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Online property agency iBuyNew has appointed Alex Caraco as chief executive officer.
He was a former CEO with Coldwell Banker Australia. iBuyNew founder Mark Mendel, previously CEO, has become head of strategy.
Alex Caraco said we are working hard to expand iBuyNew’s presence with plans to install sales teams in all mainland state capitals as well as on the Gold Coast.
“This month we have boosted our Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne sales teams as we seek to expand our sales volumes,” he said.
“Mark has worked tremendously hard to get iBuyNew to where it is today and it is fantastic that he will be continuing the journey as head of strategy.
"iBuynew would be working closely going forward with some of the nation’s leading development companies.
“We will hit the ground running with our sales and marketing initiatives to assist developers of apartments, townhouses and house and land packages.
“iBuyNew has nearly 5000 properties for sale throughout Australia and is actively seeking new quality projects to add to our vast selection.”
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

iBuyNew doubles sales team as Alex Caraco takes CEO reins

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Properties in Brisbane takes a significant time to sell, according to CoreLogic’s latest report.
The property data firm says that a house in Brisbane can take up to 56 days to sell while a unit can sit on the market for 84 days.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/27/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-27%20at%202.16.44%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/2017/03/27/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-27%20at%202.16.44%20pm.jpg" alt="">
This is compared to Sydney where the average period for both a unit and house is 26 days.
However Darwin takes the most amount of time with most units and houses taking up to 3 months or more to sell.
A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-lota-124814498" target="_blank">116 Alastair Street</a>, Lota (above) was recently sold for $657,500.
Similarly a four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-murarrie-124852470" target="_blank">35 Garrett Street</a>, Murraie (below) was recently sold for $646,000.
<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/2017/03/29/35%20Garrett%20Street.jpg" alt="">
A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-wavell+heights-125102570" target="_blank">231 Edinburgh Castle Road</a>, Wavell Heights (below) has been listed for over $599,000.
<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/2017/03/29/231%20Edinburgh%20Castle%20Road.jpg" alt="">
Similarly a six bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-deception+bay-121919662" target="_blank">6 Nalbo Court</a>, Deception Bay (below) has been listed for $650,000.
<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/2017/03/29/6%20Nalbo%20Court.jpg" alt="">
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Brisbane houses selling much quicker than apartments: CoreLogic

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Average sales turnover has declined slightly over the 12 months to December 2016, according to JLL’s latest retail report.
This annual report highlights the retail market industry and the views of retail centres managers view points on how the retail industry is doing.
Turnover in sub-regional centres declined by 0.3% although specialty turnover improved marginally by 0.4%.
The continued poor performance of discount department stores (Kmart being the exception) has impacted sub-regional centre sales.
This is reflected in recent results for the first half of the 2016-17 financial year compared with the corresponding period the previous year:
<ul>
<li>Big W comparable store sales declined by 6.3%;</li>
<li>Target comparable store sales declined by 18.2%;</li>
<li>Kmart comparable store sales increased by 5.7%;</li>
<li>Coles food &amp; liquor comparable sales increased by 1.3%;</li>
<li>Woolworths comparable store sales increased by 1.9%.</li>
</ul>
Vacancy rates in sub-regional centres were also higher in 2016 than in 2015 despite improvement in the second half.
This may have had a slight negative impact on performance during 2016.
Annual neighbourhood centre sales declined by 1.3%.
While competition between supermarkets has been particularly strong and was often noted as a concern by Centre Managers, some centres have seen a range of non-retail services such as medical centres, financial services and travel agencies that do not report sales replace retail stores.
This change in tenancy mix may have impacted overall turnover but may have been a positive for the centre in terms of providing the services customers want at their local centre.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/28/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-28%20at%2010.48.02%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/03/28/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-28%20at%2010.48.02%20am.jpg" alt="">
Retail trade across Australia grew by a modest 3.5% in 2016.
When new centre openings, expansions of existing centres and the continued expansion of global retailers such as Costco, ALDI and fast fashion labels is taken into account, competition for the retail dollar is very strong.
The key area of weakness has been department stores, which managed growth of just 0.6% in 2016.
Discounting amongst supermarkets has kept growth in the supermarket sector to a low 2.6% in 2016, despite relatively strong growth in new supermarkets as the major players fight for market share.
The level of new supply across the neighbourhood, sub-regional and regional centre markets of Australia’s major capital cities was relatively high in 2016 at 347,000sqm.
Even more supply is in the short-term pipeline, with completions expected to peak in 2017 at 416,000sqm.
This will serve to heighten competition in the retail sector.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/03/28/Figure%202.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/2017/03/28/Figure%202.jpg" alt="">
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Average retail sales turnover declines slightly over past year: JLL

