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“Minister Chanthivong and his team have shown real leadership in replacing an outdated two-year bond with cover that matches the lifespan of the buildings people are buying into.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>
There have been no major shifts in Australia's industrial property markets in the past month, according to valuation firm Herron Todd White's latest industrial property clock.
Four of the eight capital cities hold a positive position in their industrial property market.
Melbourne is the strongest as it holds the peak of market position, it is joined by Coffs Harbour.
Meanwhile, industrial space in Sydney and the Sunshine Coast is approaching peak of market.
Brisbane and Hobart are classed as rising markets.
Click <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/7/22/HTW%20INDUSTRIAL%20PROPERTY%20CLOCK%20JULY.png" target="_blank">here</a> to enlarge.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/7/22/HTW%20INDUSTRIAL%20PROPERTY%20CLOCK%20JULY.png" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/7/22/HTW%20INDUSTRIAL%20PROPERTY%20CLOCK%20JULY.png" alt=""></a>
Adelaide, Perth, Canberra and Darwin were not given a position on the HTW Industrial Property Clock this month.
Cairns, Gladstone, Ipswich, Rockhampton, Toowoomba and Townsville all remain at the bottom of the market.
The central Coast and Newcastle industrial property markets are both still in the starting to decline position, according to HTW.
Other areas that are approaching the peak of market include Lismore, the Southern Highlands and the Souther Tablelands.
Echuca, Illawarra, Mildura and Geelong are classified as rising markets while Horsham and Mackay are still in the start of a recovery.
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

