measure” to fund a first-home buyers’ scheme, which will allow $30,000 to be salary sacrificed into a superannuation account at a concessional tax rate.
</body></html>

Property investors to lose depreciation deductions on furniture: 2017 Budget  

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

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News