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Tradies are in short supply in NSW’s regional area and lack of competition could see their profits in these areas soaring, according to data from a jobs website.
The ServiceSeeking.com.au data highlights the most profitable areas for tradies operating in New South Wales.
The website aims to connect tradies with jobs in their local areas.
The data found that builders in Dubbo and Orana have 69% less competition versus the national average.
Carpenters in the Blue Mountains and Hunter Valley regions are also severely undersupplied.
Newcastle is running dry of painter with 50% less competition than the national average, while plasterers and tilers should look towards the South Coast.
 “If you’re a builder in the South Coast or regional NSW, the undersupply in Dubbo or Shoalhaven is a huge opportunity,” says ServiceSeeking.com.au CEO Jeremy Levitt.
“It’s a great chance for builders to increase their prices and capitalise on the lack of supply.
“Targeting areas where there’s less competition is a great way for tradies to jump in and make serious money.”
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Tradies in short supply in regional NSW

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A new two-level David Jones store is one of the headline attractions of the recently opened Macarthur Square shopping complex redevelopment.
Commenced in 2015, the $240 million project in south-west Sydney’s Campbelltown also includes international retailer H&amp;M, a new look Coles, fresh food market hall, more than 40 new specialty stores, an alfresco and casual dining precinct, along with 500 additional car spaces.
The Lendlease-managed centre is jointly owned by Australian Prime Property Fund Retail (APPF Retail) and the GPT Wholesale Shopping Centre Fund.
The redevelopment increases the centre’s  gross lettable area (GLA) from 94,300 square metres to approximately 107,000 square metres.
Gary Horwitz, head of retail at Lendlease, said the redevelopment is a response to the changing nature of shopping centres.
“Our customers have told us they want to visit a world class shopping centre without having to travel to the city,” he said.
“The redevelopment of Macarthur Square has allowed us to grow with the region and adapt to the changing demographics and needs of our local customers, ultimately delivering an outstanding, all-encompassing, and sustainable retail experience.
“The centre’s design and retail mix reflects the natural environment and tastes of the region, while customer aspirations are brought to life with an exciting range of popular fashion brands anchored by David Jones and H&amp;M.”
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Macarthur Square shopping centre unveils $240 million redevelopment

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An historic 1857 Wistow, South Australia house has been listed with price guidance between $649,000 to $699,000.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-sa-wistow-124677354" target="_blank">12 Burwood Road</a>, the home sits on 25 acres of farmlands and bushland.
The house has three bedrooms, and features polished floors and fireplaces.
There are three main paddocks that can be used for cropping, running livestock and outdoor sports as well as being self-sufficient due to the 100,000 litres of accessible rainwater.
The CBD is 45 minutes away, while Mount Barker is 10 minutes.
The property is offered through Harcourts Adelaide Hills agents Sam Oborn and David Hankin.
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1857 Wistow, SA house listed for $649,000 plus

