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Collinsville is the cheapest locality in Queensland to purchase a house, according to Investar’s latest report.
The property investment firm says that in the past year the median house price at Collinsville has fallen by 46% to $85,000.
This is followed by Dysart with $100,000 and Mount Morgan with $135,000.
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Suburb
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Postcode
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Bedrooms
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Current median price
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Collinsville
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
4804
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$85,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Dysart
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
4745
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$100,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Mount Morgan
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
4714
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$135,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Charleville
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
4470
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$150,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Manoora
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
4870
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$159,000
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Moranbah
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
4744
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$165,000
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
A two bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-collinsville-113987479" target="_blank">19 Aberdeen Street</a> (above) is on sale for $75,000.
A two bedroom home at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-collinsville-121458062" target="_blank">17 Gralton Street</a> (below) was sold for $55,000.
<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/2016/12/15/17%20Gralton%20Street.jpg" alt="">
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Collinsville the cheapest locality in Queensland to purchase a house: Investar

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A riverfront home at Dalkeith has been sold, but for less than last time.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-wa-dalkeith-123790410" target="_blank">131 Victoria Avenue</a>, the property has a commanding street presence.
It fetched $4.25 million. It traded in 2007 at $5.175 million.
The home has been renovated and extended by architect George Milankov featuring five hotel size bedrooms, 4 with ensuites, plus an extra 2 bathrooms and powder room along with a walk in robe for the master suite. All up almost 600 sqm of living space.
Other features includes a games room with a built in bar and billiard table, a gym with its own bathroom, an undercover alfresco with barbeque, fridge, pizza oven and heated salt water pool.
<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/2016/12/21/Dalkeith-2.jpg" alt="">
There is a garage spacious enough for two cars, two additional carports and onsite parking behind secure electronic gates and a fully monitored alarm system.
Prestigiously located in the riverside precinct with river glimpses it is directly opposite Bishops Reserve.
The property was offered by Space Real Estate agent Linda Sullivan.
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Riverfront Dalkeith home sold for $4.25 million

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Sydney houses had the highest property growth year-to-date for December 2016, according to CoreLogic's latest report.
The property data firm says that Sydney houses growth increased by 16.7%.
Melbourne houses came second with 15.1% while Hobart houses trailed behind with 11.7%
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="161">
Capital cities – Property type
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
2016 growth
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="161">
Sydney – Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
16.7%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="161">
Melbourne – Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
15.1%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="161">
Hobart – Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
11.7%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="161">
Canberra - Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
9.6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="161">
Sydney – Units
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
9.6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="161">
Hobart – Units
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
6.7%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="161">
Darwin – Units
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
5.7%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="161">
Canberra - Units
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
5.1%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="161">
Brisbane Gold Coast - Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
4.6%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="161">
Adelaide – Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
4.5%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="161">
Brisbane – Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
4.0%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="161">
Brisbane Gold Coast Units
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
2.3%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="161">
Melbourne – Units
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
1.7%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="161">
Adelaide – Units
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
1.1%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="161">
Darwin – Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
-0.2%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="161">
Brisbane – Units
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
-0.2%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="161">
Perth - Units
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
-3.2%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="161">
Perth- Houses
</td>
<td valign="top" width="114">
-4.4%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Perth sits at the bottom of the chart for both units and houses with a decline of growth by 3.2% and 4.4% respectively.
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Australia's best to worst property markets in 2016: CoreLogic

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The house from The Castle is set to be relocated to Corowa as a tourist attraction.
Federation Council has done a deal with the owner of the Strathmore, Melbourne home.
It is the one which appeared in the 1997 film about a family fighting an airport expansion town.
Corowa is located on the banks of the Murray River in New South Wales.
The shire’s administrator Mike Eden said the council’s economic development manager Greg Aplin had been liaising with the weatherboard house’s owner Vicki Cosentino.
“He’s been talking to the lady for a few months and they’ve come to a deal and we spoke to the Corowa Whisky and Chocolate Factory and they’ve got a nice block of land to put it on,” Mr Eden told The Border Mail.
He expects the transaction will involve the council paying for the costs to shift the house to Corowa, suggesting it may involve $20,000.
Under the plan, the home would reportedly be used as a museum, accommodation and cafe.
Ms Cosentino has been keen for the house to be removed so she can build two townhouses on the block which adjoins Essendon airport.
Mr Eden said the idea of Corowa hosting The Castle home emerged from Melbourne comedy pioneer Peter Crofts.
Previously The Castle was unable to have heritage protection from the council.
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The Castle home set to be relocated to Corowa

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A beachfront bathing box at Mount Martha is listed for sale at $229,000.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-mount+martha-123892518" target="_blank">125 South Beach</a> the offering is set on picturesque South Beach.
Originally established as boat sheds in the early 1900s on the shores of Port Phillip, it is in good condition for its age.
It is decked out with seagrass matting.
<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/2016/12/23/Mount%20Martha-2.jpg" alt="">
With changing area at the rear and large double doors for full frontal beach views from the shade, it is suitable for storage all year round for anything from chairs, tables to kayaks and other beach gear.
The Mount Martha village and Mount Martha lifesaving club is a short stroll away.
The property is offered by Abode Mount Martha agents Brad Boyd and Sandy McLay.
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Beachfront bathing box property at Mount Martha listed for sale

