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A new study on housing affordability for people on very low to moderate incomes in Perth has found a mismatch between the availability of housing and what is affordable.
The report, Housing Affordability – A study for the Perth metropolitan area, a collaboration between the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia, the Housing Authority and Shelter WA, concentrated on affordability for households on very low (less than $43,000), low ($43,000-$69,000) and moderate incomes ($69,000-$86,000).
Brendon Grylls, Housing Minister  said that while the property market has softened, improving availability for some, those on the lowest incomes are still finding it extremely difficult to find available, appropriate and affordable housing.
“With over 80 percent of sales being larger properties, it’s also evident that there’s a lack of diversity in Perth’s housing stock,” he said.
“Housing affordability is a complex issue and the information in the report will inform the Housing Authority in the delivery of its commitments under the State Affordable Housing Strategy, which is on track to provide 30,000 affordable housing opportunities by 2020.”
Chantal Roberts, Shelter WA executive officer said the research identifies the limited housing options for low to moderate income households in WA.
“There are many households, including key workers, that are trapped in our insecure private rental market due to a lack of diverse and affordable options, particularly in locations close to jobs and services,” she said.
“A range of varied and affordable housing is needed across all areas to support the development of strong and diverse communities.”
Hayden Groves, REIWA president said the report highlights key issues affecting the industry and the community as a whole.
“We can see from the findings that both housing affordability and diversity are issues to be addressed and we’re looking forward to working with both the Housing Authority and Shelter WA on further research regarding the state of the WA housing market,” Mr Groves said.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Housing affordability still difficult for low-to-moderate income earners in Perth

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Art Deco apartments retain an aura of charm in our streetscape, according to Secret Agent’s latest bulletin.
This continues to get stronger as time goes by and as more modern apartments are built.
As one of the most scarce and precious of apartment types, what is their true value?
Out of the 1,276 apartments in our latest index, only 91 resales were Art Deco.
These are the most expensive type of apartments at $9,651 per square metre.
It is well ahead of brick apartments from the 60s to 80s ($8,672/sqm), post-90s developments ($8,599/ sqm) and even warehouse conversions ($8,517/sqm).
It is clear that buyers place a high value on Art Deco apartments.
If you’re looking to buy an Art Deco apartment in a specific region of inner Melbourne, you’ll find most resales tend to occur in Melbourne CBD.
It also occurs in the inner East (East Melbourne, Hawthorn, Prahran, South Yarra).
Table 1 summarises the price per square metre rates for Art Deco apartments in Melbourne according to the number of bedrooms, compared to the average of apartments across inner Melbourne.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2016/11/24/Table%201.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/2016/11/24/Table%201.jpg" alt="">
Table 2 shows the differences in size (sqm) between Art Deco and general apartments in inner Melbourne.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2016/11/24/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/2016/11/24/Table%202.jpg" alt="">
"East Melbourne is home to some of the most expensive apartments (second to Albert Park, though the former has more frequent sales), as we've established from our overall price per square metre index," the bulletin stated.
There is no exception with Art Deco apartments in East Melbourne and they are far more costly on average at $12,878 per square metre.
A significant number of period apartment resales occur within Melbourne CBD, making up a third of the total Art Deco units recorded.
These are much more affordable than their neighbouring East Melbourne equivalents, with differences
in price ranging from $2,600 per square metre less for the common 2 bedroom units to almost $7,000 per square metre less for rare 4 bedroom apartments.
The lower cost of property in the CBD is partly due to the significant number of new developments taking place, blocking out views and sunlight in many older, smaller buildings.
While older style apartments are known to be more spacious than new developments, they aren’t too far ahead of the average.
In fact, warehouse conversions are the biggest apartment type, having 30% more floor space on average.
1 bedroom Art Deco apartments (56sqm) are about 20% bigger than average (47sqm), while 2 bedroom units are only marginally more spacious, with a 5sqm advantage.
Older style 3 bedroom apartments (119sqm) are comparable to the average (121sqm). The rare 4 bedroom unit (214sqm) is slightly larger than average (203sqm).
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Art deco apartments are the most expensive in Melbourne