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A Tinderbox house overlooking the Derwent River in Tasmania is listed with $695,000 plus hopes.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-tinderbox-124701362" target="_blank">321 Tinderbox Road</a>, the property is only 30 minutes from Hobart CBD and blends with its natural surrounding of seven acres of bushland.
Other views that can be seen from the house includes the Iron Pot, North Bruny Island and Stormy Bay.
There are four bedrooms, a retreat as well as a study nook.
<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/2017/03/23/321%20Tinderbox%20Road-2.jpg" alt="">
The property is offered through Harcourts Signature agent Neville Howlett.
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Tinderbox, Tasmania river-view house listed at $695,000 plus

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Brisbane property sale numbers have increased slightly in the past three months and sales figures have significantly increased, according to research from CoreLogic’s Brisbane Fringe Cityscope.
The property data firm says that the last three months to the beginning of February 2017 recorded 37 sales for a total of $313.1 million.
This consists of $262.6 million for commercial, $3 million for commercial strata, $3.5 million for retail, $7.4 million for retail strata and $36.7 million for other.
In comparison, the last three months to the beginning of November 2016 recorded 31 sales for a total of $88.8 million.
This consists of $4.6 million for commercial, $9.9 million for commercial strata, $1.6 million for retail, $66.9 million for retail strata and $5.8 million for other.
The 12 months leading up to early February 2017 recorded 128 sales for a total of more than $728.2 million, over $80 million more than the same time last year.
The table below shows sales recorded for the past eight updates of Brisbane Fringe Cityscope:
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/15/Corelogic-5.jpeg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/15/Corelogic-5.jpeg" alt="">
Together the top sales recorded this quarter total over $181 million, these sales include:
<ul>
<li>Kings Row Office Park, 40-52 McDougall Street, Milton, comprising multiple office buildings between two and six storeys and over 400 car parks, was bought for $94.9 million by Shayher Alliance Pty Limited. The buildings were constructed between 1989 and 1996. Anthony Ott and Peter Chapple of Savills Brisbane negotiated the sale.</li>
<li>33 Park Road, Milton, a four-storey office building, was sold with a residential building at 14 Gordon Street (not covered by Cityscope) for $48.2 million to Wholesale Australian Property Fund. The sale represented an initial yield of 7.37% on passing income of over $3.55 million. Peter Court and Mike Walsh from JLL Brisbane sold the property in conjunction with Seb Turnbull and Luke Billiau of CBRE Brisbane.</li>
<li>200 Creek Street, formerly known as Medtronic House, a 10-storey office building with basement car parking, sold in January 2017 for $38.7 million to Sentinel Regional Office Trust. The sale represented an initial yield of 9.58% on passing income of over $3.7 million. Luke Billiau and Seb Turnbull of JLL Brisbane sold the property in conjunction with Peter Court and Mike Walsh from JLL Brisbane.</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/15/Corelogic-6.jpeg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/15/Corelogic-6.jpeg" alt="">
Properties for sale include:
<ul>
<li>337 Water Street, Fortitude Valley – a two-storey, 320 square metre office building with six car parks. For sale with an asking price of $1.65 million; agent, Cushman &amp; Wakefield Brisbane (Sam Callanan and Michael Gard).</li>
<li>12 Cribb Street, Milton – a five-storey office building with basement car parking. For sale by expressions of interest; agents, Savills Brisbane (Peter Chapple and Nick Russell) and JLL Brisbane (Christian Sandstrom and Sam Bryne). The property was initially advertised with an approximate fully leased income of over $1.55 million net (as at December 1, 2016)</li>
<li>John Oxley Centre, 337A Coronation Drive, Milton – a U-shaped building with five storeys of offices and two levels of basement car parking for 319 vehicles. For sale by expressions of interest; agents, JLL Brisbane (Seb Turnbull and Geoff McIntyre) and CBRE Brisbane (Bruce Baker and Flint Davidson).</li>
</ul>
Properties under contract (conditional or unconditional) include:
<ul>
<li>Green Square South Tower, 505 St Pauls Terrace, Fortitude Valley – a four-storey building with ground floor retail space and upper level office space. Due diligence is being conducted by AXA Investments Managers; agents, Colliers International Brisbane (Tom Barr and Don MacKenzie) and Colliers International Melbourne (John Marasco).</li>
<li>164 Wharf Street, Spring Hill – a three-level office building comprising two levels of offices above ground floor car parking. Under conditional contract; agent, Savills Brisbane (Jack Morrison and Nick Russell).</li>
<li>100 McLachlan Street, Fortitude Valley – a four-storey commercial building completed in late 2013 as stage 3 of the M&amp;A development. Under contract for $30 million to an offshore purchaser; agent, Cushman &amp; Wakefield (Nick Spiro). The sale represented a yield of 6%.</li>
</ul>
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Brisbane commercial property sales on the rise in 2017: Cityscope

