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“Minister Chanthivong and his team have shown real leadership in replacing an outdated two-year bond with cover that matches the lifespan of the buildings people are buying into.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>
Property fund, Barwon Investment Partners, has acquired a new strata medical centre in the heart of Cedar Woods’ Williams Landing.
The site at 111 Overton Road was purchased for $8.2 million.
It features 1,520 sqm of net lettable ground floor area and is fully leased to Cornerstone Health, a national medical operator.
Still under construction, the property is slated for completion in April 2019.
CBRE’s specialist healthcare team, Josh Twelftree, Sandro Peluso and Jimmy Tat, negotiated the transaction.
Mr Twelftree said, “Healthcare investment yields have recorded continued compression over the past few years and, as a result, we’re seeing strong interest translate into demand for high quality strata assets.”
“The security associated with the healthcare investment class, coupled with its tightly held nature, means buyers are being increasingly selective between freehold and strata assets."
Mr Peluso said “forecasted growth within the wider city of Wyndham has been well received by investors, who have also been surprised by the significant number of white-collar professionals re-locating to the are."
“The asset attracted multiple offers with Barwon beating out both domestic and international investors.”
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Barwon Investment Partners acquires $8.2 million Williams Landing medical centre

<html><body>
EXPERT OBSERVER
Some might be forgiven for thinking the wheels have fallen off Australian politics over the past decade with the same number of PM changes as Italy, a fractured Senate and “minority government” at times making sensible visionary long-term policy making hard.
With the May 18 Federal Election offering a starker than normal choice political uncertainty may see another leg up. Polls give Labor a clear lead, albeit it’s narrowed a bit.
There is anecdotal evidence that uncertainty around elections causes households and businesses to put some spending decisions on hold - the longer the campaign the greater the risk.
Fortunately, this time around it’s a relatively short campaign at five weeks. However, hard evidence regarding the impact of elections on economic indicators is mixed and there is no clear evidence that election uncertainty effects economic growth in election years as a whole.
In fact, since 1980 economic growth through election years averaged 3.6% which is greater than average growth of 3.1% over the period as a whole. In terms of the share market, there is some evidence of it tracking sideways in the run up to elections, which may be because investors don’t like the uncertainty associated with the prospect of a change in policies.
The next chart shows Australian share prices from one year prior to six months after federal elections since 1983.
This is shown as an average for all elections (but excludes the 1987 and 2007 elections given the global share crash in late 1987 and the start of the global financial crisis (GFC) in 2007), and the periods around the 1983 and 2007 elections, which saw a change of government to Labor, and the 1996 and 2013 elections, which saw a change of government to the Coalition.
The chart suggests some evidence of a period of flat lining in the run up to elections, possibly reflecting investor uncertainty, followed by a relief rally.
IMG
However, the elections resulting in a change of government have seen a mixed picture. Shares rose sharply after the 1983 Labor victory but fell sharply after the 2007 Labor win, with global developments playing a role in both.
After the 1996 and 2013 Coalition victories shares were flat to down.
So based on historical experience it’s not obvious that a victory by any one party is best for shares in the immediate aftermath, and historically the impact of swings in global shares arguably played a bigger role than the outcomes of federal elections.
The next table shows that 9 out of the 13 elections since 1983 saw shares up 3 months later with an average gain of 4.8%.
IMG
The next chart shows the same analysis for the Australian dollar. In the six months prior to Federal elections there is some evidence the $A experiences a period of softness and choppiness, which is consistent with policy uncertainty, but the magnitude of change is small. On average, the $A has drifted sideways to down slightly after elections
IMG
Political parties and shares
Over the post-war period shares have returned 12.7% pa under Coalition governments and 10.7% pa under Labor governments. It may be argued that the Labor governments led by Whitlam in the 1970s and Rudd and Gillard more recently had the misfortune of severe global bear markets and, if these periods are excluded, the Labor average obviously rises to 15.8% pa, although that may be taking things a bit too far.
But certainly, the Hawke/Keating government defied conventional perceptions that conservative governments are always better for shares. Over the Hawke/Keating period from 1983 to 1996 Australian shares returned 17.3% pa, the strongest pace for any post-war Australian government.
Once in government, political parties are usually forced to adopt sensible macro-economic policies if they wish to ensure rising living standards and arguably there has been broad consensus on both sides of politics in recent decades regarding key macroeconomic fundamentals – eg, low inflation and free markets.
