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The continuing strength of the apartment development market together with the desire to relocate their offices into the CBD of Sydney has encouraged the CFMEU to list its head office in Lidcombe for sale.
The 6-8 &amp; 10-12 Railway Street offering consists of over 6,000sqm of land.
The vendor will occupy the offices, on a flexible lease arrangement, for up to two years allowing the purchaser time to secure a development approval.
It could exceed 30,000sqm of GFA under the B4 mixed use zoning.
Jon Chomley and Guillaume Volz of Colliers International and John Surian of Raine &amp; Horne Commercial Parramatta have been appointed by the Union as exclusive agents for the marketing and sales process.
The site is only two minutes’ walk from the Lidcombe railway Station, which provides direct access to the Sydney CBD to the east, Parramatta to the West and Liverpool to the south west.
The Lidcombe CBD is opposite the train station and provides a mix of retail amenities including a wide variety of restaurants and cafes.
The site is also close to excellent school facilities, hospitals and a multitude of golf courses, providing extensive amenity for occupiers.
According to Jon Chomley, National Director, Capital Markets at Colliers International it was "an outstanding site within the undersupplied Lidcombe market."
Guillaume Volz, National Director, Development Sites Residential at Colliers International, believes that there will be strong interest in the site from local developers that understand the metrics of the Lidcombe market.
“Lidcombe has had limited development of apartments over the last five years so the market is keen for more opportunities, particularly where there is some level of holding income on the site” he said.
Offers close March 9.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

CFMEU offer Lidcombe development opportunity

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A three bedroom home at Castlemaine has been listed for sale a $679,000.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-castlemaine-123477394" target="_blank">1 McMeekin Street</a> the property sits on 1 hectare of private bushland.
It features high curved ceilings and floor to ceiling cedar timber windows.
The bespoke timber kitchen features Miele appliances with solid wood heater and timber floors.
There are two bathrooms, two living areas, an outdoor entertainment area and a dam next to the property.
<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/2017/01/22/1%20McMeekin%20Street-2.jpg" alt="">
It also features a water storage, carport and shedding and town water.
The property is within walking distance to Castlemaine Botanical gardens, The Mill complex, train station and town centre.
The property is offered through Cantwell Property agents Genevieve Cantwell and Michael Cantwell.
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Private bushland Castlemaine home listed for sale

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Confidence levels in Mildura’s rural property market have strengthened considerably during the past two years, according to Herron Todd White's latest report.
The property valuation firm says that the improved confidence will be continue to be reflected in both a higher number of property transactions and higher values.
"What is remarkable is that this confidence has spread to almost all of the rural industries found in the region," HTW's latest report suggests.
A lower Australian dollar, improved export access to some key Asian markets, low interest rates and generally good seasonal conditions have seen growers of table grapes, citrus and almonds generate strong cash flows in successive years.
Wine grape growers, after enduring terrible commodity prices for a decade, are expecting prices to improve by around $50 per tonne in the current harvest.
"They are hoping that this will be the start of a steady increase over the next few years.
"With respect to our local horticultural industries, it needs to be remembered that the current stronger conditions follow the very difficult conditions experienced between 2007 and 2013."
Property values fell considerably during this period, and the initial improvement was a bit of a catch up, it advised.
Dryland farmers have just harvested a near record crop.
While grain prices have been dismal, many growers benefited from stronger prices for canola and pulse crops which has helped improve their average per hectare returns.
Graziers in the far west of NSW have continued to benefit from very strong meat and wool prices, with agents reporting strong demand being shown for any grazing properties listed for sale.
The current strong returns are however contributing to a very tight supply of grazing properties being listed for sale.
In the last half of 2016, there were three sales of substantial table grape enterprises.
The buyers were two separate international investment funds and a recently listed Australian agribusiness company.
Analysis of these sales indicates that table grape vineyard values have risen by over 25 percent during the past two to three years.
There has also been significant sales activity in smaller family farm sized table grape vineyards, with buyers being mostly existing growers seeking to expand.
Interestingly though, a number of buyers of these smaller vineyards have been fruit exporters, motivated by a desire for vertical integration.
It will be interesting to see whether this trend continues or these non traditional buyers pull back, wary of also assuming the production risk.
An almond and wine grape agricultural property on 18,135 acres is listed at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-vic-mildura-7695503">1 Thurla Road Mildura</a> (above). The property currently has 565 acres of almonds, 291 acres of premier wine grapes, 16 acres of avocado &amp; 250 acres of commercial Lucerne.
It is listed through John Morris and Michael Everard of Ruralco.
A 23.4 acre property in Merebein, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-acreage+semi-rural-vic-merbein-123205646" target="_blank">149 Channel Road</a>, sold last October. It has 4 acres of Menindee, 3 acres of Red Globe, 2 acres of Crimson and 13 acres of Sultanas. The property features a 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom home, shed and pickers hut.
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Mildura rural market stronger due to high confidence levels: HTW

