When Antoinette Chan and her architect husband, Peter began casually searching for an investment property, they weren’t expecting it to evolve into a life-changing family decision.

But one visit to the display suite of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen-group">Abadeen</a>’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/koyo-crows-nest-1-11-rodborough-avenue-crows-nest-nsw-2065">KOYO</a> development in Crows Nest changed everything, and sparked a remarkable story of three generations choosing to live side by side in one of the suburb's most architecturally-striking new developments.

Antoinette, her mother Janet Khoo, and her sister, who is currently living in Singapore, each purchased an apartment in the same building, creating a rare and meaningful multi-generational living arrangement underpinned by modern design, community values, and premium convenience.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108800 project_image_fid=356083]

“It wasn’t planned,” says Antoinette, who purchased a three-bedroom garden apartment with her husband and teenage daughter. “Peter came across KOYO and encouraged me to visit because he had a lot of respect for Abadeen’s previous work. As soon as we saw it, we knew it wasn’t just an investment, this was a home.”

Shortly after, Antoinette suggested her mother, Janet Khoo, take a look at the same development. A long-time inner-city resident who had recently sold her property in The Rocks, Janet had experienced some health setbacks and was contemplating a move closer to her daughter.

“I walked into the display apartment, and it just felt right,” says Janet. “I didn’t look anywhere else. The space, the simplicity of the design, the light, everything gave me a sense of peace. It’s a new beginning, but it also feels like home.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108800 project_image_fid=356093]

In a stroke of serendipity, Janet selected the two-bedroom apartment next door to her daughter, completely unaware of Antoinette’s purchase. Around the same time, Antoinette’s sister, who resides in Singapore, viewed the property via a virtual tour and chose to buy the apartment directly above Janet’s.

“We were all drawn to KOYO individually, and it just happened that our homes ended up vertically stacked, ground, first, and second floor,” Antoinette laughs. “It was a coincidence, but also a sign. This is where we’re meant to be.”

Designed by celebrated architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/koichi-takada-architects">Koichi Takada</a>, KOYO delivered on all fronts for the Chan-Khoo family.

“Our garden apartment gives us the feel of a standalone home but with none of the maintenance,” says Antoinette. “All three bedrooms open onto a generous private garden, which is perfect for our dog Archie, and for entertaining. The open-plan layout and high ceilings make it feel airy, calm and luxurious.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108800 project_image_fid=356092]

For Janet, security and accessibility were top priorities, and KOYO offered the ideal balance.

“At my age, I didn’t want to be climbing stairs,” she explains. “The first-floor apartment opens directly to the garden, and the building is small, which gives it a more personal, village-like feel. Yet I’m just steps away from my daughter and granddaughter. That gives me so much peace of mind.”

The family also appreciated the thoughtful amenities that avoided the excesses of some larger developments.

“We didn’t want a complex with too many facilities we wouldn’t use,” explains Antoinette. “KOYO has everything we need, generous storage, secure parking, beautifully landscaped walkways, and a stunning rooftop terrace with BBQ facilities that feels serene rather than busy.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108800 project_image_fid=355428]

The location was another critical factor in the family’s decision. Though they had always lived closer to Sydney’s eastern suburbs, Antoinette says the transformation of Crows Nest was a revelation.

“When we returned from living overseas, we discovered Crows Nest had become this vibrant, walkable hub,” she says. “We love being able to stroll to cafés, restaurants, and shops on Willoughby Road. The new Metro makes the commute into the CBD effortless, and our daughter can walk to her school, it’s just next door."

Janet agree. “I was worried about giving up my inner-city lifestyle, but I’ve fallen in love with this area. It has everything I need, supermarkets, quiet streets, friendly faces, and it’s all a short walk away. I feel safe, independent, and connected.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108800 project_image_fid=356085]

While design and location were important, the family also credits their decision to Abadeen’s reputation and responsiveness. With decades of experience delivering high-quality residential projects, Abadeen’s track record helped build trust during a volatile market period.

“The waiting game was tough, especially after selling my old apartment,” says Janet. “But the Abadeen team kept me updated every step of the way. They were professional, courteous, and transparent.”

Antoinette said Peter works in property and had already heard of Abadeen. "The quality of their work really impressed us, and as the project neared completion, they went above and beyond to keep us informed and supported. That level of communication is rare.”