Policy differences starker than since the 1970s However, after narrowing in the 80s and 90s with the rationalist reform oriented agenda kicked off by Hawke and Keating, in recent years the policy differences between the Coalition and Labor have been intensifying again to the point that they are now arguably starker than they have been since the 1970s (when there used to be more of a focus around “class warfare”).
In part this is consistent with rising interest in populist policies globally which in turn reflects angst over low wages growth, widening inequality, globalisation and automation. Each side of politics is now offering very different visions on the role and size of government. And so the policy uncertainty around this election is greater than usual.
The Coalition is focused on containing government spending and encouraging economic growth via infrastructure spending, significant personal tax cuts (to return bracket creep and cap taxation revenue at its long term high of around 24% of GDP) and mild economic reforms.
By contrast Labor is focused on spending more on health and education and in the process allowing the size of the public sector to increase.
This is proposed to be funded by “tax increases” including: 
<ul>
<li>cancelling the Coalition’s middle and upper income personal tax cuts scheduled for next decade and reimposing the 2% Deficit Repair Levy on incomes above $180,000;</li>
<li>restricting negative gearing to new residential property (and no other assets) and halving the capital gains tax discount from January 1 2020; </li>
<li>stopping cash refunds for excess franking credits; and </li>
<li>a 30% tax rate on distributions from discretionary trusts; It’s not proposing to spend all the extra revenue this will raise with some earmarked for higher budget surpluses (ie paying down public debt).</li>
</ul>
It’s also promising a sharp lift in the minimum wage towards being a “living wage”, some labour market re-regulation, far more aggressive climate policy (with a 45% reduction in emissions on 2005 levels by 2030, which is almost double the Coalition’s policy) and in relation to superannuation key changes are likely to include a resumption of the increase in the Super Guarantee, lower non-concessional contributions and a lower income threshold for the application of the 30% tax rate on super contributions.
Intervention in the economy is likely to be higher under a Labor government. Perceptions that a more left leaning Labor government will mean bigger government, more regulation and higher taxes and hence act as a drag on productivity and be less business friendly may contribute to more nervousness in shares and the $A than usual around this election.
More specifically there are a number of risks:
<ul>
<li>There is a danger that relying on tax hikes on the “top end of town” will dampen incentive in that Australia’s top marginal tax rate of 47% is already high – particularly compared to our neighbours: 33% in NZ; 20% in Singapore; and 15% in HK. Australia’s income tax system is already highly progressive: 1% of taxpayers pay 17% of the total personal income tax take (with an average tax rate of 42%) &amp; the top 10% pay 45% of tax compared to the bottom 50% who pay around 12% (with an average tax rate around 11%). </li>
<li>The proposed changes to franking credits even though they only impact around 8% of taxpayers are potentially a negative for stocks with high-franked dividends. </li>
<li>The proposed changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing have been estimated to cause a 5 to 12% decline in home prices &amp; a boost to rents of 7 to 12%. This is risky as the property market is already weak. This could further impact construction/property stocks, banks &amp; retail shares.</li>
<li>Higher minimum wages and some labour market reregulation risk higher unemployment, a less flexible labour market and are a negative for hospitality and retail stocks. </li>
<li>The focus on economic reform needed to boost productivity looks to have fallen by the wayside in the face of populism – eg, why aren’t we considering injecting more competition into the health sector along with spending more on it?</li>
</ul>
That said there are some offsets in relation to ALP policies that investors need to allow for: 
<ul>
<li>Some ALP policies may not pass the Senate, including those around negative gearing and repealing the middle &amp; upper income tax cuts that have already passed into law.</li>
<li>Labor is planning bigger budget surpluses which is positive.</li>
<li>Labor policies encouraging “build to rent/affordable housing” are positive, but it’s unclear how much impact they will have.</li>
<li>Labor policies focussed on greater spending and tax cuts more targeted to lower saving low income earners may provide more of a short-term boost to economic growth.</li>
<li>Labor has a track record of taking sensible advice &amp; responding quickly to help the economy in a crisis (think 1983 and in the GFC). In the short term, this could include a First Home Buyer grant to mute the property downturn.</li>
</ul>
Concluding comment:
The now wider left right divide in Australian politics suggests greater uncertainty going into this election potentially affecting all asset Australian classes. But the bigger concern is the dwindling prospects for productivity enhancing reform, which could be an ongoing dampener on growth in living standards.
DR SHANE OLIVER is the Head of Investment Strategy and Chief Economist for AMP Capital
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The 2019 Australian Federal election and investors: Shane Oliver

