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“Minister Chanthivong and his team have shown real leadership in replacing an outdated two-year bond with cover that matches the lifespan of the buildings people are buying into.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]

Brisbane's next apartment price record? Pikos unveils Skye's exclusive penthouse collection

Prominent New Zealand apartment and hotel operator, <a href="/developers/safari-group">Safari Group</a>, is offering up a prime investment opportunity for Australians to purchase off the plan in one of the world’s most popular ski destinations.

They recently took to market Mountain Oak Queenstown Apartments, in the growing precinct of Remarkables Park in Frankton, near the airport and at the foot of The Remarkables - the mountain range the locals like to call “The Remarks”.&nbsp;

Sydney investors have shown interest in the one, two and three-bedroom apartments that secure high-season occupancy six months over the year, primarily over summer and winter months.

They average 90 per cent occupancy across their portfolio over January, February, March, August, November and December, while shoulder season months of April, July, September and October are still occupied 70 per cent of the time, with the growing appeal of Queenstown becoming not just a hotspot for the snow, but a lifestyle destination.

Even in the low seasons of May and June, occupancy levels reach around 40 per cent.

<img alt="Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments brings new investment potential to Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Ext_Cam15_Sunny.jpg?VersionId=SJAROUM_1s.Tr5ciMk4EEj5oAt_Vewmv" />

Safari’s Safari Hotels arm can also manage the holiday letting for an investor, from the listing on holiday accommodation websites such as Airbnb and Booking.com to the cleaning and maintenance of the investment. They’ve been in the short stay management business for 15 years and offer 24/7 support for investors, an important convenience benefit for any overseas investor

Another major drawcard for Australians is that New Zealand doesn’t have a stamp duty policy - so the entry price of NZ$639,000 (AU$586,000), is all that is payable on completion.

<img alt="Safari Group’s Mountain Oak Apartments brings new investment potential to Queenstown" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/313_Livingv2_WEB.jpg?VersionId=nV229fM0ZeYpoxOrX372HyGjfwY_LR8c" />

Safari is starting construction of the 141 apartments in Q2 this year, with a two-year build estimated to complete in mid-to-late 2027.<img alt="" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="15" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXczFpFAb7WuA6f4f9TtKWcqXyNwR8qqtakWv352ERkpqNlP3KwIo8YKxw67jZNHfpjEGIZGv5MQTbnvLZwNt8iu9IVdOrswOjCvBZ4zhSoOOLrpt6etVEZTN1gkBho0r_R72zdHNA?key=yq3daOanqHSb88QFd8jGYKdb" title="Click and drag to move" width="15" />​

The apartments will feature modern amenities and contemporary designs with expansive windows capturing sweeping views of The Remarkables mountain range.&nbsp;

Interiors are equipped with modern finishes, premium appliances, and secure electronic key-locked doors, ensuring a comfortable living experience for residents and guests alike.

With its strategic location near Coronet Peak and Cardrona Alpine Resort, as well as key retail and dining precincts such as Market Street, Five Mile Shopping Centre, and Remarkables Market, Mountain Oak offers a strong proposition for investors seeking high rental yields and capital appreciation in one of New Zealand’s most sought-after locations.&nbsp;

Queenstown’s sustained demand for visitor accommodation and rental properties is underpinned by a shortage of housing options, attracting both local and international buyers.

Safari Group offers low-touch investment proposition in Queenstown’s popular ski fields district