No movement across Australia's industrial market in June: HTW Industrial Clock

<html><body>
Australia has no enduring tradition of having a national urban policy, unlike the UK, from where we sometimes import policies. The Commonwealth government has a long history of intervening in cities, from addressing housing shortages to funding urban infrastructure, but has shied away from a formal national settlement strategy.
Sometimes the Commonwealth claims to have no constitutional case for involvement in city planning. Yet we’re comfortable with spatial planning at the local, metropolitan and regional scale, so planning at the national level makes sense too.
We also seem comfortable with the federal government doing investment deals with individual cities and regions – so-called <a href="https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/cities/city-deals/index.aspx" target="_blank">City Deals</a>. Why not use this fiscal clout to drive a more systematic program of reform? Reform priorities include how our metropolitan areas are governed and how they finance much-needed investment in infrastructure.
To date, <a href="https://citydeals.infrastructure.gov.au/" target="_blank">nine City Deals</a> have been announced. These cover <a href="https://citydeals.infrastructure.gov.au/townsville" target="_blank">Townsville</a>, <a href="https://citydeals.infrastructure.gov.au/launceston" target="_blank">Launceston</a>, <a href="https://citydeals.infrastructure.gov.au/western-sydney" target="_blank">Western Sydney</a>, <a href="https://citydeals.infrastructure.gov.au/darwin" target="_blank">Darwin</a>, <a href="https://citydeals.infrastructure.gov.au/hobart" target="_blank">Hobart</a>, <a href="https://citydeals.infrastructure.gov.au/geelong" target="_blank">Geelong</a>, <a href="https://citydeals.infrastructure.gov.au/adelaide" target="_blank">Adelaide</a>, <a href="https://citydeals.infrastructure.gov.au/perth" target="_blank">Perth</a> and <a href="https://citydeals.infrastructure.gov.au/south-east-queensland" target="_blank">Southeast Queensland</a>. Could this seemingly ad hoc collection of City Deals become part of a more coherent and effective national settlement strategy? And are we up to the enduring challenge of translating these plans and strategies into action?
<h2>Are we alone in this?</h2>
In the UK, urban policy was for many years based on the principle of “<a href="https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C11251433" target="_blank">bending main programs</a>” to focus on areas judged most in need of government assistance. This was sometimes used to justify having little or no new money allocated to urban policy initiatives. However, it also reflected the reality that the main spending programs of national government are often altogether bigger with much more fiscal clout on the ground.
We also need to recognise that there is more to growth and development than investing in hard infrastructure like roads and railways. Schools, hospitals, parks and cultural facilities play a vital role in creating liveable communities at any spatial scale.
When these facilities lag behind the rapid construction of homes, our towns and cities are poorer places to live in. Nor are they places of resilience where we are better able to cope with the environmental changes and technological disruptions of the 21st century.
<h2>Why a national strategy?</h2>
The UN Sustainable Development Goals, and in particular <a href="https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdg11" target="_blank">SDG 11</a>, recognise that having a national urban policy is an important foundation for achieving sustainable urban development. But in Australia we have not established long-term federal funding agreements for the sustainable development of major cities. Nor are there incentives to reform how we govern and deliver public services and infrastructure at the metropolitan scale.
A strategy of establishing metropolitan governance and financial reforms would assist Australian cities to compete and be successful in a 21st-century, globally connected world. At the same time, it would still enable decisions to be based on local preferences and capabilities. This reform could be the central feature of a national approach to partnership with cities.
This national cities partnership could provide a much better framework in which individual City Deals become more effective. An agreement could include national performance outcomes and help drive reforms to metropolitan governance and financing. It could also provide a platform for a national settlement strategy that finally gets to grips with where our growing population might live and live well.
By focusing on the metropolitan scale, we will also be better placed to answer difficult questions like “who should serve as Australia’s metropolitan leaders?” and “who represents metropolitan communities and works with them to make hard decisions about their future?”.
Currently, we have States and their agencies working at the metropolitan level. We have local governments that, understandably, focus on their local issues. Only occasionally do local councils build cooperative structures at a regional or metropolitan scale. Local government amalgamation is not a solution to this issue, as there remains an important role for local as well as metropolitan-scale institutions.
<h2>What would a national cities partnership look like?</h2>
Australia has five metropolitan areas with populations over 1 million people. When regional cities with populations over 100,000 are also considered, there are 17 major cities and metropolitan areas that could join in developing a national cities partnership agreement.
The core principles for this partnership could be:
<ul>
<li>
collaboration between different levels of government at scales that make economic sense and are socially meaningful – e.g. metropolitan regions for big cities, and perhaps major regional cities and their hinterlands in rural and regional areas
</li>
<li>
reforms to allow for the emergence of city and metropolitan leaders, who can talk on behalf of major urban communities and work with stakeholders such as business and non-government actors
</li>
<li>
working hard to engage the public as well as peak bodies in thinking about the future of their region
</li>
<li>
translating plans into action, through ongoing community support and concerted and coherent Commonwealth investment programs.
</li>
</ul>
<h2>Commonwealth needs to take the lead</h2>
Disengagement at this time by the Commonwealth government would be disastrous, so we wish Minister Alan Tudge well in keeping cities on the government’s policy agenda.
A business-as-usual approach to federal intervention may not make things worse, but it won’t set up the reforms Australian cities need to thrive and grow sustainably.
A strategy to establish a national-city partnership agreement offers a way forward. It would provide a framework to make City Deals more effective. The partnership could enable the emergence of a new breed of metropolitan and city leaders to help elevate public dialogue about the future of our cities and drive financial reforms that would allow them to deliver and be responsible to their communities.
All of this should appeal to those in government who want to see policy evolve and develop and our cities grow into more prosperous, liveable and resilient places.
This article draws on separate presentations made by the authors at the 2019 <a href="https://piacongress19.com.au/" target="_blank">National Congress of the Planning Institute of Australia</a>.<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/117839/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;">
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/paul-burton-5155" target="_blank">Paul Burton</a>, Professor of Urban Management and Planning &amp; Director, Cities Research Institute, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/griffith-university-828" target="_blank">Griffith University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/luke-nicholls-756766" target="_blank">Luke Nicholls</a>, Associate, Institute for Public Policy and Governance, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-technology-sydney-936" target="_blank">University of Technology Sydney</a>
This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/a-patchwork-of-city-deals-or-a-national-settlement-strategy-whats-best-for-our-growing-cities-117839" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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A patchwork of City Deals or a national settlement strategy: what’s best for our growing cities? Paul Burton & Luke Nicholls 