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EXPERT OBSERVATION
The federal election must focus on the need to drive more housing growth in Australian cities with appropriate infrastructure. It will need to focus, more than ever before, on managing growth in Australia’s cities.
The housing market is collapsing in Sydney and Melbourne, with growing negative attitudes about the change occurring to the character of these cities. The recent swing to more urban living in apartments as an affordable way for younger people and retirees to live must continue despite concerns from suburban house dwellers.
This election is to some extent a debate about how Australian’s will live as our cities grow, and this inevitably raises issues about high density living, congestion, infrastructure provision and housing affordability.
The reality is that the suburban model works for cities up to around 4 million people, however, as Sydney and Melbourne are heading for 8 million people, strong political leadership is required on how to best manage the switch to more urban living that can co-exist with the suburbs.
The Urban Taskforce believes the federal government must help the states and councils manage the evolution of Australia’s cities into more urban structures. This is even more important now that the housing industry is going through a major contraction phase in terms of the supply of new homes.
The Urban Taskforce calls on all parties to support the following policy commitments:
1. HOUSING SUPPLY MUST BE REBOOTED The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) indicates a dramatic fall in housing approvals across Australia, as does the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). The result of this slowdown will be a loss of jobs in the industry, and a reduced supply chain of new homes in future years. The federal government must look at policy levers that can reactivate the supply of new homes.
2. FREE UP CREDIT RESTRICTIONS ON HOUSING LOANS Many ordinary Australians are finding it impossible to get a loan to purchase a new or existing home. The builders of new homes are also finding it more difficult to secure Page 2 of 2 finance for new projects due to credit restrictions. The federal government must not instigate policies that make credit harder to get, but must work to free up the flow of loans into the housing industry.
3. SUPPORT A ROBUST IMMIGRATION PROGRAM Recent concerns about the changing character of our cities has led to knee-jerk reactions that big reductions in immigration can keep Australian cities from changing. But with the large number of baby boomers moving into retirement Australia needs young, skilled, income earning tax payers to fund government programs. This population growth will maintain Australia’s competiveness economically and the shape of our cities can be managed in a way that supports diverse living styles.
4. PROVIDE STRONG LEADERSHIP IN SHAPING OUR URBAN CITIES Rather than fuelling community concerns about change, Australia’s politicians must take a lead role to help shape the future of our cities. Global cities that contribute to the world’s economy will grow and can do this in a positive way with political leadership.
5. REDUCE EXCESSIVE TAXES ON NEW HOUSING All levels of government seem to want to add taxes to new housing to cover the cost of infrastructure, affordable housing and public transport. This feeding frenzy of governments desperate for funds is increasing housing costs to excessive levels. The Federal Government must ensure that taxes on housing do not drive unaffordability for ordinary Australians.
6. SUPPORT URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE PARTICULARLY METRO RAIL The Federal Government has a specific role in funding major infrastructure projects. The most important ‘game changer’ for Australian cities is the roll out of metro rail projects. The federal government must be a major funder of these projects and they must require bold densities for development next to metro rail stations.
7. ENCOURAGE LONG TERM RENTAL HOUSING While home ownership has long been an aspiration of Australians, it is clear that there are a growing number of people who prefer to rent. This requires an investment market to provide rental homes, and the federal government must support this investment - including long term rental in the Build-to-Rent model.
8. REQUIRE EFFICIENT PLANNING SYSTEMS ACROSS AUSTRALIA Many state planning systems are overly complex and slow. This is having a negative impact on the productivity of the property development industry and this adds costs to the end product. Australia’s planning systems must support the swing to a mixed use, cosmopolitan lifestyle that is preferred by many people. A national review that drives a more up to date planning system, particularly for cities, is needed.
CHRIS JOHNSON is the Urban Taskforce CEO 
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Federal Election must focus on housing growth and infrastructure: Urban Taskforce's Chris Johnson