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A major Adelaide Hills grazing property at Rockleigh sold last month, without any price disclosure.
The Rocky Hillview is one of the largest landholdings in the Eastern Mount Lofty Ranges <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-commercial+farming-sa-rockleigh-501464791" target="_blank">comprising 1,264 hectares across 27 titles</a>.
It is split into two landholdings with the western landholding at 387 hectares and the eastern holding having 877 hectares of land.
The property is 25 kilometres north-west of one of South Australia’s major regional centres Murray Bridge.
It is 80 kilometres east of the Adelaide CBD.
Comprising of predominantly gently undulating to steep grazing country, some areas are suitable for cropping.
Despite no heavy scrub on the property some Mallee-type vegetation exists, but it does not impact on the grazing.
It has sheep and cattle yards.
The property was offered through Colliers International agents Jesse Manuel and Tim Altschwager.
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Rockleigh, Adelaide Hills farm Rocky Hillview, sold

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The December 2016 update for ABS Building Approvals confirms the peak for the cycle has passed, according to the Housing Industry Association.
“While a downward trend in building approvals is firmly entrenched, residential construction activity itself will hold up well throughout 2016/17,” said HIA chief economist, Dr Harley Dale.
“From 2017/18 we will see a sharper decline in new home building activity, primarily due to the medium/high density segment of the market.
"Building approvals peaked in July 2016, but by December last year were only 18 per cent lower than that peak.
"Given approvals reached an all-time high last year that’s a modest fall – we can take that away and bank it as a good outcome for the Australian economy.
"This has been an extraordinary cycle for new home building – the biggest and longest in history."
He said a long tail to the cycle will be helpful for the Australian economy.
Dr Dale said it was important to focus in 2017 on ensuring Australia has the correct longer term policy settings to ensure we adequately house our growing and ageing population.
The recent appointment of Michael Sukkar as Assistant Minister to the Treasurer, with a focus on housing affordability allows the Federal Government to lead from the front in meeting this crucial national objective.”
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/02/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-02%20at%202.34.22%20pm.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/02/02/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-02%20at%202.34.22%20pm.jpg" alt="">
In December 2016 total seasonally adjusted building approvals fell by 1.2 per cent with detached houses down by 2.2 per cent and ‘other dwellings’ sitting flat at +0.1 per cent.
On a three month annualised basis total approvals remain above the 200,000 threshold at 204,692.
In December 2016, seasonally-adjusted building approvals increased by 19.5 per cent in Tasmania and 17.0 per cent in Victoria, while in trend terms there was an increase of 1.2 per cent in the Northern Territory.
Building approvals fell in Western Australia (-16.3 per cent), New South Wales (-13.2 per cent), South Australia (-5.4 per cent), and Queensland (-0.1 per cent).
In trend terms approvals fell by 2.1 per cent in the Australian Capital Territory.
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Peak of the building approvals cycle has passed: HIA

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An original Victorian-style home in Marrickville has been listed for auction.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-marrickville-124545414" target="_blank">5 George Street</a>, the 860 sqm property has been held by the same family for over 90 years.
It is ready for renovations or redevelopment.
The four bedrooms house has a cast-iron veranda.
There is a long corridor with a chandelier and detailed architraves.
The lounge room has one of four original marble fireplaces.
<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/2017/02/01/5%20George%20Street-2.jpg" alt="">
 
The February 25 auction will be through Oxford Real Estate agents Michael Marano and Matt Marano.
 