<html><body>
Sydney was the strongest-performing major capital city housing market over the month of May, registering a nearly 2% rise in house prices to a median of $675,500, according to Residex. The Sydney market is in positive territory for the year ending May 2012, with growth of 1.2%.
The Sydney unit market registered a quarter percentage point fall in May, with prices up 1% for the year ending May 2012 to a median of $488,500. Sydney unit prices were up more than 5% for the year to May 2011.
Melbourne house prices were flat during May (to a median $558,500), while unit prices rose 1.5%.
Outside of the major capital cities, Darwin was the strongest housing market over May with a 3% gain to a median dwelling price of $504,500. The NT capital also registered the biggest jump in activity, with sales up 32% over the year to May period compared with the previous corresponding period.
Noticeably, Perth unit prices have made strong gains over the three months to May, up nearly 8% to a median of $412,000.
Overall Residex calculated a 1% rise in national house prices over May to a median of $429,500, with units unchanged at a median of $394,000.
Residex CEO John Edwards described the Australia-wide May results as pleasing, saying the trend shows that “markets have clearly moved to the positive and adjustments are now occurring at a lower rate”.
Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" rel="shadowbox" href="/images/stories/2012/06/residexjune27.jpg"><img src="/images/stories/2012/06/residexjune27thumb.jpg"></a>
“The unit market does not appear as robust and supply issues are impacting on its recovery. Looking a little deeper, the result we are seeing is largely a consequence of the largest markets (Sydney and Melbourne) producing reasonable outcomes,” Edwards says.
Here’s a guide to how capital city houses and unit prices have fared:
Sydney
House prices rose 1.92% over May to a median of $675,500. They are up 2.74% for the quarter.
Unit prices fell 0.25% over May to a median of $488,500. They are up 1.1% for the quarter.
Melbourne
House prices fell 0.08% over May to a median of $558,500. They are down 0.05% for the quarter.
Unit prices rose 1.48% over May to a median of $435,000. They are up 2.58% for the quarter.
Brisbane
House prices fell 0.3% over May to a median of $422,500. They are up 0.07% for the quarter.
Unit prices were unchanged over May with a median value of $348,500. They are up 0.54% for the quarter.
Perth
House prices fell 1.81% over May to a median of $475,500. They are down 0.66% for the quarter.
Unit prices rose 2.47% over May to a median of $412,000. They are up 7.75% for the quarter.
Adelaide
House prices fell 0.16% over May to a median of $389,500. They are up 0.49% for the quarter.
Unit prices rose 1.47% over May to a median of $308,500. They are up 3.05% for the quarter.
Hobart
House prices fell 0.96% over May to a median of $364,000. They are down 4.02% for the quarter.
Unit prices fell 1.02% over May to a median of $257,500. They are down 0.9% for the quarter.
ACT
House prices fell 1.35% over May to a median of $525,500. They are down 1.3% for the quarter.
Unit prices rose 2.05% over May to a median of $427,500. They are up 3.39% for the quarter.
Darwin
House prices rose 3.14% over May to a median of $504,500. They are up 5.08% for the quarter.
Unit prices fell 0.66% over May to a median of $410,500. They are up 4.37% for the quarter.
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Sydney house prices up 2% in May as unit supply issues impact on national recovery: Residex

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Retail rents could fall by as much as 15% amid weak sales and store closures, according to Morgan Stanley, but an industry expert says retail sales are still growing at a modest pace. 
According to an article in The Australian Financial Review, Morgan Stanley analysts noted rents are dropping in a number of malls and for a number of retailers. 
But according to the Australian Retail Research and Forecast Report, produced by Colliers International, the first half of 2012 “has been a continuation of what we saw in 2011”. 
“The most recent retail trade figures released by the ABS reflect anecdotal evidence from retailers that conditions remain tough,” Colliers research director Nora Farren said in the report. 
“A number of high-profile retailer collapses and potential store closures were reported during the first half of 2012, but the number is actually lower than for the same period in 2011.” 
“The failure of Sleep City, WOW Audio Visual Superstores, Game and Retravision Southern are amongst those to occur during the past six months.” 
“While these will have a short-term effect on shopping centre occupancy levels, the fundamentals in high quality centres remain sound.” 
According to Farren, retailers will continue to open stores in order to grow profits, with tenant demand for good quality centres expected to exceed availability. 
“While sales growth has slowed across the portfolios of the major retail landlords, the bulk still report being able to increase rents on review,” she said. 
Strong regional shopping centres and supermarket-based assets have continued to perform better than small- to medium-sized malls with a focus on discretionary retail, the research found. 
Well-located neighbourhood centres that are not dependent on discretionary spending are expected to be well placed for growth in 2012. 
On a state by state basis, the mining states continue to outperform the rest of Australia with regard to retail spending, with WA now accounting for 11.9% of total retail turnover. 
“Within the non-mining states, New South Wales and South Australia bucked the trend… Annual growth for both states is running at 2.1%,” Farren says. 
“In Tasmania, retail sales fell 0.6% [in April], matching the Australian Capital Territory’s 0.6% fall during the month.”
This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.startupsmart.com.au/" target="_blank">StartupSmart</a>.
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Retail rents could fall by 15% across Australia due to store closures and poor sales: Morgan Stanley

