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New apartment sales in Melbourne are slowing, along with supply, according to property consultant Urbis.
The consultancy's fourth quarter 2016 survey suggested 10 surveyed projects had already met pre-sale thresholds.
But others have "likely been affected by moderating short-term demand conditions", according to Urbis whom issued the report as the market responds to the latest curbs on investment.
Mark Dawson, director of property economics and research, said supply volumes were starting to scale back as financial and regulatory measures applied the brakes.
"Future launches will give a more genuine indication of market appetite for central city projects, since there has been some easing of momentum at the tail end of major projects," Dawson told Fairfax Media.
"Sales volumes have held firm in precincts outside the central city, yet continue to remain modest in the context of central city volumes over the last two years.
"Successful suburban projects are delivering similar sales numbers on a quarterly basis compared to central precinct projects, as market appetite continues to spread to the suburbs." 
According to Urbis, prices for new apartments rose in the last quarter last year compared to the previous quarter in the inner-north and inner-west precincts.
But they fell in the central, inner-east and inner-south precincts and overall.
The weighted average sale price in inner Melbourne was $658,000.
"Prices tend to move around on a quarterly basis due to variation in stock, so we have not seen evidence of a pullback in pricing," Mr Dawson said.
Separate figures from consultancy Charter Keck Cramer last month showed the number of apartment commencements in Melbourne dropped<a href="https://www.afr.com/real-estate/melbourne-apartment-correction-could-tip-into-affordability-disaster-udia-20170308-gut6pz"> </a>from 24,500 in 2015 to 16,300 last year.
The Weekend Australian reported more than half the apartments bought off the plan in Melbourne’s CBD, Docklands and Southbank since 2011 have changed hands at a loss, according to research from BIS Oxford Economics.
The rash of losses sets a lower bar for valuers, meaning banks are willing to lend less on the next sale, according to BIS analyst Angie Zigomanis.
“The risk is that this cascades down, setting lower benchmarks for the next round of apartment projects,” he said.
According to BIS Research, Melbourne city, which includes the CBD, Southbank and Docklands, Whitehorse city (including Box Hill, Burwood and Mitcham) and Port Phillip city (including Port Melbourne, St Kilda and part of Southbank) saw more than half units bought off the plan since 2011 breaking even or reselling at a loss.
Melbourne’s building cycle will peak in 2017 with 18,350 new high-rise units completed compared with 13,453 last year. 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

New apartment sales in Melbourne slowing: Urbis

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Pubs group Dixon Hospitality has ditched its initial public offering plans, after it received an approach from a domestic private equity firm late last week.
It has entered into discussions around a potential takeover.
Sources said Dixon's board, led by chief executive (and former Spotless Group boss) Bruce Dixon, decided on Monday afternoon that there was more value for shareholders in pursuing a sale to private equity than an ASX listing, Fairfax Media's Street Talk column reported.
The float was mooted at 13.8-times forecast 2018 financial year profit. 
Dixon owns 50 leasehold venues, primarily in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. 
The Australian also reported the development, but with a different rationale.
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Dixon Hospitality attracts private equity takeover interest

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The Mornington Peninsula had the highest auction clearance rate in Melbourne, according to CoreLogic’s latest report.
The property data firm says that out of the 54 auctions that were known to them, 87 percent resulted in a successful outcome.
This is followed by the North West with 86.1 percent and the Inner East with 85.3 percent.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/04/10/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-10%20at%2010.45.26%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/2017/04/10/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-10%20at%2010.45.26%20am.jpg" alt="">
The Inner region had the lowest auction clearance rate with only 76.1 percent of its 255 auctions cleared.
A five bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-mornington-124910194">12-14 John Rowell Lane</a>, Mornington (above) was sold for $2.945 million.
Similarly a three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-vic-tootgarook-124858538">26 Kareela Drive</a>, Tootgarook (below) was sold for $640,000.
<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/2017/04/10/26%20Kareela%20Drive.jpg" alt="">
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Mornington Peninsula scores highest weekend auction clearance rate in Melbourne: CoreLogic