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Rare Victorian-style Marrickville home listed for auction

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Mirvac and the Brisbane Racing Club’s $950 million residential precinct at the Eagle Farm Racecourse is off and racing with the developer announcing that construction has now started.
It is on Ascot Green’s first residential tower, Ascot House.
Mirvac has sold more than 60 per cent of the nine- storey, 91-apartment tower since launching the development to the public in July 2016.
Mirvac's Warwick Bible said Ascot Green’s civil works including external road works, site preparation and basement excavation are now well underway, and the foundations commenced in December 2016.
"We expect heightened interest in Ascot Green in the coming months as our vision for the project takes shape.”
<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/2017/02/02/160413%20-%20Ascot%20Green%20-%20V13%20-%20Balcony%20-%20FINAL2000.jpg" alt="">
The historic Eagle Farm catchment will see an architecturally-designed new precinct with works approved for public parklands, bike paths, open green spaces and plans for public art to be exhibited in the communal outdoor areas.Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the residential development and overall revitalisation of the Eagle Farm precinct would help put the area on the map as a premier recreation and residential destination in Brisbane.  
<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/2017/02/02/MIR007-AG-V05_v7.jpg" alt="">
“The Eagle Farm Master Plan and Mirvac’s Residential Precinct are welcomed additions to our city, and will provide a vibrant and innovative hub where people can live, work and relax,” Cr Quirk said.
“It is an exciting time for Brisbane, as construction commences on this landmark development which will provide approximately 1,000 trackside apartments as well as retail and commercial buildings that tie in with the area’s rich heritage.
“The Eagle Farm and Doomben Racecourse precincts contribute to tens of millions to Brisbane’s economy each year, and this residential precinct will be the centrepiece for the reinvigoration of the Eagle Farm site.”
<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/2017/02/02/Neville%20Bell%20LM%20Graham%20Quirk%20and%20Warwick%20Bible%201.jpg" alt="">
Brisbane Racing Club Chairman, Neville Bell, said there were plans in place for premium retail facilities and building of a new childcare centre is currently underway.
“We’ve recently submitted a development application for a new shopping precinct in the area which would include eleven specialty retail stores and a major supermarket, further bolstering the area’s appeal,” Mr Bell said.
“In addition, we currently have a new childcare centre on Lancaster Road under construction, and we are taking expressions of interest for an aged care facility in the area.
<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/2017/02/02/Neville%20Bell%20LM%20Graham%20Quirk%20and%20Warwick%20Bible%202.jpg" alt="">
Stage One of Ascot Green boasts two towers, Ascot House and Tulloch House, each of which contains a selection of one, two, three and four bedroom apartments. 
The nine and 12 storey buildings will feature rooftop terraces where residents and guests can enjoy views of the historic Eagle Farm racecourse and city beyond.
Apartments start at $460,000 for a one bedroom in Tulloch House, with this tower to be released to the public in early 2017.
 
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Brisbane's Ascot House construction starts after 60 percent sold off the plan

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The performance of house and unit resales across Canberra has continued to diverge over the past quarter, according to CoreLogic's Pain and Gain report.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/30/Corelogic-10.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/2017/01/30/Corelogic-10.jpg" alt="">
The property data firm says that 9.6% of all dwellings resold at a loss over the quarter, split 3.4% of houses and 25.5% of units.
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="70">
 
</td>
<td colspan="4" valign="top" width="194">
Gross loss-making sales, Sept 16 qtr
</td>
<td colspan="4" valign="top" width="185">
Gross profit-making sales, Sept 16-qtr
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="70">
Profit
</td>
<td valign="top" width="35">
% of all sales
</td>
<td valign="top" width="40">
Median hold period
</td>
<td valign="top" width="51">
Median loss
</td>
<td valign="top" width="68">
Total value of loss
</td>
<td valign="top" width="35">
% of all sales
</td>
<td valign="top" width="40">
Median hold period
</td>
<td valign="top" width="46">
Median profit
</td>
<td valign="top" width="63">
Total value of profit
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="70">
Unincorporated ACT
</td>
<td valign="top" width="35">
12.2%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="40">
5.4
</td>
<td valign="top" width="51">
-$25,700
</td>
<td valign="top" width="68">
-$5,240,229
</td>
<td valign="top" width="35">
87.8%
</td>
<td valign="top" width="40">
9.3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="46">
$170,500
</td>
<td valign="top" width="63">
$189,216,296
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
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Canberra apartment resale losses soar: CoreLogic Pain and Gain

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An administrator has been appointed to fashion brands David Lawrence and Marcs amid deteriorating sales in Australia and New Zealand.
Administrator Rodgers Reidy's director Geoffrey Reidy said the two brands would continue to trade.
He said their operations were being reviewed ahead of a planned sale of the businesses.
The sole director of the companies operating the labels, Malcolm Webster, said it was necessary to appoint voluntary administrators because of deteriorating sales, market conditions and poor cash flow.
The companies operate the labels Marcs and David Lawrence across 52 stand alone stores.
There are over 140 concession stores operating out of Australia and New Zealand.
The companies employ 1,130 staff with around half employed on a casual basis.
In a statement, the administrators said:
• employee wages have been paid up until 30 January 2017.
• superannuation has been paid up until 31 December 2016
• all existing gift cards and returns will be handled in accordance with the companies' existing policies.
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David Lawrence and Marcs appoint administrator after deteriorating clothing sales