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This year has been full of surprises, both very large in terms of impact (Brexit) as well as very small in probability (Leicester City winning the EPL with 5000:1 odds) and a combination of both (Trump Presidency), according to Secret Agent’s latest bulletin.
Additionally, 2016 saw two interest rate cuts by the RBA, bringing official rates to 1.50%.
Given all the tumult, Melbourne property prices have remained fairly stable.
The following capital growth analysis of inner Melbourne houses, townhouses and apartments provides a breakdown of results by region.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2016/12/22/Table%201Figure%206.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/2016/12/22/Table%201Figure%206.jpg" alt="">
“It uses Secret Agent’s resales index, which tracks the sales of identical property (i.e. no renovations, demolitions, or other activities that add or remove value from the market) over time,” the bulletin stated.
Secret Agent claims this makes the figures more accurate than simple median or average growth price changes, which can often be skewed by large property sales or a general change in the underlying quality.
Houses and townhouses have been on an upward trend since 2011.
They have surged from annualised growth of around 7% earlier this year to over 8% (when converting the quarterly growth to an annual value) in Q4 of 2016.
On average, all regions experienced similar capital growth over the year, between 7.33% in the inner south and up to 7.59% in the inner east.
Overall, inner Melbourne house and townhouse investments grew by 7.54%, beating the five-year average (2011-2015) of 6.32% by 101 basis points.
This is also well above the 2015 average annual growth across inner Melbourne of 6.98%.
The five-year average growth represents the average of all annual median capital growth between 2011 and 2015.
The inner north had a mixed 2016, with half the suburbs beating 2015 growth rates and two thirds improving on the average five-year growth rate.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2016/12/22/Table%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/2016/12/22/Table%202.jpg" alt="">
The suburbs with the highest median growth in the inner north are Fitzroy and Fitzroy North, both at around 8% on an annual basis and well above the previous five-year trend of 6.47% and 7.16% respectively.
On the other hand, Collingwood (5.58%) and Carlton (5.43%) had the lowest capital growth over the year.
The inner south had an exceptional year in terms of capital growth, with suburbs growing at a faster pace than last year.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2016/12/22/Table%203.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/2016/12/22/Table%203.jpg" alt="">
The exception was Albert Park, which remained at its 2015 annual growth rate of 6.17%.
Middle Park had the largest capital gains, growing at an annualised rate of 9.18%, over 2% higher than in 2015.
Port Melbourne and South Melbourne also had high capital growth rates of around 7% each.
The best performing region for houses and townhouses for 2016 was the inner east, where all suburbs except South Yarra had stronger annual growth than in 2015.
Only South Yarra and East Melbourne’s capital growth was slightly below the previous five-year average.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2016/12/22/Table%204.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/2016/12/22/Table%204.jpg" alt="">
Cremorne topped the list with an impressive 10% capital growth.
There is often more variance in smaller suburbs so this may have pushed up capital growth slightly here.
Hawthorn, Prahran and Abbotsford follow at between 7-8% annualised growth each. Both Richmond and East Melbourne managed between 6-7% growth.
All four inner west suburbs increased on 2015 levels, although the results are less impressive when compared to the inner east and south.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2016/12/22/Table%205.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/2016/12/22/Table%205.jpg" alt="">
While Travancore had the smallest annualised growth rate in 2016 (5.39%), it is above the 2015 rate by 170 basis points.
Overall, suburbs in the inner west managed to surpass 2015 growth rates by an average of 95.5 basis points.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2016/12/22/Figure%207.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/2016/12/22/Figure%207.jpg" alt="">
On the other hand, capital growth for inner Melbourne apartments and units has been declining since Q2 2007, a trend that continued in 2016.
Apartments across inner Melbourne grew by 2.96% over the year, below the previous five-year average of 3.37% and the 2015 annual average of 3.03%.
For the first three quarters of 2016, capital growth remained at about the same level. All areas except the inner west experienced a downturn in the final quarter of the year.
Note that these final quarter results may change slightly as the year comes to an end.
Apartments in the inner city all experienced capital growth in 2016 that was below the previous five-year average.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2016/12/22/Table%206.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/2016/12/22/Table%206.jpg" alt="">
However, Southbank and the CBD managed to improve on last year’s growth rates, showing a potential gain in momentum.
Docklands apartments were below their 2015 growth rate of 1.40% by 14 basis points.
In the inner north, only Clifton Hill (which also topped the list at 5.75% annualised growth), Fitzroy and Brunswick East managed to beat their 2015 capital growth, while Fitzroy North retained its previous annual growth of 4.53%.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2016/12/22/Table%207.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/2016/12/22/Table%207.jpg" alt="">
Brunswick apartments had the greatest drop in capital growth rates since last year, falling by 80 basis points, followed by Parkville, where growth slowed by 70 basis points.
Inner South apartments had a mixed 2016, with half of the suburbs growing at a faster pace than last year and the other half slowing down.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2016/12/22/Table%208.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/2016/12/22/Table%208.jpg" alt="">
In Albert Park, apartments and units actually outperformed houses and townhouses by about 30 basis points.
South Melbourne apartments grew in value only slightly above inflation at 2.69%, down from 3.03% last year and 3.89% on average between 2011 and 2015.
Compared to other regions, apartments and units in the inner east performed relatively well.
Cremorne has topped both the house/townhouse and apartment growth lists, growing at an annual rate just below 6% in the latter.
All other suburbs except South Yarra (3.85%) and Prahran (2.50%) managed capital gains between 4-5%.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2016/12/22/Table%209.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/2016/12/22/Table%209.jpg" alt="">
The inner west had the smallest capital gains in 2016. Travancore, which in previous years had seen declining growth rates, was the only suburb which managed to surpass its five-year average growth.
No suburb had annual growth higher than 3%.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2016/12/22/Table%2010.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/2016/12/22/Table%2010.jpg" alt="">
West Melbourne came closest at 2.86%.
Kensington was second on the list with 2.27%, a gain of 56 basis points over last year’s capital growth.
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The top Melbourne suburbs on the rise in 2016: Secret Agent