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Monomeith Park at Monomeith, just over 15 minutes from Pakenham, has been listed by the Bourke family after three generations of ownership.
The Bourke family has successfully run sheep and beef cattle on <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-livestock-vic-monomeith-7888982" target="_blank">the 228 hectare grazing property</a>.
It is for sale at $24,710 per hectare ($10,000 an acre) through Ruralco Property, Pakenham agent Ray Cullen.
Robert Bourke said his family’s ownership stretched back to 1907 when the run was about 3000 acres running beef cattle and, until the late 1940s, 8000 sheep.
The old woolshed and press are still here.
Sir Sidney Kidman was a great friend of the family and often visited Bourke's grandfather.
The double-fronted weatherboard homestead, built in 1899 and heritage-listed by Cardinia Shire, is surrounded by the sea of flowers in Vivienne Bourke’s garden.
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Monomeith Park, Pakenham listed by Bourke family

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Falling vacancies and lower incentives are promising a windfall for landlords across the country, according to Colliers International’s latest CBD Office research and forecast report.
The report projects that positive net-effective rent conditions from net face growth will continue to drive tenant demand throughout 2017 on the back of suite strategies, such as that in Chifley Tower in Sydney, and pre-commitment to new developments, such as the new ANZ building in Docklands.
Despite office investment volumes being down in Sydney and Brisbane, and plateauing in Melbourne thoughout 2016, an increase is expected in 2017, as domestic and offshore building owners trade out of their profitable assets.
“The landlord’s market is in full swing in Sydney and Melbourne,” John Marasco, Colliers International’s chief executive for Victoria, said.
“Enquiry levels are still strong, with the majority coming from business services, health and community services, IT and finance, which is resulting in a more positive environment than what has been experienced in the past few years.
“With large players, both domestic and offshore, striving to achieve access and scale, we expect more capital partnering, like what was witnessed between Charter Hall and Morgan Stanley last year for 1 Shelley Street in Sydney, and possibly more merger-and-acquisition opportunities to emerge in 2017.”
Daniel Lees, Colliers International’s research director, said that with the reduction of office supply continuing in Sydney and Melbourne, significant increases in rent and reduction on incentives would be experienced.
“We predict the low supply pipeline will see vacancy rates well below long-term averages in Sydney and Melbourne, beginning to fall in Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra, and stabilising in Perth,” he said.
Colliers International’s mangaging director for valuations, Dwight Hillier, said the report indicated that the total internal rate of returns would strengthen throughout 2017, prompted by strong effective rental growth in the Sydney and Melbourne CBD office markets.
“Yield compression is forecast for the Sydney metropolitan office market in particular, as purchasers are forced to hunt for initial yield and total return beyond the CBD,” he said.
Sydney’s vacancy is anticipated to trend lower to 3.7% in early 2020, before rising to 5.7% by mid-2022.
“Sydney will enjoy a brief period of respite from negative net supply during the next six months as refurbishments come online.
But negative net supply will quickly return for the subsequent 18 months,” Simon Hunt, Colliers International’s managing director for office leasing, said.
“It won’t be until the first half of 2019, when withdrawals subside and the first building of the next Sydney supply cycle – 60 Martin Place – is complete, that Sydney finally starts a period of positive net supply.”
Vacancy in the Melbourne CBD is declining and will continue to do so during the next few years, with the total vacancy forecast to hit 4.3% in July 2021, due to the lack of supply.
“Melbourne’s supply levels have been far less sporadic than Sydney’s and accompanied by stable absorption,” Hunt said.
“We expect that healthy levels of demand will be sustained throughout the next two years, resulting in vacancy falling to 4.2% by the end of 2018, before the next supply cycle kicks in in 2019.”
Brisbane’s prime vacancy is also expected to continue falling during the next two years as tenants upgrade office space, enticed by incentives and competitive effective rents.
Office vacancy is likely to have peaked in Adelaide, as the construction cycle comes to an end this year and there is limited new supply in the pipeline in the short- to medium-term.
Sales activity remains strong as investors stake their claims in new builds, contributing to a volume of more than $453 million for 2016.
“This cap on new development supply and limited existing additions will help reduce the overall national vacancy from record levels to more historic 10-year averages,” Hunt said.
A-grade vacancy is also declining in Canberra, spurring effective rents to rise on the back of dwindling supplies.
Vacancy in the Perth CBD is stabilising, with major supply likely to be limited to new developments during the next two years.
Smaller tenants are most active, joining the office sector’s “flight to quality” movement to secure the best affordable stock.
The report highlights the increasing demand for suites across the country, with premium landlords carving up whole floors to cater to smaller tenants’ needs and boost effective rent values.
“We anticipate that a lack of whole floor space availability will see 2017’s leasing activity weighted to suites,” Hunt said.
While most grades across the CBD are seeing an increase in face-effective rents, the real story is in the sub-500 square metre B-grade market in fitted-out options, the report said.
Landlords are taking advantage of this demand and building new fitouts in these smaller suites or refurbishing suites with existing fitouts.
"Flexible spaces and the activation of areas for work are rapidly rising and filling the needs of tenants looking for lease flexibility," opined Hunt.
"Even though small businesses and start-ups have favoured flexible space, we should start to see larger businesses taking up more space in 2017, as the preference for flexible lease structures permeates through the market.”
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2017 tipped to be the year of the office landlord