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Queensland's rental market ended 2016 on a steady note, according to REIQ chief executive officer Antonia Mercorella.
She said signs were good that 2017 would bring improving conditions to regional Queensland.
“The data has shown that supply and demand in the rental market is fairly evenly matched in the southeast corner," she said.
"The vacancy rate in inner Brisbane has fallen to 3.6 per cent, which is very close to the healthy range and this is good news for both landlords and tenants.
"When vacancy rates are within the healthy range it means landlords can secure tenants comfortably and it also means tenants have the opportunity to secure appropriate and suitable rental accommodation.
"With the exception of the September 2016 quarter, Brisbane City has remained within the healthy range (2.5 percent - 3.5 percent) since December 2013, indicating the rental market is steady and well-balanced between supply and demand.
"Greater Brisbane’s vacancy rates have held steady in the healthy range for five quarters, falling to 3 percent this quarter.
"The Logan rental market weakened over the December quarter, reaching a vacancy rate of 3.3 percent, which is still within the healthy range."
Tourism Centres
<ul>
<li>After 13 quarters operating in the tight range, the Gold Coast rental market operated within the healthy range for the December quarter, reaching a vacancy rate of 2.5 percent.</li>
<li>Maroochy Coast was the tightest rental market in Queensland with a vacancy rate of 1.1 percent for December.</li>
<li>Noosa vacancy rates remained relatively steady with vacancy rates of 1.4 percent. This market has operated in the tight range for the past four years (since September 2012).</li>
<li>Rentals of medium to high density living in Noosa follow a cyclical performance with a market peak during the summer and holidays period. Vacancy rates of units in Noosa reduced from 3.2 percent in June to 1.4 percent in December.</li>
<li>The Cairns rental market remains generally healthy with vacancy rates at 2.4 percent for December.</li>
<li>Fraser Coast has experienced some volatility over the past eight years, however, it continues to operate in the healthy range, rising to 3.3 per cent in the December quarter.</li>
<li>Maryborough rental market recorded the largest increase in vacancy rates over the quarter of 3.2 percent, reaching vacancy rates of 5.6 percent, primarily due to new housing construction in the region.</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/01/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-01%20at%2010.36.34%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/2017/02/01/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-01%20at%2010.36.34%20am.jpg" alt="">
Regional Centres
<ul>
<li>Toowoomba vacancy rate increased from 2.3 percent for September to 2.8 per cent for December. This market has operated within the tight and healthy range since the REIQ began reporting vacancy rates in 2008.</li>
<li>With the exception of Toowoomba, Gympie, Scenic Rim, Southern Downs and Tablelands, the rental markets in regional centres are weak with consistent low demand.</li>
<li>Southern Downs recorded the largest vacancy rate fall, dropping 2.2 percent, from 5.3 percent in September to 3.1 percent in December.</li>
<li>Vacancy rates in Bundaberg, Rockhampton and Townsville improved between 0.3 percent and 0.7 percent, but these markets are still weak.</li>
<li>Banana recorded the highest vacancy rate in the State of 15.2 percent in the December quarter.</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/01/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-01%20at%2010.36.49%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/2017/02/01/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-01%20at%2010.36.49%20am.jpg" alt="">
She said signs were good that 2017 would bring improving conditions to regional Queensland.
“The State Government is focusing its jobs-creation programs on centres such as Gladstone, Rockhampton, Mackay and Townsville.
"Also, it is well-known that jobs and rental markets go hand-in-hand.
"When workers are made redundant they are often forced to leave town to search for work elsewhere and we are seeing many move to southeast Queensland.
"But the low Australian dollar will bring visitors to our tourism centres such as Cairns and Mackay and hopefully the rising coking coal price will benefit the mining centres such as Gladstone, Rockhampton, and Townsville, as well as western Queensland mining towns.
“A boost to employment figures will benefit the state’s housing market enormously.
"We have seen this at the Sunshine Coast, where the unemployment rate of 4.7 per cent (for September) sits well below state and national levels and it’s no coincidence that the vacancy rates on the Sunshine Coast are the lowest in Queensland,” she said.
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Queensland rental market improves over December quarter: REIQ

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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