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The Swan Hill Mayor Les McPhee has officially opened a new solar farm just outside Swan Hill.
The 19MW solar farm funded and owned by Impact Investment Group's (IIG) second solar fund is expected to provide clean electricity for the equivalent of approximately 6,050 Australian homes, and have a 30-year life span. 
The project was estimated to have cost $36 million in total.
Impact Investment Group's Head of Renewable Energy Infrastructure said: "We're extremely proud of the Swan Hill solar farm, its contribution to the local economy, and Australia's clean energy system, this solar farm will save approximately 155 million litres of water each year.
"As Australia moves away from its old, polluting coal fired power plants, it will need new electricity generators and that transition could mean dozens of projects like this one; we'd love to see a new boom of solar jobs, not just in Victoria, but across the country."
Swan Hill Rural City Council Mayor Les McPhee said this was an important renewable power generation facility for the region.
Victorian Renewable Energy Advocate, Simon Corbell said: "Swan Hill solar farm is directly contributing to the growth of large scale renewable energy in Victoria and will contribute to towards achieving the Victorian Renewable Energy Target of 40% renewable energy by 2025.
"With the Australian Energy Market Operator having confirmed on Tuesday that Victoria is capturing the largest share of renewable energy growth of any jurisdiction, at 38%, we can expect many more projects like Swan Hill solar farm into the future."
IIG have stated: "This is an opportunity for wholesale investors to co-invest with IIG in an unlisted portfolio of up to $180m in Australian solar infrastructure assets, with exposure to the electricity spot market."
The folio was opened in June 2018, and attracted $55 million in its first round of investor commitments.
It remains open for second-round investors.
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IIG opens new Swan Hill solar farm

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An opportunity has arisen to lease office space in the Surry Hills commercial block designed by the late Harry Seidler.
It's been called home by the Australia Council for the Arts since it was completed by Seidler in 1999.
They're exiting the 4,435 square metre space which is available at the end of September. 
Seidler designed the building in 1996 and his development firm spent three years creating the six storey building that was modelled on his own offices in Milsons Point.
Those offices won the prestigious Sir John Sulman Medal.
Each floor of the Elizabeth Street block features column free space and is encased by frameless floor to ceiling glass windows.
There are large north facing terraces on levels three and six and west facing terraces on levels three and five.
The Seidler family still own the building.
Knight Frank's Nick Lau is marketing the commercial space.
There's likely to be more rental opportunities given the demise in Australia of low-commission real estate agency Purplebricks who occupy space on level one.
 
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Space opens in Harry Seidler designed office block in Surry Hills 