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A Middle Park duplex, part of the estate of late cricket legend Ian William Johnson, has been sold for $6,985,000.
In his 11-year career Johnson achieved a Test-career double, scoring 1,000 runs in Tests (average 18.51) out of a total of 4,905 first-class runs (average 22.92) and taking 109 Test wickets (average 29.19) out of a first-class total of 619 (average 23.30).
Johnson captained the Australian cricket team in 17 Tests and was a member of the legendary 'Invincibles' team that remained undefeated during their tour of England in 1948.
The longtime secretary of the Melbourne Cricket Club died in 1998.
The property, which has been owned by the family for nearly 80 years, occupies 670 square metres at 206 Page Street.
The top residence was added to the single-level home just after WWII in 1945.
The local buyer plans to convert it into one residence.
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Cricketing great Ian Johnson's Albert Park estate sale

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More than $1.5 million is tipped by Teska Carson for a modern office and warehouse property at Cremorne in Melbourne’s inner eastern suburbs.
The property will be sold by auctioned May 5.
Located at 81 Green Street, the property is situated within a sought-after precinct of Cremorne, between Adelaide and Balmain streets.
The property comprises a 245 square metre, single level, tilt slab warehouse with a mezzanine area covering 50% of the building area, and a container height roller door.
The building covers the entire 245 square metre site, which is zoned Commercial 2 under the City of Yarra planning scheme and has 10 metres street frontage.
There is also a rear laneway entry point providing pedestrian and loading bay access.
According to the marketing agent, Teska Carson’s Luke Bisset, the property is ideally suited to an investor or owner-occupier.
It was in a relatively tightly held zone with very few vacancies, Bisset said.
"Opportunities such as this, so close to the CBD and the amenity it offers, are becoming scarcer and scarcer with the gentrification and residential conversion of many inner city suburbs,’’ he said.
The property will be sold with vacant possession.
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Modern Cremorne, Melbourne warehouse listing on CBD fringe