Only a handful of three-bedroom residences remain for sale, priced from $3.5 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108800]

Joel Robinson

Three generations, one address: How a family found sanctuary and connection at Abadeen's KOYO in Crows Nest

Sydney-based developer Gold Partners Australia is making its move on the Gold Coast, launching what is one of the most affordable towers to the booming Broadbeach market.

Its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/harmony-on-broadbeach-2797-gold-coast-highway-broadbeach-qld-4218">Harmony on Broadbeach</a> project, just 400m from the beach, has prices starting from $975,000 for its two-bedroom apartments that measure nearly 90 sqm internally.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113098 project_image_fid=355607]

There will be 113 two- and three-bedroom apartments spread out across the 33-storey tower on the 1,201 sqm site that will front First Avenue. Gold Partners Australia, which has delivered several major projects in Sydney's Norwest and has an active pipeline with projects in Hornsby and Carlingford, secured the block vacant, and want to start preliminary site works early next year through their in-house construction capability.

DBI Architects designed the tower with a four-level podium which will have an open-air swimming pool, sun deck, outdoor lounges, alfresco dining spaces, and a gym with adjoining yoga lawn. A hospitality venue will anchor the building at street level.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=113098 project_image_fid=355611]

Olympus Property Group is selling Harmony on Broadbeach on behalf of Gold Partners Australia. Olympus Director Deanna Lockett says the project is resonating with everyone from locals, investors, those moving from interstate, and second home buyers from Brisbane.

"There's been nothing new come to the market in Broadbeach at this price point for nearly a year," Lockett recalls. "It hits the sweet spot of affordability, good sized apartments, in a great location."

Construction will commence in Q2 2026, and wrap up, all going well, by the end of 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=113098]

Harmony on Broadbeach launches to booming Gold Coast suburb

Display apartments play a crucial role in helping buyers imagine how a space will look and feel once complete.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-albertine-by-mirvac-melbourne-31-queens-lane-melbourne-vic-3004">The Albertine</a> in Melbourne, development giant Mirvac has partnered with furniture maker and retailer MCM House to create a fully furnished, full-scale prototype that showcases the proportions, finishes, and design intent of the project’s three-bedroom residences.

As an added incentive, purchasers of any two- or three-bedroom apartment can receive up to $50,000 worth of MCM House furniture, allowing them to curate their new home with the same craftsmanship, contemporary design, and aesthetic showcased in the display apartment.

<a data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ae2e947b-2d51-4288-88fa-a35638e3be0f" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-albertine-by-mirvac-melbourne-31-queens-lane-melbourne-vic-3004"><img alt="Albertine" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-25%20at%209.27.26%E2%80%AFAM_1.png?VersionId=T5uSwgtTFwd1m5EdQF1inB.tBDgxqbtZ" /></a>

Oversized sofas, solid timber dining tables, and relaxed, low-profile seating demonstrate how the space accommodates real furniture, helping buyers clearly visualise how their new apartment could look, complete with pieces that genuinely suit the scale and design of the home.

The styling is simple but deliberate, with materials that pick up on the apartment’s natural light and neutral tones, creating cohesion without crowding the space.

<a data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="355f10d8-ee75-4546-a42e-4a54abcc806e" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-albertine-by-mirvac-melbourne-31-queens-lane-melbourne-vic-3004"><img alt="Albertine" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3e0b920b-3f17-47f0-8885-f67697a5f842" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-25%20at%201.17.07%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=tPcmBls5kt_SLqE2ONXrxgk5SnC1xERs" /></a>

Mirvac is now welcoming buyers through the display at The Albertine. Quietly yet conveniently positioned just off St Kilda Road on Queens Road, the development has attracted strong interest from inner-Melbourne and Bayside downsizers, professional couples seeking luxurious low-maintenance living, and design-focused buyers who want proximity to the CBD.

Apartments have been designed by Mirvac's inhouse design team with owner-occupiers at the forefront.&nbsp;The living and dining areas open directly onto a balcony, reinforcing the project’s emphasis on indoor-outdoor flow, while kitchens feature integrated appliances and soft-curve cabinetry which mirror the larger architectural themes at play throughout the building.