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If you don’t have a lot to look at this weekend, go and choose a really good coffee house (such as Porgie and Mr Jones in Auburn Road, Hawthorn East or Coin Laundry Armadale Street, Armadale or The Little Ox in New Street, Brighton). Do this without the kids, sit down and have a chat and a think.
If you are feeling frustrated, annoyed, scared – well, perhaps “chill” for a moment, as they say.
Buying a home should be a 20-year decision. Even if you have been looking for a year, you are probably less than 5% into that time frame. Unless you’re aged 90 and hoping to get the first-home buyers’ bonus, you have got time.
Right now the market is on the side of those who are considered and patient.
If your frustration is escalating, consider a change of habits. Very few properties are selling on the first day they hit the internet. (Although it’s true that a few are being bought off market or before auction, and for that you need a plan.) But looking at the internet four times a day like a teenager constantly checking her Facebook page will not help your mental state. And your mental state is so important in home hunting.
Try not to be afraid that you’ll never find something. Unless you are a Martian with unique requirements, you will find a home. Right now stock is short for lots of people, but things will improve. Don’t buy crap out of a sense of frustration.
If you are in the wrong head space you can end up making poor decisions – and those poor decisions can affect your whole life.
Review your results
So you’ve been looking all this year. How did you go? Have you bid on anything, were you close or have you not found anything of interest?
Back in 2010, if you hadn’t found anything after looking for six to 12 months, our advice would have been to look at your requirements and see how realistic you were – because in 2010 there was a lot on offer. However this is 2012 and the levels of correctly priced, exciting stock have been considerably lower. So your goals may be reasonable, it’s just there’s little stock choice. Our best advice is try not to make a kneejerk reaction to shift to a different set of goals without considerable thought.
Consider changes
In 2012 we suggest you take a more general overview. That’s code for “don’t be too hard on yourself”. Even if you haven’t found your dream home, think about whether you have seen homes within your price range, type and area that are similar to what you want? If your answer is yes, our advice is don’t change course – be patient. If your answer is no, then it may be time to consider a different suburb, a different type of home or more money. Dare I say it– it may be time to seek professional advice to ascertain your best options.
Reinvigorate your plan
Take the next couple of months to review. When the school holidays have become just a painful memory and we are heading into the footy finals and starting to see the first flush of early spring home releases, that will be the right time to smarten up you act. Spend some time now on getting clear on what you can do, getting motivated on what you want and resting so you are set to go when the stock options improve.
Mal James is principal of<a target="_blank" href="https://www.jamesbuyeradvocates.com.au/" title="James Buyer Advocates"> James Buyer Advocates</a>, which advocates on behalf of buyers of property over $1 million. Mal writes weekly auction reports, advice and in-depth market analysis on James' website.</body></html>

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How to avoid the winter home hunting blues: Step one – stay patient: Mal James