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The NSW Government’s Millers Point sales program has continued with the auction of seven properties for a combined $35.22 million.
The sales included the highest value single property sold to date – a block of 12 one bedroom apartments on the corner of Merriman and Bettington streets, which sold for $12.3 million.
The latest sales recorded an average rate per square metre of $19,462 (floor area), an increase of 23 per cent compared to the Millers Point sales program to date.
A total of 125 Government-owned properties in Millers Point have been sold, with the proceeds delivering social housing elsewhere.
The other six properties sold on 30 November include:
<table style="height: 126px; width: 629px;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="119">
Property
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Price
</td>
<td valign="top" width="142">
Configuration
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="119">
15 Lower Fort Street
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$5.05 million
</td>
<td valign="top" width="142">
5 Bedroom Terrace
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="119">
36 Argyle Place
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$3.71 million
</td>
<td valign="top" width="142">
4 Bedroom Terrace
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="119">
66 Bettington Street
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$2.42 million
</td>
<td valign="top" width="142">
3 Bedroom Terrace
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="119">
61 Kent Street
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$2.11 million
</td>
<td valign="top" width="142">
2 Bedroom Terrace
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="119">
42 - 44A High Street
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$4.81 million
</td>
<td valign="top" width="142">
4 X 2 bedroom apartments
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="119">
46 – 48A High Street
</td>
<td valign="top" width="106">
$4.82 million
</td>
<td valign="top" width="142">
4 X 2 bedroom apartments
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
The auctions mark the end of the sales program for 2016, with the program to recommence in early 2017.
All purchasers of properties in the Millers Point sales program are required to adhere to NSW Heritage Council-endorsed Conservation Management Plans (CMPs), which set out in extensive detail the purchasers’ heritage maintenance obligations.
The seven properties were sold by Ray White and McGrath Estate Agents.
For more details please visit <a href="https://www.rediscovermillerspoint.com.au" target="_blank">www.rediscovermillerspoint.com.au</a>.
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Millers Point delivers $35 million boost for social housing in one day

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Having bought around the corner in Clontarf, the former Aussie fast bowler Brett Lee and wife Lana sold their redundant Seaforth waterfront home on the weekend.
The paperwork was being signed inside the three level home as auction attendees were being turned away.
Clarke and Humel agents Cherie Humel and Michael Clarke was suggesting $4.8 million, with the last minute negotiations hooking a buyer at just shy of $5 million.
The couple paid $4.25 million for the four bedroom waterfront in 2013. Every level of the three storey home overlooks Middle Harbour, from the opulent master suite to the infinity pool and spa.
The fast bowler Brett Lee will be trading up into a four bedroom Clontarf residence that has cost more than $5 million. 
The Sydney home auction market commenced summer on a weaker note, according to Domain economist, Dr Andrew Wilson but sellers continued to flood the market ahead of the looming Christmas break.
"Although Saturday’s rate was the lowest recorded by the local market for over four months, it was nonetheless still a good result for sellers and reflected the surge in listings over recent weekends," Dr Wilson said.
It has been a big year for the current Australian test cricket team too, from the captain down.
Steve Smith took a shine to Balmain property when he snapped up his second investment on the pensinsula, a contemporary apartment in a boutique conversion of the Tin Sheds that cost $1.345 million.
The year's off field activity began when David Warner and wife Candice sold their home in South Coogee for $7.05 million with plans to build on a Maroubra oceanfront reserve block bought last year for $3.9 million.
Nathan Lyon has just upgraded in the Sutherland Shire.
He paid $3.8 million to buy a Port Hacking waterfront from the soccer legend Charlie Yankos and his wife, Jill.
Next weekend Mitchell Starc auctions his Mosman home after he and wife, Southern Stars cricketer Alyssa Healy bought the $5,235,000 North Curl Curl home of Jennifer Hawkins and her husband Jake Wall.
Starc has listed through McGrath Mosman’s Michael Rava with $5.5 million hopes.
Starc's fellow new ball partner in the Australian Test team attack, Josh Hazlewood, recently secured a Hunters Hill property for $3.8 million.
This article first appeared in the Sunday Telegraph.
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Brett Lee sells in Seaforth as summer wicket turns