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EXPERT OBSERVER
As at June 2018, an estimated 17,650,130 residents of Australia were born in Australia.
While this might seem like a high number, it shows that 29.4% of residents were born overseas. Based on data from the ABS, which dates back to 1996, this is the highest share of residents born overseas on record.
It also shows that over 2017-18, Australian born residents increased by 1.1%, overseas born residents increased in population by a much larger 2.8%. While that figure is high, it was down from 3.3% over the previous year.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/4/11/CL%20PP%20Population%201.JPG" alt="">
Harking back to colonial times, England remains the largest source of residents that were born overseas. In fact, almost 1 million residents were born in England, which accounts for 13.5% of all Australian residents that were born overseas. The top 10 countries of birth accounted for 54.8% of all residents that were born overseas as at June 2018.
Another interesting point of note is that migration from certain countries has clearly slowed.
The number of persons born in England peaked at 1,012,780 persons in 2013, consistently falling to its current level. The number of persons born in New Zealand also peaked in 2013 at 585,390, as did persons born in Scotland (142,360) and persons born in Italy (200,670).
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/4/11/CL%20PP%20Population%202.JPG" alt="">
 
While we have seen fewer residents born in in these countries over the past five years, there has been a significant rise in persons born in China (432,400 in 2013) and India (378,480) over the same five-year period.
Twenty years ago, the top 10 countries of birth for residents born overseas accounted for 56.0% of all residents born overseas. Keep in mind that in 1998, a much lower number of residents were born overseas.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/4/11/CL%20PP%20Population%203.JPG" alt="">
 
The makeup of the CoreLogic top 10 list 20 years ago is quite different to how it currently looks. China is now the second largest source of residents while 20 years ago it was the seventh largest.
India, which is now the third largest source of residents was the 12th largest source, Malaysia is now the ninth largest source and was the 13th largest source 2 decades ago and South Africa is now the seventh largest source of residents compared to 17th 20 years ago.
20 years ago, Greece was the sixth largest source of residents born overseas compared to 15th now, Germany was the eighth largest source compared to being 14th now and Netherlands was the 10th largest source compared to 25th now.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/4/11/CL%20PP%20Population%204.JPG" alt="">
 
Although the Federal Government has recently announced that they are set to reduce the migration intake going forward, Australia is still set to be a very multicultural country.
Furthermore, demand for our education services, particularly from the world’s two most populous countries (China and India) is anticipated to remain high. As a result, expect even more residents of Chinese and Indian heritage to find their way to our shores over the coming years.
Similarly, those countries such as Scotland and Italy will likely see themselves fall out of the top 10 list over coming years with new countries of origin finding their way to the top 10 list.
CAMERON KUSHER is head of research for the Australian branch of CoreLogic
Mr Kusher regularly posts on the <a href="https://www.corelogic.com.au/taxonomy/corelogic-people/cameron-kusher" target="_blank">CoreLogic website</a>.
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Increasing numbers of overseas migrants: CoreLogic's Cameron Kusher