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One of Canberra’s greenest office building projects is now 80% leased as demand grows for premium-grade office stock with high environmental ratings, according to Colliers. 
Just two floors out of the 10 in Nishi Commercial – part of developer the Molonglo Group’s mixed-use NewActon project – remain available for lease, with office tenants set to move across in November. 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/06/nishi5.jpg">
Office component
The building, billed as an end to “glass box” offices, has been designed by architecture practice Fender Katsalidis in conjunction with sustainable engineering firm Arup, the firm behind the iconic Beijing Olympic Water Cube and Gherkin building in London. 
The 21,700-square-metre Nishi building has been designed to meet five-star NABERS and six green star ratings and will fittingly become the headquarters for Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, which is its anchor tenant. 
Other tenants include law firm Clayton Utz and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. 
It will feature the largest single-building solar panel installation (400 kW) on any commercial building in Australia and is classified as a Solar Farm under ACT Government legislation. 
<img src="/images/stories/2012/06/nishi4.jpg">
Residential component
“Leasing one floor at Nishi is the equivalent to planting 1,387 trees or equal to preserving 7,500 square metres of rain forest annually,” says Rupert Cullen, state director of real estate management at Colliers, which has been appointed as building manager. 
Other key sustainable features included mixed-mode air-conditioning, an under-floor displacement air handling system and a high-performance façade that optimises daylight penetration. 
In its latest Canberra CBD office research and forecast report, Colliers says that since  2007 there has been “tenant-driven interest in modern, environmentally savvy buildings, and this trend has grown to present day”. 
A-grade office space has grown to 39% of available stock, “changing the profile of the Canberra office market from one of low-quality building to one of high-quality buildings, attracting long-term tenants, creating security and good cashflow for investors”. 
Colliers says that due to a limited amounts of new stock coming to the market in the first half of 2012, “the once tenant-controlled market is shifting to favour landlords with premium space”. 
Net effective rents for A-grade stock have risen 3.4% in the last six months, with the A-grade CBD market vacancy rate falling from 11% to 7.6% over the past two years. 
Investors who hold A-grade stock in the CBD can expect yields of between 7.25% to 7.75%, with one square metre of office space renting for between $425 and $500. 
Colliers says that over the next six months just three buildings – providing an estimated 3,750 square metres of space – are expected to be delivered in the Canberra region.
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The Colliers report anticipates a pick-up in white collar employment growth from January next year, which will boost demand for office space.
Canberra, with a stable civil servant employer base, has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Australia, standing at just 3.8% for the fourth quarter of 2011, according to the ABS. 
This is 1.4 percentage points below the national unemployment rate of 5.3%.
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Canberra’s very green Nishi office block 80% leased as demand for premium office space rises: Colliers

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A Bellevue Hill unit that sold for $2.92 million leads the top 10 notified sales of the week, according to RP Data.
The 373-square-metre apartment with harbour views last sold in 2005 for $2,005,000. It was briefly listed in 2008 but no sale was reported. The median unit price in <a target="_blank" href="/news">Bellevue Hill</a> is $652,250, according to RP Data.
<img src="/images/stories/2012/06/astongarden1.jpg">
This is the second week in a row with no sales reported over $3 million.
Six of the top 10 sales this week were in NSW, with the remaining four in Victoria.
<a target="_blank" href="/news">A double oceanfront block on Collaroy Beach sold this week for $8.7 million</a>, but the sale price was unreported.
1. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.myrp.com.au/n/1-7-aston-garden-bellevue-hill-nsw-2023/myrp-490?propertyId=1366521">1/7 Aston Garden, Bellevue Hill, NSW, 2023</a>, four-bedroom unit, sold at auction on June 21 by Raine &amp; Horne Double Bay for $2.92 million
2. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.myrp.com.au/n/2-10-yarranabbe-road-darling-point-nsw-2027/myrp-490?propertyId=2064819">2/10 Yarranabbe Road, Darling Point, NSW</a>, three-bedroom unit, sold at auction on June 19 by Bradfield Cleary for $2.9 million
3. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.myrp.com.au/n/331-gallaghers-road-glen-waverley-vic-3150/myrp-490?propertyId=15711131">331 Gallaghers Road, Glen Waverley, VIC, 3150</a>, six-bedroom house, sold at auction on June 23 by Ray White Real Estate Glen Waverley for $2.88 million
4. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.myrp.com.au/n/20-mistral-avenue-mosman-nsw-2088/myrp-490?propertyId=4493146">20 Mistral Avenue, Mosman, NSW, 2088</a>, four-bedroom house, sold before auction on June 23 by McGrath Estate Agents for $2,425,000
5. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.myrp.com.au/n/134-addison-road-manly-nsw-2095/myrp-490?propertyId=3970516">134 Addison Road, Manly, NSW, 2095</a>, four-bedroom house, sold on June 19 by Century 21 Williams Manly for $2.16 million
6. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.myrp.com.au/n/280-aldington-road-kemps-creek-nsw-2178/myrp-490?propertyId=3270620">280 Aldington Road, Kemps Creek, NSW, 2178</a>, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on June 23 by Inglis Property Macarthur for $2.07 million
7. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.myrp.com.au/n/2-northcote-avenue-balwyn-vic-3103/myrp-490?propertyId=9565093">2 Northcote Avenue, Balwyn, VIC, 3103</a>, six-bedroom house, sold at auction on June 23 by Marshall White Real Estate for $2.05 million
8. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.myrp.com.au/n/34-norbert-street-balwyn-vic-3103/myrp-490?propertyId=9565080">34 Norbert Street, Balwyn, VIC, 3103</a>, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on June 23 by Jellis Craig Real Estate Hawthorn for $1,935,000
9. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.myrp.com.au/n/7-selwyn-street-artarmon-nsw-2064/myrp-490?propertyId=8131994">7 Selwyn Street, Artarmon, NSW, 2064</a>, four-bedroom house, sold at auction on June 23 by McGrath Estate Agents for $1.85 million
10. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.myrp.com.au/n/783-punt-road-south-yarra-vic-3141/myrp-490?propertyId=13144899">783 Punt Road, South Yarra, VIC, 3141</a>, five-bedroom house, sold at auction on June 23 by Bennison Mackinnon Real Estate for $1.83 million
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Bellevue Hill unit tops week’s reported sales at $2.92 million: RP Data