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Tranmere housing stock has decreased the most in Tasmania, according to Investar’s latest report.
The property firm says that Tranmere’s housing stock has decreased by 61% over the past year, from 49 to 19.
<table style="width: 461px;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
Suburb
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
Postcode
</td>
<td valign="top" width="84">
Current median price
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
Current sales stock
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
1 year ago sales stock
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
Growth decline
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
Tranmere
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
7018
</td>
<td valign="top" width="84">
$640,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
19
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
49
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
61%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
Howrah
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
7018
</td>
<td valign="top" width="84">
$395,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
31
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
67
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
53%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
Lindisfarne
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
7015
</td>
<td valign="top" width="84">
$425,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
19
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
41
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
53%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
Blackmans Bay
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
7025
</td>
<td valign="top" width="84">
$450,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
31
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
56
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
44%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
Austins Ferry
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
7011
</td>
<td valign="top" width="84">
$329,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
18
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
31
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
41%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
Berreidale
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
7011
</td>
<td valign="top" width="84">
$290,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
20
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
31
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
35%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
Claremont
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
7011
</td>
<td valign="top" width="84">
$255,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
48
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
74
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
35%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
Glenorchy
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
7010
</td>
<td valign="top" width="84">
$270,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
57
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
85
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
32%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
Lenah Valley
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
7008
</td>
<td valign="top" width="84">
$400,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
23
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
30
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
23%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="96">
Brighton
</td>
<td valign="top" width="64">
7030
</td>
<td valign="top" width="84">
$290,000
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
41
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
52
</td>
<td valign="top" width="73">
21%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
For the median price of $640,000 investors can purchase a four bedroom house such as the one at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-tranmere-124776230" target="_blank">723a Oceana Drive</a>, Tranmere (above) for around $650,000.
Similarly a four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-tas-tranmere-124904946" target="_blank">710 Oceana Drive</a>, Tranmere (below) is listed for $649,000.
<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/2017/03/15/710%20Oceana%20Drive.jpg" alt="">
A three bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-tas-tranmere-124841506" target="_blank">8 Trikala Court</a>, Tranmere (below) was recently 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/2017/03/15/8%20Trikala%20Court.jpg" alt="">
Similarly a four bedroom house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-tas-tranmere-124481130" target="_blank">46 Arlunya Street</a>, Tranmere (below) was recently sold for $625,000.
<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/2017/03/15/46%20Arlunya%20Street.jpg" alt="">
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Tranmere housing stock decline the highest in Tasmania: Investar

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An historic 1850s stone homestead at Dural has been listed for $1.89 million.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-dural-124676054" target="_blank">548 Old Northern Road</a>, the property is enveloped by a garden.
It features timber verandas on three sides as well as a large open plan lounge/dining room and modern kitchen.
It also has Jarrah timber flooring in the central library and cedar joinery for the windows.
<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/2017/03/12/548%20Old%20Northern%20Road-2.jpg" alt="">
There are three bedrooms, two bathrooms and ensuite to the main bedroom.
Other features includes two automatic gas fires, three skylights, ‘Sparrow Pecked’ sandstone outer walls, double carport and five off street car parking spaces to the rear.
The property is offered through LJ Hooker agent Neil Keene.
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Historic 1850s Dural stone homestead listed for $1.89 million

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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