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There has been limited sales activity within Coffs Harbour’s retail market as property within the CBD is tightly held and rarely offered, according to Herron Todd White’s (HTW) latest report.
The property valuation firm says that this is despite there being a prevailing high vacancy rate within the prime strip centre.
Many retailers are finding it difficult to meet overheads.
"There is a trend for affordable retail rental space outside prime locations, however overall vacancy rates remain high for retail space," the report said.
"The high vacancy rate in the CBD is due to the difficult local economy with limited consumer discretionary spending, the reluctance of landlords to reduce rents or meet the market and the poaching of tenants by the Central and Plaza Shopping Centres.
"There is steady demand for the purchase of retail property emanating from investors against a shortage of supply in recent times."
The Gowings Central shopping centre development and the eastern end of the CBD appears to be trading well after the upgrade transformation.
The renovated ex-CBA bank building has increased the appeal and feel of this end of the retail precinct, HTW said.
Gowings are proposing an extension to the retail centre to office and hotel accommodation.
"Retail yields are generally in the 6% to 8% range depending on tenant, lease terms, location and property detail," said the report.
"Grafton commercial retail market displays higher investment yield rates.
"Yields are generally within the 7% to 9% range.
"The market remains steady with a slight uplift in the local economy.
"Nambucca and Macksville retail centres appear steady with some vacancy but improved local economy due to the Pacific Highway relocation works and associated workforce."
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Limited sales activity in Coffs Harbour retail market: HTW

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Globally, monetary policy remains accommodative as global growth continues a below-average rate of growth, according to Savills’ latest report.
When reported, the numbers for the second half of 2016 are expected to show global growth marginally improving.
Growth in China has stabilised and the Government continues to support property markets and infrastructure spending.
GDP in the US picked up in the September quarter of 2016 whilst growth in Europe and Japan remained at modest levels.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/21/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-21%20at%205.08.04%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/2017/02/21/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-21%20at%205.08.04%20pm.jpg" alt="">
 Whilst conditions remain supportive of consumption growth around the world, business investment remains relatively subdued.
Labour markets globally have seen substantial improvement however the quality of work the wages offered and the part-time and contractual nature of the employment growth undermines the quality of employment growth.
Substantial capacity through underemployment remains.
Consequently, headline inflation numbers remain below most central bank’s target ranges.
Inflation expectations have been little changed over the past twelve months however a late pick-up in inflation expectations following the results of the US presidential election has seen bond yields move substantially at the end of 2016.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/21/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-21%20at%205.08.18%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/2017/02/21/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-21%20at%205.08.18%20pm.jpg" alt="">
The capital markets have been relatively strong over the six months to end of December 2016 with the S&amp;P500 finishing the six months up over 7 percent.
European bourses fared better with most indices up strongly over the six months to December 2016.
Bourses in Asia have been generally healthy over the last six months of 2016.
10 year bond yields have risen by an average of 44 basis points around the world in the past six months and average around 1.7%.
The negative rates prevalent in Japan and Germany in mid-2016 have reversed to be 0.05% and 0.21% respectively.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/21/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-21%20at%205.08.53%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/2017/02/21/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-21%20at%205.08.53%20pm.jpg" alt="">
Most of the move in global bond yields followed the outcome of the US presidential election in early November.
The move in bond yields were associated with expectations of infrastructure spending, tax cuts, trade renegotiations and further support for economic growth.
Expectations for rising interest rates in the US firmed.
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Hanoi tops world office market yields: Savills