<a data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e8f9b371-17e1-4122-a615-074113096135" href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-albertine-by-mirvac-melbourne-31-queens-lane-melbourne-vic-3004"><img alt="Albertine" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-11-25%20at%209.30.16%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=NCYvtMavnE1_YDhX6slAr7g84MWP0Ymp" /></a>

The Albertine offers one to four-bedroom residences complemented by exclusive resident-only amenity, including The Circadian Club, a wellness centre with an indoor pool and spa, gym, yoga and Pilates studio, and sauna, as well as The Elysian Room, a private dining space on level 10 with sweeping views across Melbourne.

Mirvac will welcome residents to The Albertine in 2026, having recently celebrated topping out the&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mirvac">Mirvac</a>&nbsp;recently topped out&nbsp; the topping out of The Albertine, with completion expected in 2026.

To find out more about the generous furniture offer with MCM House, enquire below.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=138659]

Mirvac unveils The Albertine display, offering up to $50k in MCM House furniture

Since the pandemic hit Australia, there’s arguably not been a suburb anywhere in the country more popular than Palm Beach. Data from Apartments.com.au showed that from 2020 to 2021, enquiry spiked by 130 per cent, driven predominantly by local and interstate purchasers snapping up luxury beachfront apartments.

While enquiry levels returned to early (though not pre-pandemic) levels in 2022, the appetite for living in the coastal enclave didn’t fade. The dip in enquiry was due simply to supply running out; every development was selling out in record time. Search traffic, one of the clearest indicators of buyer interest that reflects demand beyond available supply, remained as high as when enquiries peaked.

Developers responded quickly. They were snapping up sites left, right, and centre, racing to bring projects to market to meet the ongoing demand. Many of those who benefited from the COVID-induced boom are now back in the suburb again.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> is one such developer. Having perfectly timed its entry into the Palm Beach market, Sherpa launched Perspective Two Sea and Perspective 488 at the height of the boom. Perspective 488 sold out in three months, impressive in itself, before the developer went on to sell out Perspective Two Sea, just nine full-floor apartments, in a matter of weeks, with prices ranging between $3.5 million and $4.75 million.

Sherpa has since completed Perspective Nexus, which sold out prior to its recent construction completion, and has just commenced work on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Amargo</a> on Sixth Avenue, the first project under its new Flourish brand, designed to offer more price-accessible apartments. Already, 85 per cent of Amargo’s apartments have sold, starting from under $600,000, and Sherpa has secured three more sites in the suburb for future projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146527 project_image_fid=306037]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ignite-projects">Ignite Projects</a>, led by Josh Foote, followed a similar trajectory. Foote delivered Periscope in 2019, then rode the post-COVID boom, selling out Cabana Palm Beach, 30 apartments, in just eight weeks. It was one of the fastest-selling projects on the Gold Coast at the time, with prices ranging from $1.775 million to over $5.5 million.

Foote has now re-entered the Palm Beach market with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/retreat-palm-beach-188-jefferson-lane-palm-beach-qld-4221">Retreat Palm Beach</a>, a 56-apartment development on Jefferson Lane, featuring two- and three-bedroom residences, most with butler’s pantries, private outdoor spaces, and curated interior finishes. Prices range from $1.35 million to $3.95 million. Ignite will soon commence construction, having recently brought building capability in-house.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134965 project_image_fid=1851]

Foote says Palm Beach has transformed dramatically in the last six years. “The buildings we knocked down for Periscope had needles and all sorts falling out of the walls. The units themselves literally had junkies and prostitutes living in them,” Foote recalls. “In many ways, the development in Palm Beach has obviously done the suburb a huge benefit. I feel the planning department could be a little loose now though, and there will be regrets later as it changes so rapidly.”

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134965 project_image_fid=1845]

It’s been a little longer between projects for Brisbane-based <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/bpg-developments">BPG Developments</a>, which completed Sable Palm Beach in 2019, shortly before the COVID boom. The developer is now returning with plans for a 14-storey tower featuring 68 apartments and three double-storey townhouses facing Jefferson Lane.

BPG Director Glen Williams, who runs the company alongside Nick Parr, says the duo only develop in locations they love. “I’ve been a part of the Currumbin Surf Club for the last two decades,” Williams says. “We love the southern end of the Gold Coast and are looking forward to bringing more apartments to the area.”