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There has been plenty of talk of late about the bottom of the Queensland property market and whether it is here or indeed has already passed. It is almost like a mythical beastie that everyone tries to identify but in reality few actually do. This is because – just like coming face to face with an ogre masquerading as a human – it can be quite a scary proposition. Well, it was the time I thought I caught a glimpse of one.
I have always said everyone has different bottoms (chortles inserted here please). That is what makes the world such an interesting place. When it comes to the property market, some people might wait for a time when they believe prices have bottomed out and when activity is usually also low. Others might wait for prices to start to increase marginally or wait for activity to increase ever-so-slightly.
Whichever timing is the best for you, buying property is usually the biggest financial decision you will make in your lifetime, and there is likely to be a certain amount of stress involved, regardless of when or how often you buy.
In January this year, I took the plunge and bought an off-the-plan investment property. It was in an enviable location close to the city, had strong capital growth and rent potential and, well, the design was funky – I am a woman, after all. At that point in time, I thought the bottom of the market had arrived. From talking to agents it seemed there was a little more confidence in the market, more people were venturing out to open homes, and the remnants of last year’s natural disasters were nearly a calendar year behind us.
I signed on the dotted line within a few days of first seeing the plans and after doing so much extra research I thought that my eyeballs or my brain might fall out on my desk. Thankfully neither of those things happened otherwise it would be very difficult for me to write this column. I acted quickly because – just like my first property purchase – I had a good feeling about the development and it ticked all the boxes when I considered the various investment property criteria.  Was I nervous? Yes. Did I know with 100% certainty that I was buying at the bottom of the market? No, but I was prepared to give it a shot. So were plenty of other buyers I found out, with the development almost selling out within the March quarter.
Five months on from that decision, the diggers have moved in and soon the development will start to take shape. I am a little jealous that I will never live in it, because it does have primo views across the river, but apart from that I am happy with the decision I made. When it comes down to it, it is only you who knows when it is the right time to buy and in the end which bottom you would prefer.
Nicola McDougall is media and communications manager for the <a href="https://www.reiq.com/" target="_blank">Real Estate Institute of Queensland</a>. This article originally appeared on the<a href="https://reiqblog.com/" target="_self"> REIQ blog</a>.
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The bottom of the property market – and the best time to buy – differs for everyone