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EXPERT OBSERVER
A combination of housing values trending lower and sluggish rental conditions, CoreLogic research out today looks at the total investment return trends across Australia’s capital cities and broad regional markets.
Over the 2018-19 financial year, total returns from residential property recorded a fall of -3.3%.
Returns were down from the previous year and it was the only financial year since at least 2005/06 that total residential property returns were negative.
To put that in context, housing returns last year were worse than those recorded during the financial crisis and during the 2010- 12 housing downturn.
The combination of falling values and historically low rental yields have driven total returns into negative territory.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/7/25/CL%20JULY%2025%20-%201.JPG" alt="">
Looking at the national figures in the context of the combined capital cities and combined regional markets shows that returns have reduced over the year across both regions.
However, combined capital city returns have fallen -4.5% while combined regional market returns remained mildly positive at 1.6%.
For the combined capital cities it was the weakest returns on record and the first negative annual return, while across the combined regional markets it was the weakest annual return since 2008-09.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/7/25/CL%20JULY%2025%20-%202.JPG" alt="">
Across NSW, total returns fell over the 2018-19 financial year in both Sydney and regional NSW.
For Sydney, it was the second consecutive financial year in which returns have fallen however, it was a larger -6.7% fall compared to the previous year and the largest fall of any time since 2005-06.
In regional NSW total returns were - 0.5% lower over the past financial year and it was the first time over the period that total returns recorded a decline.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/7/25/CL%20JULY%2025%20-%203.JPG" alt="">
In Vic total returns were lower over the most recent financial year in both Melbourne (-6.0%) and regional Vic (4.5%).
For Melbourne it was the first financial year in which returns were negative since 2011-12 and it was the largest fall in total returns on record.
Although regional Vic total returns remained positive, the market experienced a substantial slowing from the previous year.
Furthermore, it was the slowest growth in total returns for regional Vic since 2011-12 when they increased by 3.5%.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/7/25/CL%20JULY%2025%20-%204.JPG" alt="">
Although total returns throughout the 2018-19 financial year remained positive in Brisbane and regional, Qld there was a substantial reduction in returns across both regions.
Over the year, total returns in Brisbane were recorded at 1.7% the lowest they have been since the 2011-12 financial year and it was the same story in regional Qld with the 3.2% return the lowest since 2011- 12.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/7/25/CL%20JULY%2025%20-%205.JPG" alt="">
Although returns from residential property remained positive over the 2018-19 financial year in SA, both Adelaide and regional SA recorded a slowing of total returns.
Over the year, Adelaide’s total return was 4.1%, which was the smallest return since 2011-12, and down from 6.1% the previous year.
In regional SA, returns slipped from 5.2% the previous year to 4.0%, which was the smallest returns since 2011-12.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/7/25/CL%20JULY%2025%20-%206.JPG" alt="">
Total returns were negative in 2018-19 across WA with both Perth and regional WA recording their largest annual falls in returns on record.
Over the year, total returns in Perth recorded a fall of -5.3% and although returns have fallen over three previous financial years, it was the largest decline on record.
In regional WA, returns declined -5.0%, which was also a larger fall than over any of the three previous financial years in which returns were negative.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/7/25/CL%20JULY%2025%20-%207.JPG" alt="">
Both Hobart and regional Tas maintained positive total returns over the 2018-19 financial year however, it was a significant reduction of returns in Hobart.
Hobart’s return was recorded at 8.1% over the year, down from 17.4% the previous year and its smallest annual return since 2014-15.
In regional TAS the total returns was 11.4%, which was slightly lower than the 13.2% the previous financial year however, returns remained higher than the 10.2% over the 2016-17 financial year.
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/7/25/CL%20JULY%2025%20-%208.JPG" alt="">
Total returns from residential property have softened over the past year across NT.
Darwin recorded a decline in total return of -3.0% over 2018-19 which was a larger fall over the previous year but not quite as large as the -3.6% fall in 2015-16.
In regional NT, total returns were recorded at 7.8% in 2018-19, down from 8.5% over the previous financial year.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/7/25/CL%20JULY%2025%20-%209.JPG" alt="">
Canberra recorded total returns of 6.0% over the most recent financial year.
The total return in Canberra has fallen over the year from 9.4% and the 6.0% return is the lowest since 2013-14. Canberra, along with Adelaide and Hobart are the only capital cities in which total returns have not been negative over any of the financial years shown.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/7/25/CL%20JULY%2025%20-%2010.JPG" alt="">
With early signs that the rate of decline in housing values has slowed in Sydney and Melbourne and rental yields rising across most regions of the country, the outlook for total returns over the coming year looks a little stronger at a national level.
As always, there will be diversity with most regions of the country outside of Sydney and Melbourne yet to show signs of an improving housing market. We may see an improvement in returns in the two largest capital city housing markets while returns continue to weaken elsewhere.
CAMERON KUSHER is the head of research for the Australian branch of CoreLogic
Kusher regularly posts on the <a href="https://www.corelogic.com.au/news" target="_blank">CoreLogic website</a>.
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ckusher-ujnxiKuFQs

Housing returns slump over the 2018-19 financial year: CoreLogic's Cameron Kusher