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EXPERT OBSERVATION
Access to finance continues to constrain lending for the purchase of a new home.
The ABS has released Lending to Households and Businesses for February 2019. This publication presents statistics on housing finance commitments including for the purchase or construction of new dwellings.
Overall housing finance commitments for construction and purchase of new homes are now 14.1 per cent lower than they were in February 2018.
Despite the trend of the last year lending to households rose by 2.6 per cent in the month of February.
This increase is consistent with the small rise we saw in new home sales in February.
After five years of a sustained building boom, market confidence fell away in the later part of 2018 as dwelling prices corrected, adversely impacting all segments of the market.
Investors and owner occupiers are delaying purchase decisions and foreign investment has also fallen dramatically for numerous reasons.
Our expectation is that the credit squeeze will ease over the course of 2019 and we are hopeful that this is an early sign that the fall in lending will be modest by historical standards.
Click <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/4/11/HIA%20Graph.JPG" target="_blank">here</a> to enlarge.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/4/11/HIA%20Graph.JPG" alt="">
The pipeline of building work which had expanded over recent years has shrunk over the past 6 months as the volume of work entering the pipeline fell away.
The home building industry has driven economic growth in Australia since the end of the resources boom. As the housing boom cools the industry will be reliant on a strong national economy to ensure that this is a relatively shallow downturn.
Lending to owner-occupiers building and purchasing new homes in the three months to February 2019 compared with the previous quarter were down in all states.
NSW down by 21.0 per cent, Victoria down by 17.6 per cent, Queensland down by 20.5 per cent, South Australia down by 10.8 per cent, Western Australia down by 17.8 per cent and Tasmania down by 17.0 per cent.
TIM REARDON is the Chief Economist of HIA
 
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Pipeline of building work continues to shrink: HIA's Tim Reardon

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The majority of Australian voters do not understand Labor’s proposed changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing, according to a report released by the Housing Industry Association (HIA) this week.
The report, based on polling by JWS Research, also showed that the majority of people 74% want a proper review before any changes take place.
"HIA has always said that changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax for housing are bad policy," HIA Managing Director, Graham Wolfe said.
"This research confirms how unpopular these changes are across all political persuasions.
"Twice as many voters oppose these changes than support them.
"This report shows that many Australians have little understanding of how Labor’s changes would affect them."
According to HIA's research, only 34% of Australians are aware of the proposed changes and understand it at some level, while others have no understanding.
52% of people believe rents will rise as a consequence of the changes. 
"With 92% of all renters aspiring to buy their own home, Labor’s proposed changes will weigh heavily on their savings’ plans," Wolfe said. 
"If these changes are made, rents will rise as supply dries up due to a lack of investment in new housing. This will make renting a home less affordable.
"If rents rise, renters saving for a deposit for their own home will take a backward step.
"These changes are anti-investment.
"They fail to recognise that private rental accommodation provides homes for almost three million families and reducing the supply of private rental homes will only lead to an increase in rents.
"We can’t solve the housing affordability challenge by taxing housing. This policy seeks to do just that.“
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Most Australians don't understand Labor's CGT and negative gearing policies: HIA report