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I have to admit that I am excited. Excited about the release of the results of the 2011 census. I have always seen reliable demographics as the foundation of successful project marketing. We are very lucky to have the ABS as a resource; the organisation is a world leader.
I am also sure that no one would disagree that demographics are important and that access to current statistics even more so.
Most new developments are often being built in areas where rapid change is taking place. Populations are never really static, and change can include areas that are being gentrified as old industrial sites give way to residential projects.
Green-field developments will pose a slightly different hurdle, as the current population mix clearly has very little in common with the potential new community.
These are straightforward examples, however change is not always this easily defined. With each new census we usually see the big-ticket raw figures grab the headlines. But I see the changes that are not always visible as being the real keys to advancing many project marketing issues. Keeping track of demographic shifts and trends will help us all make sure the most suitable product is delivered to the market.
So the 2011 census figures are very welcome, but not only for the immediate headlines about this or that boom or surprising social trend. The longer-term value comes from a blending of the key social and economic trends that impact the demand for housing. 
How, for example, will the big changes in family formation impact demand and where people might choose to live? There are more older people and more singles, but where are the pressure points for population growth, and is growth being fuelled by new births or immigration?
The facts behind the growth and population trends always demand much closer scrutiny and it is vital to have up to date information on every local market you deal with.
These are key facts we can now look at in almost real time because of the delivery of the census. One area to briefly highlight is the changes taking place in some key age brackets. A quick review of the 30-44 age bracket shows they now represent just over 21% of the population. This is important because this group is more likely than any other to be the next immediate generation of home buyers. The 70-plus age bracket is also creeping up from 9.4% in 2006 to be 9.7% in 2011.
Australia’s housing stock has increased from 8,446,726 to 9,140,231 a jump of 693,505 new homes, with Sydney, Darwin and Canberra now sharing the highest median household mortgage repayments at $2,167.
I hope your share my enthusiasm for census 2011, and I am sure we will be sharing some of the many key results and their impact over coming months.
Peter Chittenden is managing director for residential of ;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.colliers.com.au/Colliers%20Corporate/Residential.aspx">Colliers International</a>
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Results of 2011 census will help developers find the most suitable project for the market

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Prices may be rather attractive at the moment, but the days of quick and easy financing are over.
Furthermore, the tight credit market is making it tough for some investors to secure loans.
Nonetheless, with a little creativity and preparation, you can often bring otherwise-doubtful funding options within your reach.
And if you want to take advantage of some great opportunities at the moment, here are a few tips to improve your chances of success.
Increase your initial equity
Let's start with something simple. By contributing 30% to 35% upfront for your new purchase, you will secure your loan and probably obtain a better deal on your interest rate.
But if you don't have the immediate cash to do that, you consider a line of credit on your home or no investment property to bridge the gap.
Steer clear of the big four banks
If your initial equity isn't quite as big as it should be, you might consider a neighbourhood bank for financing rather than one of the big banks.
You'll find them to be a little more flexible; plus, they may also know your local market better and prefer investing locally.
Engaging a good mortgage broker is another good option — because they have access to a wide range of loan products. But make sure you deal with someone who knows how to find investor money.
Seek help from the vendor with financing
Right now, some vendors may be prepared to leave some money in the deal for a few years.
But you need a game plan — to "sell" the vendors on financing,
And you need to sell the vendor on you as well.
You need to paint a confident picture so they don't fill in the blanks with their worst fears.
Think outside the box
You may be looking to buy a vacant property, where you know a tenant can be easily found. But a few things need to be done to it first.
Most investors would seek to "screw the best price" out of the vendors, to help offset some of the upgrade costs involved.
That is your first big mistake!
The better outcome would be to have the vendors agree to a six-month settlement but grant you access to renovate after 30 days.
That way, you can complete the upgrade work and have the property fully let before settlement.
But more importantly, you will be borrowing on a higher-valued property — which should cover your upgrade costs. If you settle early, those costs will come out of your own pocket.
Bottom line: In the current market creativity rules.
Never go into a negotiation fixated on price. With just one item to resolve, there is always a winner and a loser.
Instead, it's often far more productive to let the vendors name the price, but you name the terms.
Chris Lang is an advisor to commercial property investors and gives keynote speeches and regular seminars on the best way to invest in commercial property. He maintains a blog, <a href="https://bitly.com/IFf40C" target="_blank">his-best.biz</a>, which he updates regularly about the best way to get the most out of your commercial property investment.
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With a little creativity, you can secure funding for commercial property investment