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An opportunity to invest in Redfern, two kilometres from Sydney CBD, is now available. 88onRegent’s proposed plans at 88 Regent Street Redfern include an 18 story residential tower consisting of 82 luxury studio, 1, 2 &amp; 3 bedroom apartments, with a range of exclusive mezzanine penthouse apartments.
<a href="https://randwprojects.com.au/88onregent-positive-cash-flow/?tfa_9546185863975=RandW+Property+Observer+EDM+Redfern+2016-11-16&amp;tfa_9546185863967=Property+Observer">The 88onRegent development</a> will have cutting-edge home automation and security technology.
Thirdi Group engaged SJB for designs after it secured the site in 2015 for $20.75 million.
The project has seen a collaboration between head designer of Coco republic interior design Diana Ribevski, and Adam Haddow of SJB Architects.
The designers, Coco Republic are set to do the interior design "bringing luxury to Redfern."
The marketing of the project notes the Commonwealth Bank headquarters will be moving to Redfern, continuing the gentrification story.
It is proposed the project will have an on-site childcare facility.
An information event is planned for December 6. Call 1300 941 725 for more information.
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88onregent Redfern development set to revitalise area

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Rosehill is the top suburb in New South Wales with the highest annual median growth in four years for small units, according to Investar’s market report.
The property investment firm says that in the last four years Rosehill’s average annual median growth has increased by 27%.
This is followed by Nambucca Heads with 20% and Ryde, Blacktown and Rozelle all with 17%.
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Suburb
</td>
<td valign="top" width="62">
Postcode
</td>
<td valign="top" width="78">
Bedrooms
</td>
<td valign="top" width="92">
4 yr average annual growth (%)
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Rosehill
</td>
<td valign="top" width="62">
2142
</td>
<td valign="top" width="78">
Studio and one
</td>
<td valign="top" width="92">
27%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Nambucca Heads
</td>
<td valign="top" width="62">
2448
</td>
<td valign="top" width="78">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="92">
20%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Ryde
</td>
<td valign="top" width="62">
2112
</td>
<td valign="top" width="78">
Studio and one
</td>
<td valign="top" width="92">
17%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Blacktown
</td>
<td valign="top" width="62">
2148
</td>
<td valign="top" width="78">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="92">
17%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Rozelle
</td>
<td valign="top" width="62">
2039
</td>
<td valign="top" width="78">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="92">
17%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Alexandria
</td>
<td valign="top" width="62">
2015
</td>
<td valign="top" width="78">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="92">
16%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Camperdown
</td>
<td valign="top" width="62">
2050
</td>
<td valign="top" width="78">
3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="92">
16%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Macquarie Park
</td>
<td valign="top" width="62">
2113
</td>
<td valign="top" width="78">
Studio and one
</td>
<td valign="top" width="92">
16%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Auburn
</td>
<td valign="top" width="62">
2144
</td>
<td valign="top" width="78">
Studio and one
</td>
<td valign="top" width="92">
16%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="106">
Kingswood
</td>
<td valign="top" width="62">
2747
</td>
<td valign="top" width="78">
2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="92">
16%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
For the median price of $461,000 buyers can expect to purchase a one bedroom unit at Rosehill, such as the off the plan options at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-rosehill-123789806" target="_blank">1-5 Weston Street</a> (above) that areon sale for between $490,000 to $510,000.
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Rosehill's annual median unit price up 27% annually: Investar

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A mixed farming property at Coolah has been sold by Collier Property Sales.
The <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-mixed+farming-nsw-coolah-7841670" target="_blank">Beverly Downs</a>, a 772 hectare holding with gently undulating to low hill and plateau grazing country, is 17 kilometres north of Coolah, 100 kilometres south of Gunnedah and 400 kilometres from Sydney.
Its recent mid-spring expression of interest campaign was extended due to wet weather.
It has an excellent balance of soils ranging from black self-mulching soils through to black and red basalt types.
Approximately 1000 acres of the land is arable, including 650 acre of established pasture.
There are 25,000 trees established along the fence lines with Beverly Downs being well watered, with an equipped bore system reticulating to troughs throughout, a dam plus a spring feed creek.
It is subdivided into 15 main paddocks, plus a range of smaller paddocks.
A comfortable three bedroom home came with the offering.
It is set in an enclosed yard with meat house and walk in cool room.
It came with seven silos with a capacity of 1320 tonnes.
There was also a three stand electric wool shed with steel yards.
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Mixed farming area at Coolah sold