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The financial year just done was not a pretty one for property investors across Australia.
CoreLogic calculated total returns from residential property saw a fall of 3.3 percent in the 2018-19 financial year. Total investment returns is the value growth and gross rental returns.
Last financial year was the only financial year since at least 2005/06 that total residential property returns were negative.
The average return over the 13 year period was nine percent.
The best year was 2009-10 when the national return was almost 17 percent.
"Housing returns last year were worse than those recorded during the financial crisis and during the 2010-12 housing downturn," Cameron Kusher at CoreLogic noted, adding it was the combination of falling values and historically low rental yields that had driven total returns into negative territory.
Looking at the Sydney figures, it was the second consecutive financial year in which returns have fallen however, it was a larger 6.7 percent fall compared to the previous 2.7 percent fall in 2017-18.
They were the only years to record a fall since 2005-06, with the average Sydney return being 10 percent.
The best year was 2014-15 when the total return was 21 percent.
In regional NSW total returns were 0.5 percent down in the past financial year, the first time total returns recorded a decline in the past 14 years. NSW regional property saw an average eight percent over the extended period.
The combined capitals were down 4.5 percent, while all the rest was up 1.6 percent.
Kusher maintains that with the early signs that the rate of decline in housing values has now slowed and rental yields rising across most regions of the country, the prospect for total returns over the coming year looks a little stronger for some.
Sydney may see an improvement in returns although they may weaken in most of the other capital cities and regions elsewhere.
While the total returns from residential housing are not looking so attractive, residential property is not alone.
Try living off cash!
Outside of compulsory superannuation, property and shares are the two most common ways of building wealth in Australia.
Investors looking for the best place to invest always face a challenging decision, this year as much as ever. 
There are always the push and pull factors of residential property and shares so choosing the right strategy often comes down to investors’ own timeframes and preferences.
There needs to be an understanding the advantages and risks associated with both.
Be aware the ever present debate comparing the returns on shares with the returns on property tends to be seen through the prism of the commentator's bias.
The Australian share market recently hit an all-time high with the All Ords index surpassing its record in November 2007.
Once dividends are allowed for, the Australian share market had actually surpassed its 2007 record high back in 2013.
The Reserve Bank of Australia’s head of domestic markets Marion Kohler noted recently that the Australian sharemarket, once dividends are included, showed an average annual 8.5 per cent return since 1993.
AMP Capital chief economist Shane Oliver noted earlier this month that going through past bull market highs after a long period below can attract investors into the stock market so it could push on for a bit. 
My views that we shall see an exit of some sharemarket gains into the property market. Perhaps not the influx seen in past cycles, but enough to provide a fillip to the depth of property buying interest.
 
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Is there a choice for investors after housing returns slump over the 2018-19 financial year?

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Collingwood's Punter's Place Hotel has been offered to the market.
The Smith Street hotel is for sale via an expressions of interest campaign ending August 16th.
Nicholas Skapoulas of Nicholas Scott Real Estate is marketing the property.
Situated at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-hotel+leisure-vic-collingwood-503265682" target="_blank">314 Smith Street</a>, the property has 520 sqm of floor space.
Set on a 383 sqm block, the listing describes the hotel as a "AAA Freehold."
It is currently leased at $180,000 per annum on a long term lease.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Collingwood's Punter's Palace Hotel for sale

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WeWork is set to further expand its Sydney holdings after securing 11,000 sqm of space in a 12 year leasing deal.
The tenancy negotiated by JLL and Knight Frank marks WeWork’s first lease with building owner ARA Australia.  
JLL’s Justin Hayes, Director, Office Leasing – NSW, and Alex Wong, Director, Office Leasing – NSW, managed the deal on behalf of ARA Australia. 
Rohan Neville, Head of Asset Management at ARA Australia, said, “320 Pitt Street provides a unique accommodation solution for WeWork with a dedicated ground-floor entry and exclusive use of the low rise of the building.
<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/2019/7/22/322%20pitt%20st.jpg" alt="">
The 32-storey A-grade building has a net lettable area of 29,000 sqm.
Major upgrade works are underway and include an expanded new lobby and end-of-trip facilities. 
Tina Raftopoulos, Director, Office Leasing at Knight Frank, said: "The floor plates at 320 Pitt Street have natural light on all four sides and the column-free, efficient space enhances the options for vertical connectivity throughout the 320 Pitt Street WeWork facility.”
The building is close to Museum station, the new light rail route along George Street and the future Pitt Street Station on the Sydney Metro rail network. 
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WeWork lease further 11,000 square metres of Sydney CBD office space

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A trophy fast food asset at Bondi Junction has been listed for sale for the first time.
It's been the home of Guzman y Gomez since 2006. It was the Mexican fast food giant's second store to ever open in Australia.
Before that it was occupied by Giorgio's Fine Foods.
The property at <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-nsw-bondi+junction-503270142" target="_blank">1a Bronte Road</a> has a secure income of $189,199 per annum plus GST, with a fixed four percent annual rent increase.
The two storey freehold investment is zoned B3 Commercial.
Cushman &amp; Wakefield agents Anthony Bray and Yosh Mendis have an August 22 auction.
There will be remote bidding facilities in Brisbane and Melbourne.
The last sale on the small section of Bronte Road opposite Westfield was in 2003 when 3A-5 Bronte Road, the old Bondi Junction Medial Centre, sold for $8.9 million.
It is currently leased to Suncorp.
 