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A north facing deep-waterfront dream residence at Cottage Point has been sold for $4.5 million.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-cottage+point-119079235" target="_blank">46 Cowan Drive</a> it is one of only 52 private residences on the exclusive waterfront enclaves.
It last sold in 2006 at $3.6 million.
The CBD is only 45 minutes away.
Constructed around a natural feature rock, it has immense space, style and comfort.
There are five bedrooms, two with mezzanine lofts, a home office, large entertaining decks, formal dining and informal dining areas and a place to park a water vessel.
Entertainment has never been easier with a commercial size bar, spectacular chef’s Caesar stone benchtop kitchen with Meile appliances and a dining room with romantic views available.
<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/2016/12/21/Cottage%20Point-2.jpg" alt="">
A self-contained boathouse with two loft bed areas, gas kitchen and bathroom with shower are also included.
From street level there is a garage to fit five cars with internal access.
The property was offered by Charles and Stuart Real Estate agent Gavan Kohen.
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Deep-waterfront dream Cottage Point residence sold

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The trophy home marketed as the finest mansion in Minyama, on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, was sold recently by the Juniper family at $6.25 million. 
It offers five spacious bedrooms all with en suites and private balconies.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-qld-minyama-123908750" target="_blank">17 Minyama Island</a>, the 2000 square metre block comes with 50 metres of north facing deepwater frontage to the Main River.
Spanning two levels, it has vast galleries of glass, wrapped by private verandas.
There are lush, manicured gardens.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2016/12/21/Minyama-2.jpg" alt="">
The kitchen and lounge open entirely onto the private, alfresco entertaining terrace overlooking the gardens and swimming pool and spa.
Other features include an executive office, home theatre, gymnasium, games room and parking for up to eight vehicles.
The property was offered by G1 Property agent Simon Guilfoyle.
There have been higher sales including two doors away that sold in 2007 at $6.6 million. There was a $6.9 million four doors away in 2005 too.
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Finest mansion in Minyama sold for $6.25 million

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They are back! A Macquarie Group executive is tipped to emerge as the $7.9 million buyer on Newport Beach sold by businesswoman and Yoga Aid International co-founder Eriko Kinoshita.
The home came with initial $11 million plus expectations through Glenn Lee and David Watson last year.
<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/2016/12/23/Myola-1.jpg" alt="">
Designed by local architect Peter Stutchbury around 10 years ago, the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-newport-120892005" target="_blank">home</a> is created by the fusing copper, bronze, timber, steel and concrete.
The international yoga expert replaced the family home on the 1,114 square metre property bought in 1992.
<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/2016/12/23/Myola-2.jpg" alt="">
Designed to maximise open plan living, the three bedroom home with lap pool is surrounded by award-winning Japanese gardens. 
This article was first published in the Saturday Telegraph.
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Macquarie Group executive tipped as Newport beach home buyer

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A Mount Pleasant luxury house has been sold for $5.5 million.
Located at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-wa-mount+pleasant-121978106" target="_blank">6 Bateman Road</a>, the Perth property comes with more than 800 sqm of living space.
There are five bedrooms all with ensuite bathrooms in the 2012-built offering.
There are multiple entertaining spaces with upstairs living designed to maximise the views.
The gym comes fully equipped and includes a sauna along with a gas-heated pool and spa.
<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/2016/12/21/Mount%20Pleasant-2.jpg" alt="">
There is a triple garage with additional carport and plenty of secure parking behind electronic gates that is monitored with a CCTV security system.
Other features include underfloor heating, touch control lighting, lifts for all floors and a spacious double level foyer.
The property was offered by Vitale Fine Properties agent Alastair Baird-Murray.
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Mount Pleasant, Perth luxury home sold

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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