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NSW’s population, currently sitting at 8,048,000 is tipped to rise to 8.63 million by 2022.
At the same time the Australian population will rise, according to the budget estimates, from 25.1 million to 26.9 million.
But NSW’s lead over Victoria will narrow from being some 1.5 million more residents to around 1.44 million more.
NSW is set to continue receiving high overseas migration settlement, but see a continued decline every year with residents moving interstate.
The interstate exodus from NSW is tipped to see a 16,000 annual decline for the next four years.
Queensland is the biggest beneficiary with 18,400 new arrivals from other states, with Victoria expected to gain 16,800 annually.
WA and SA are also set to lose resident, by 12,000 and 6,500 annually respectively.
The estimates of migration, interstate and overseas, are based on a weighted average of the past three years, the federal budget papers noted.
The total fertility rate is assumed to be 1.781 babies per woman in 2018, and is assumed to rise to 1.900 babies by 2021.
The budget confirmed the Government will reduce the level of overseas migration from 190,000 to 160,000 places for four years from 2019-20.
For the 2019-20 migration program, there will be 108,682 places in the skill stream, 47,732 places in the family stream, with a combined 3,586 places for child and special eligibility streams.
Net overseas migration is tipped to peak this year at 271,700.
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Population gap to narrow between NSW and Victoria

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National bike giant 99 Bikes has spent $5.5 million buying two adjoining properties in Brisbane's Bowen Hills.
They're set to consolidate two existing stores in to the one property at 62-66 Abbotsford Road. 
Savills agents Gregory Woods and Daniel Pepper negotiated the deal, with 111 enquiries received throughout the campaign.
The new superstore is in replacement of the previous stores located in Fortitude Valley and Windsor, and will also house administration, logistics and warehousing needs for the business. 
Woods said the building size and location was ideal for the retailer, with the high level of exposure a major draw card. 
“We had originally taken the property next door to market, with 99 Bikes inspecting the facility, however they expressed a need for a larger space.  
“Fortunately, the seller also owned some adjoining properties which is what prompted the sale of 62-66 Abbotsford off- market,” Mr Woods said. 
The properties are situated on a total 2,028sq m site, achieving a rate of $3,309 per square meter by total building area of 1,662sq m. 
Pepper said owner occupiers continue to be attracted to Bowen Hills, due to its underlying land value and future development potential.  
“Evidenced by the significant enquiry we received throughout the campaign, we are seeing an increased interest in Bowen Hills due to the significant price disparity between neighbouring suburbs such as Newstead,” Mr Pepper said. 
Managing Director of 99 Bikes, Matt Turner, said the new store is set to open on Thursday 20 June 2019, with the online warehouse up and running from the new location now. 
“When the store opens there will be an extended range with express click and collect from the online store,” Mr Turner said. 
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Savills sell two Bowen Hills, Brisbane properties to 99 Bikes