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Since the middle of the last decade, the average hold period of homes has continually increased as affordability barriers and high exit costs result in owners holding on to their properties rather than buying new ones.
The average hold period is calculated simply as the difference between the most recent date of sale compared to the previous date of sale. When we quote this figure, we determine an average based on all of the homes sold over the past year.
Across Australia, the average hold period for a house is recorded at 9.0 years and at 7.7 years for a unit. The average hold period has continued to increase over the past year. At the same time last year the hold period was recorded at 8.5 years for houses and 7.4 years for units. The average hold period for houses and units was fairly static until late 2005 and actually declined during the 2001-04 property boom, but it has since consistently increased.
At an individual capital city level, Melbourne houses and units have had the longest average hold period over the past year at 10.4 years and 8.3 years respectively. Sydney has the second highest average hold period. Given that Sydney and Melbourne are the most populous capital cities and also two of the most expensive, it is no surprise to see that they also have the longest length of tenure. It appears that home owners are increasingly likely to keep their current properties rather than upgrade due to the significant cost.
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The trend towards longer tenure is evident across each capital city market, all of which are showing an increase in the average hold period of both houses and units over the past year. As the table shows, the average hold period across each capital is much higher than it was five years ago and substantially higher than they were in 2000.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
When the average hold period data is paired with the annual volume of sales data, you can see that as the volume of sales has fallen, the length of ownership has increased. Of course, this is a logical explanation, if fewer transactions are taking place people still need to live somewhere, so they are going to be more inclined to stay in their current home. Click to enlarge
<a title="Click to enlarge" href="/images/stories/2012/06/rpjune253.gif" rel="shadowbox"><img src="/images/stories/2012/06/rpjune253thumb.gif"></a>
The increase in the average hold period has also occurred over more recent years, a time in which growth in home values has been significantly lower. Of course, in March 2000 median home prices were much lower than they are today, which would suggest that housing affordability is a barrier to people moving and upgrading their home. The March 2012 national median home price was $400,000 compared to $168,000 in March 2000. Another point to note is that as homes get more expensive the amount of stamp duty payable on the sale increases as does the commission payable to the real estate agent. These may also be factors that are contributing to the increasing length of ownership.  
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The fact that the average hold period has been increasing as homes got more expensive and the rate of capital gain slowed along with the ongoing decline in sales activity has ramifications for the market and its participants such as:
<ul>
<li>There is less stamp duty collected by local and state governments because of fewer sales transactions.</li>
<li>There is less commission available for real estate agents and mortgage brokers.</li>
<li>There is less new business for financial institutions; as a result they have to compete more heavily in the refinance space.</li>
<li>Many families are likely to be living in homes which don’t appropriately meet their needs.</li>
<li>The data suggests that, instead of moving, people are looking to renovate their current homes.</li>
</ul>
Overall, we believe that the increase in the average hold period is a response to a number of factors. The main contributors are housing affordability and the costs associated with moving. However, it also probably has to do with the fact that the type of property available and the types of new housing stock being delivered are not meeting buyers’ needs. Whether that be cost, design or location, it is clear the stock available is not what buyers are looking for.
We anticipate that the average hold period will continue to increase over the coming years as private sector demand for credit growth remains below historic levels, sales volumes remain below their peaks and affordability barriers mean that people choose to upgrade their current home rather than upgrade to a new one.
Cameron Kusher is senior data analyst at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rpdata.net.au/">RP Data</a>.
This article originally appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/index.php">SmartCompany</a>.
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Affordability barriers mean home sellers staying put for longer: Cameron Kusher

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The Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) expects no appreciation in the Melbourne housing market in the next few years, with a lack of demand for real property one of the reasons.
In his June 2012 State of the Victorian Property Market report, REIV spokesman Robert Larocca includes a graph that shows particularly low levels of first-home buyer demand for property, as well as a fall in the number in other buyers. The first-home buyer market is often seen as the springboard for growth elsewhere in the market.
First-home buyer numbers have fallen from a high of 4,595 a month in May 2009 to just 1,980 as of April 2012 – having hovered around the 2,000 mark since October 2010.
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“Low rates of economic growth in Victoria coupled with lower population growth and with almost no unmet demand underpin at best moderate growth in the medium term,” says Larocca.
The graph shows that from March 2009 to April 2009 there were more than 4,000 first-home buyers every month.
This was a time when the Victorian government’s first-home owners’ boost was available (in addition to the $7,000 federal first-home owners’ grant).
It offered an extra $14,000 for those who built a new home or bought a newly constructed dwelling and an extra $7,000 for those buying an existing home and ran from October 14, 2008 to September 30, 2009.
The boost halved from October 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009.
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