The appeal of Palm Beach has also drawn interstate developers. Sydney-based <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen-group">Abadeen</a> selected the suburb for its Gold Coast debut, securing a site on Mawarra Street near Palm Beach State High School. The developer is nearing completion of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/villea-palm-beach-26-mawarra-street-palm-beach-qld-4221">Villea</a>, a 69-apartment project that will sit above an activated ground plane. Abadeen Founder and Chairman Justin Brown says Palm Beach was a natural choice.

“We recognised an opportunity to introduce our prestigious brand into a location that is absolutely thrumming with demand for high-end living,” Brown says. “Palm Beach is widely regarded as the embodiment of coastal idyll and one of the Gold Coast’s premium lifestyle locations, and we intend to honour that with a collection of contemporary residences that accentuate the area’s appeal.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106840 project_image_fid=336441]

Also nearing completion is <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/elevaire-palm-beach-1409-1411-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Elevaire</a>, a 40-apartment project at the northern end of Palm Beach on the Gold Coast Highway. The building includes hot and cold magnesium plunge pools, with remaining apartments starting from just under $1.4 million.

SRQ Projects Director Nicholas Clydsdale, who is marketing both Villea and Elevaire, says Palm Beach continues to top the list for buyers for a number of reasons. “It’s the most accessible beachfront suburb on the southern Gold Coast,” Clydsdale says. “It’s also got the most beautiful beach, bookended by two of Queensland’s most stunning headlands — Currumbin and Burleigh.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112941 project_image_fid=216015]

Also joining the Palm Beach boom are Gold Coast locals Tim Gordon and Bruce Mathieson, the duo behind the ultra-luxury Mantaray Residences and Marina at Main Beach’s The Spit. Their project, Elle on Jefferson, designed by Cottee Parker, comprises 58 apartments and a suite of wellness amenities, including a 15-metre lap pool, hot and cold plunge pools, private cabanas, a sauna, steam rooms, and a holistic gym offering cardio, weights, yoga, and Pilates.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147111 project_image_fid=356658]

Having developed Lyra Hope Island, Sydney and Gold Coast developer Changfa found an affordable pocket for their recently launched new development Corallo, where one-bed apartments start from just $845,000.

The $200 million mixed-use project on the corner of the Gold Coast Highway and Palm Beach Avenue includes ground floor dining and retail and is considered so valuable its developer,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/changfa-group">Changfa Group</a>, will be staging its release of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses to the market.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112194 project_image_fid=805]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/colliers">Colliers</a>&nbsp;International, Director, David Higgins, said the development’s location, just metres from the beach,&nbsp;influenced the sculptural design by the acclaimed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-architecture" target="">Plus Architecture</a>&nbsp;studio.

“<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>&nbsp;locals understand the rare opportunity here at Corallo, particularly being the tallest building in the suburb and its proximity to the beach and local restaurants, and they’ve represented the bulk of pre-launch enquiries,” Higgins said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112194 project_image_fid=799]

“The orientation of the apartments captures views of the coastline from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/surfers-paradise-qld-4217" target="">Surfers Paradise</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/currumbin-qld-4223" target="">Currumbin</a>, and the diversity of floor plans and apartment types provide an exceptional level of choice.

“The first release includes just 59 one-, two and three-bedroom apartments and two half-floor penthouses, with flexible use designed to appeal to both owner-occupiers and investors."

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No slowing down Palm Beach as new apartment market takes centre stage, again

Plans have been revealed for the third and final stage of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/billbergia">Billbergia</a>’s $3 billion Rhodes Central masterplan, bringing the iconic new town centre closer to completion.&nbsp;

The final tower, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/cascade-23-25-marquet-street-rhodes-nsw-2138">Cascade</a>, at&nbsp;23-25 Marquet Street in Sydney’s inner west, will comprise 361 new dwellings, a mix of critically needed affordable housing and multi-generational apartments.&nbsp;

Vibrant retail, interactive public space, an upscale food and beverage offering and an alfresco dining plaza will also be delivered alongside Cascade tower as part of the final stage, which comes off the back of&nbsp;the masterplan’s successful first two stages.&nbsp;

Stage one saw 568 apartments delivered along with the national award-winning Rhodes Central shopping centre, while stage two has delivered a further 673 apartments atop the $85 million Rhodes Recreation Centre.&nbsp;

Officially opened in November 2025 by Mayor Michael Megna, the Recreation Centre was delivered under a Voluntary Planning Agreement with City of Canada Bay Council. It features essential community facilities including a gym, early childhood learning centre, indoor sports courts, and a gymnastics area as well as commercial tenancies and amenities.