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A Blair Athol, SA petrol station investment set on a leading corner position has been listed for auction.
Located at <a href="https://www.burgessrawson.com.au/buying/SA/North-and-North-East-Suburbs/BLAIR-ATHOL/Retail/3P1500#.WD5IG5IisZE" target="_blank">367-369 Prospect Road, Blair Athol</a> the property has a new 15 year lease until 2031, plus options to extend.
Improvements have been made including the convenience store, attached canopy and double skin fibreglass tanks.
It sits on a 1567 square metre corner site with combined 73 metres of exposure in the retail strip.
The annual rent is $140,000 per annum.
The auction is December 7 through Jamie Perlinger and Scott Meighan.
A service station operated by United in Tamworth is also set to go under the hammer.
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Blair Athol investment to go under the hammer

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A United service station investment offering in Tamworth is scheduled for December 6 auction.
Located at <a href="https://www.burgessrawson.com.au/buying/NSW/New-England-~-North-West/Tamworth/Retail/3P1496#.WDzz7ZIisZE" target="_blank">419-437 Goonoo Goonoo Road</a> the property has a new 18 year triple net lease to 2034 with opportunities to extend it.
The convenience store has been improved.
It is situated on an important gateway location on New England Highway within a busy large format retail and fast food precinct.
It sits on a 2616 square metre site with integrated access to Stocklands large format centre, with 416 on-site car space.
The rent is $200,000 per annum.
The auction is being conducted by Burgess Rawson agents Jamie Perlinger and Scott Meighan.
A service station operated by United in Blair Athol, SA is also set to go under the hammer.
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Tamworth service station listed for auction

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Adelaide’s housing market has recorded moderate to steady activity over the recent quarter, reflective of ongoing transition and consolidation of the South Australian economy, according to WBP Property Group’s latest report.
CoreLogic reports a modest 0.4% increase in house prices from the June quarter, while the REISA reports more buoyant growth of 2.27% in the median house price over the June 2016 quarter.
While figures differ in the short-term, annual median values are consistent between sources with both reporting growth of around 5% during the last 12 months.
Transaction volumes were marginally down on the previous quarter, a solid outcome due to the seasonal influences of a particularly cold and wet South Australian winter and general uncertainty surrounding the federal election in July, the report noted.
Rents incurred an overall decrease of 1.5%, likely the result of labour force pressures, specifically static growth in wages, and an oversupply of housing on the outer metropolitan fringe.
The Adelaide market has been buoyed by investor activity over the past year, with mortgage indicators reporting a rise in new mortgages to investors.
It is evident interstate buyers, particularly from the eastern seaboard, are turning to Adelaide as an affordable way to growth their property portfolios.
The South Australian market also continues to appeal to a number of international buyers due to stability in stamp duty costs for foreign buyers, in contrast to its eastern seaboard counterparts that have increased these costs to the buyer segment.
Adelaide is experiencing a trending shift towards inner-city living, predominantly due to major infrastructure development completed or underway along the CBD’s Riverbank precinct.
The social shift continues to spur new supply of apartments in the CBD and increasing demand for housing in established inner suburbs.
Adelaide has seen an increase in the top end market with 13 suburbs now listing median house prices over $1 million.
With a large supply of outer suburban land on offer in recent years, there has been a recent state initiative to decrease Adelaide’s urban footprint and focus on increasing infill and subdivision within existing city areas.
Recent development policy and zoning changes, particularly through former industrial regions through the inner west, should see an increase of housing in the near future.
The developments at Bowden, St Clair and the Churchill Road precincts are recent examples of a state-wide infill focus.
“In the short-term, WBP Property Group expects a spring time spike in coming weeks with further sales activity and competition expected for the Adelaide market. With interest rates at record lows, thereby reducing the cost of borrowing, its expected affordable properties supported by sound and readily accessible infrastructure while attract strong interest,” the report stated.
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Adelaide housing market maintains steady activity: WBP

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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