 
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Bondi Junction fast food trophy asset listed for the first time

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EXPERT OBSERVER
Hobart and Tasmania are national leaders on price growth – although analysis of the latest sales activity data suggests the market has passed its peak after two years of strong growth.
In terms of annual price growth, Tasmania remains the undisputed champion of Australia. Nine out of ten locations across the state have increased their median prices in the past year – and many of them have recorded double-digit growth.
Hotspotting has analysed house price data for 76 suburbs and towns in Tasmania: 69 of them (91%) have recorded growth in their median house prices in the past year. Of the 69 house markets with price growth, 56 have increased by more than 5%, including 35 which have risen 10% or more.
Only 9% of Tasmanian house markets have experienced decreases in median prices – and only one location has dropped by more than 5%.
In the Hobart metropolitan area, the suburbs of Austins Ferry, Chigwell, Gagebrok and Risdon Vale have all increased between 20% and 25% in the past 12 months.
In Launceston, price uplift has been led by East Launceston (17%), Newnham (12%), South Launceston (16%), Summerhill (12%) and West Launceston (12%). 
In other parts of regional Tasmania, Scottsdale and Upper Burnie have both recorded 15% rises in their median house prices.
There are also examples of exceptional growth in unit markets, where 81% of locations have rising prices.
Growth markets for apartments in Hobart include Bellerive (16%), Claremont (19%), Glenorchy (16%), New Town (18%) and West Moonah (20%) – but the highly-rated suburb of Lindisfarne is the standout, with its median apartment price rising 32% to $445,000, based on 45 sales in the past 12 months.
In Launceston, there have been 25-26% rises in median unit prices in Newnham and Prospect Vale.
Strong though those results are, they are a little less spectacular than our findings three months ago. In that previous report we said: “In Hobart, we can find no suburbs with falling prices and none with minor growth. All have increased by more than 5% in the past 12 months – and 80% of them are up at least 10%. A key feature is most have recorded rises in the latest quarter, which indicates prices are still growing.”
So the current data represents a strong result, indeed the strongest anywhere in Australia, but not as strong as three months ago. This confirms our overall conclusion that markets in Hobart and Tasmania have passed the peak in their cycles and are gradually winding down.
The strongest evidence of this comes from our analysis of quarterly sales activity. We have classified 16 locations as rising markets, the lowest number in any quarter since late in 2016. 
The rise of markets in Hobart, Launceston and other parts of Tasmania began with a steady uplift in sales activity early in 2017 and we have seen strong sales activity since then, leading to nation-leading price growth.
But now sales volumes are subsiding and the number of plateau markets across the state is the highest since we began our quarterly surveys five years ago. Indeed, the number of plateau markets in Tasmania, quarter-by-quarter in the past two years, has been 17, 30, 39, 39, 40, 43, 46 and 54 – a clear pattern showing the increase in the number of locations where sales activity has passed its peak.
There are still suburbs with growth markets (measured by sales volumes) in both Hobart and Launceston. In the Hobart metropolitan area, suburbs that still have growth momentum include Berriedale, Bridgewater, Rokeby, Sorell, Old Beach, Margate and Howrah.
In Launceston, the suburbs that still have forward momentum include Mowbray, Prospect and Newnham.
Elsewhere in the state, growth markets include Cygnet in the Huon Valley south of Hobart, George Town in the north of the state near Launceston, Longford in the Northern Midlands, and Smithton in the Circular Head LGA in the far north-west.
While all the recent evidence suggests Hobart and Tasmania are gradually winding down from the peak of the cycle, the key question is whether recent positive events at a national level (election result, APRA changes, lower interest rates, tax cuts, etc) will re-ignite the state’s mini-boom.
We’ll know more three months from now.
Terry Ryder is the founder of hotspotting.com.au
<a href="https://mailto:ryder@hotspotting.com.au">ryder@hotspotting.com.au</a>
twitter.com/hotspotting
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