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 Australia’s retail sector has been in a state of flux throughout the past three years, as the effects of online, large-format and specialist retailing have grown more pronounced, according to Savills.
Savills Australia has released its latest research report, the Q1 2019 National Retail Quarter Time, highlighting the vastly different outcomes across states and sub-sectors.
According to the report, in the 12 months to March 2019, investment volumes for retail assets nationally were at their highest level on record.
Ben Parkinson, Savills head for retail investments, said in the 12-month period to March 2019 there was a record $2.83billion of retail assets transacted – more than double that of the previous annual period.
“Of this total, 60 per cent were transacted by domestic institutional investors, while domestic private investors accounted for 23 per cent. 
“In stark contrast, foreign investor activity in Victoria has been muted throughout the past two years, after foreigners transacted nearly 63 per cent of total retail sales volumes in the 12-month period to March 2017.”
Most of this transactional activity occurred across regional (34.4 per cent) and sub-regional centres (30.3 per cent), followed by the more tightly held neighbourhood centres (15.3 per cent).
“Neighbourhood centres in Victoria are not traded as often as in other states, mainly due to the fact these centres are generally privately held, often by families, over a long period of time,” Silberman said.
“However, the strong metrics on neighbourhood centres mean that they are in high demand, and when they are put up for sale, the competition to acquire them is quite fierce. 
“Not surprisingly, average capital values across Victoria’s neighbourhood centres recorded gains in the 12-month period to March 2019, rising 5.0 per cent.”
<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/2019/4/10/Averages.jpg" alt="">
Indicating that neighbourhood centres were still performing well, the report shows that specialty tenant rents recorded growth in the March quarter, rising 8.3 per cent in the 12-month period to March 2019.
Specialty tenant rents across regional and sub-regional centres fell in the same period.
“As people become busier, there is a greater demand for neighbourhood centres to be a one-stop shop, with more and more local neighbourhood centres providing a streamlined non-discretionary experience,” Parkinson said.
“Landlords are able to carefully target their rents in these centres in line with changing consumer tastes and preferences. 
“There is a greater demand for quality food products, with an increasing number of consumers demanding fresh produce like fruits and vegetable, meats and bread from specialty retailers, rather than from the supermarkets.”
Shrabastee Mallik, Savills director of research and consultancy, said she's not surprised of the resilience of the retail sector.
“Given the vastness of Australia’s physical landscape, a relatively low shopping centre supply per person, and a lower penchant for exclusively shopping online compared to other developed nations, it is not surprising that Australia’s retail sector has been comparatively resilient,” Malik said.
The report reveals that movements in rents varied considerably across the different centre and tenant types in Victoria.
Mallik said there were notable revisions to recorded rents across regional, sub-regional and neighbourhood centres. 
“While supermarket rents across all centre types remained stable, we saw rents move down for discount department stores in sub-regional centres to an average of $235 per square metre, reflecting a 3.9 per cent fall during the 12-month period to March 2019,” she said.
“Interestingly, the average went down as a result of downward revisions to the high end of the range, rather than the low, in a reflection of the times.
“We are now at a stage of the cycle where landlords are carefully considering the levels at which they pitch their rents. 
“With many of these discount department stores coming under increasing scrutiny about their low prices coming at the cost of ethics and sustainability, we are probably going to see more of these retailers negotiate their leases in their favour, as the pendulum remains firmly in favour of tenants.”
Mallik said Savills maintained a positive outlook for the future of Victoria’s retail sector.
“Not only has total retail turnover growth been above long-term averages, growth across discretionary retailing such as ‘clothing and footwear’ and ‘hardware and garden’ has been notably above long-term averages, in an encouraging sign for discretionary retailers.”
Rick Silberman, Savills director for retail investments, said that retail centres across Victoria had the highest total returns nationally, recording an annual return of 7.7 per cent in the 2018 calendar year. 
“As this compares favorably to the long-term average, it is clear that investor demand for Victorian retail assets remains strong, particularly given that retail trade has been performing well above long-term averages throughout the past five years, in spite of the rise of the online retail sector,” he said.
According to the Savills report, in the 12 months to March 2019, investment volumes for retail assets nationally were at their highest level on record.
To read the full report, <a href="http://pdf.savills.asia/asia-pacific-research/australian-research/australia-retail/savillsresearch-quarter-times-retail-q1-2019.pdf" target="_blank">click here</a>.
 
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Savills cite specialist stores as rental drivers in Victoria neighbourhood shopping centres

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The ground floor commercial premises on Bondi's Beach House Lane is up for lease. 
The space sits on the <a href="https://www.realcommercial.com.au/property-retail-nsw-bondi+beach-503091622" target="_blank">laneway off Campbell Parade</a>.
It was the former home of Skinnys Bar and Grill, who closed their doors last year because it wasn't making enough money.
Skinnys owner James McGovern admitted to not paying staff.
<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/2019/4/10/Skinnys2.jpg" alt="">
Next door to the Bondi Hotel, the fully fitted bar and restaurant has a kitchen, grease trap, exhaust and storage facilities.
It spans 190 sqm which includes 27 sqm basement storage and outdoor seating.
The lease through Metro Commercial Double Bay agents Nik Simonovic and Zorick Tolstan comes with a liquor licence in place.
They're seeking a $175k + per annum tenant.
 
 
  
 
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