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Transport and Logistics as well as pre-commitments are driving Melbourne’s industrial property market, with a shortage of serviced lots driving hikes in land values in some precincts, according to Savills.
Monica Mondkar, associate director research, Savills, said Transport &amp; Logistics accounted for 320,330 square metres or 36 percent of the 891,964 square metres leased in the 12 months to March 31.
She said the total square metres leased was down on the 970,317 square metres reported leased in the previous 12 months but remained well above the five year average of 740,010 square metres.
"Savills research also revealed a continuation of the strong pre-commitment market with the 251,270 square metres of pre-committed industrial space adding to the 316,191 square metres pre-committed in the previous corresponding period, bringing to well over half a million (567,461sqm) square metres in total pre-commitments over the last 24 months," she said.
"The trend to online sales in particular was a key factor behind continued growth in demand for warehouse and distribution centres.
"Melbourne’s industrial market has traditionally been home to a wide range of occupiers including manufacturing, engineering and wholesale sectors, however tenant demand from the transport &amp; logistics sector over the past two years has been increasing steadily and the rise in online retailing has been a key driver,’’ Ms Mondkar said.
"Household goods and housing construction were also significant industrial demand drivers in Victoria, as population growth continued to outstrip all other capitals.
Melbourne’s population growing at 2.4 per cent - the fastest in the nation – ahead of Brisbane (1.8 percent) and Greater Sydney (1. percent).
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="110">
Square metres reported leased   
</td>
<td valign="top" width="80">
Year to March 2017
</td>
<td valign="top" width="80">
Year to March 2016
  
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
Five year
  average
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
Year on Year
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
Five Year change
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="110">
Melbourne
</td>
<td valign="top" width="80">
891,964
</td>
<td valign="top" width="80">
970,317                  
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
740,010
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
Down 8 %
</td>
<td valign="top" width="70">
Up 20%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Source: Savills Australia Research
Greg Jensz, Savills’ Victorian Head of Industrial Sale &amp; Leasing said the very strong pre-commitment market was being driven by a number of factors including attractive rental deals and the lack of suitable stock.
"In some cases tenants are finding more attractive rental agreements than available with existing buildings but this has generally been negotiated over longer, circa 10 year lease arrangements," he said.
"In other cases buildings have been purpose-built to suit the peculiar requirements of tenants, for example cold storage users, which in most cases is simply not available, and generally these are larger requirements and so inflate total leasing data.
"A shortage of available serviced land had seen significant hikes in value.
"Land prices are through the roof due to a severe shortage of available serviced land.
"Small lots in the north are now going for up to $325 a square metre and lots of one hectare plus have sold for up to $250 a square metre.
"Meanwhile in the west small lots are achieving $275 a square metre and one hectare plus up to $210 a square metre.
"Embryonic growth of a new speculative industrial construction push was another factor driving land values, especially around key transport routes, however rental growth had not been a contributor.
"What speculative construction there is has, more often than not, been on land purchased some time ago at cheaper rates allowing construction to stack up for some developers at current rents."
Key industrial leases 12 Months to March 2017
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="141">
Tenant
</td>
<td valign="top" width="191">
Address
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
GLA sqm
</td>
<td valign="top" width="86">
Lease type
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="141">
Seaway Logistics
</td>
<td valign="top" width="191">
11-25 Toll Drive, Altona North
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
16,144
</td>
<td valign="top" width="86">
Direct
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="141">
Metro Trains
</td>
<td valign="top" width="191">
610 Heatherton Rd, Clayton South
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
24,065
</td>
<td valign="top" width="86">
Direct
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="141">
Ceva Logistics (Toyota)
</td>
<td valign="top" width="191">
8 Doriemus Drive, Truganina
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
22,840
</td>
<td valign="top" width="86">
Direct
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="141">
Isuzu Trucks
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="191">
66 Foundation Rd, Truganina
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
21,685
</td>
<td valign="top" width="86">
Precommit
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="141">
Anmar
</td>
<td valign="top" width="191">
14 Felstead Avenue, Sunshine West
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
15,720
</td>
<td valign="top" width="86">
Precommit
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="141">
Woolworths
</td>
<td valign="top" width="191">
Portlink Estate, Dandenong
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
60,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="86">
Precommit
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="141">
Spectrum Brands
</td>
<td valign="top" width="191">
Chifley Business Park, Mentone
</td>
<td valign="top" width="77">
30,668
</td>
<td valign="top" width="86">
Precommit
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 Source: Savills Research
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Transport & Logistics, pre-commitments, driving Melbourne industrial market: Savills

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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