Once complete, the five-tower Rhodes Central masterplan will deliver a combined total of over 1,600 new homes for about 3,500 people, along with community infrastructure, retail, dining, and an expansive new public domain and plaza along Marquet Street. A new basement and podium rooftop will connect all five buildings and allow residents to share amenities.

<img alt="$3 billion Rhodes Town Centre vision comes to life with final stage" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="973ae3a2-58e6-4994-8965-ed9332a57e8a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Masterplanaerialimage.jpg?VersionId=Mj.mjUQyfh334xG71LQr7wCFu3mmDxnj" />

“We’re now a step closer to realising our vision for Rhodes Central,"&nbsp;said Saul Moran, Development Director – Planning and Design at Billbergia..

"With brand new retail and more public open space, this final stage embodies our commitment to creating connected communities and delivering housing diversity amid Sydney’s housing crisis. It also completes the landmark town centre precinct that has been almost 20 years in the making."

The project sets a benchmark for Transport Orientated Development. It brings life to Billbergia’s vision for a future-focused, liveable urban environment that prioritises amenity, not just density. &nbsp;Overall, it will deliver more than 25,000 sqm in publicly accessible amenity, including Rhodes Central Shopping Centre, Rhodes Recreation Centre, commercial office space and a further 1,200 square metres of retail space in stage three.

“Rhodes has evolved over two decades from a former industrial site into a connected, thriving community," said John Pradel, Partner and Master Plan Lead at SJB.

"Each stage has built on the last, adding not just housing, but the civic and social spaces that make a place truly liveable and allow the community to flourish."

<img alt="$3 billion Rhodes Town Centre vision comes to life with final stage" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7e96de93-e50a-424f-9de8-7b3d9c2c0f12" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/BLBG0900_RCSGIII_R02%20Retail%20Laneway%20copy.jpg?VersionId=3TksNisT5iwyBCGhGUvHDtR9aIca9_OQ" />

Ideally positioned adjacent to the 13,000 sqm Rhodes Central shopping centre, stage three will boast an additional 10 per cent of retail space, an upmarket restaurant offering, an open-air dining plaza and an expansive 2,000-square-metre addition to the public domain extending into the retail forecourt.&nbsp;

This new realm will enhance pedestrian connectivity while showcasing an interactive water feature and engaging public art. It has been designed as an active community space and will also feature pop-up civic infrastructure, including a community stage and kiosk for placemaking events.

The residential tower Cascade will comprise 361 apartments over 39-levels, including 72 affordable dwellings. Apartments will be available in a range of floorplans from one to four-bedroom configurations, with a luxe two-storey “skyhouse” spanning the top two levels. Communal viewing decks and gardens with BBQ facilities will crown Cascade’s rooftop, offering expansive views of the Blue Mountains to the West and Brays Bay and Sydney CBD to the East.&nbsp;

<img alt="$3 billion Rhodes Town Centre vision comes to life with final stage" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="814da600-5368-49d3-8fec-025521a4d0e2" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/BLBG0900_RCSGIII_IN01%20Apt%2037.04%20Livingy%20copy.jpg?VersionId=.xA6cpRQLx4kJiQayt3OrydVQ9ReGmXP" />

High-profile architecture firm <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a> will design the final stage after winning a design excellence competition in collaboration with Land and Form in September 2024. The Rhodes Central masterplan was originally conceived by SJB in 2005, with the firm subsequently delivering the design for Stages One and Two.&nbsp;

Cascade has a striking design with a slender tower grounded by a four-storey podium. The tower is divided into three forms, with a distinctive silhouette that resembles three fingers. The design optimises amenity and privacy while maximising views towards both Sydney CBD and Homebush Bay.&nbsp;

According to SJB, the project’s design aims to deliver a range of dwelling types, including multi-generational floorplans, catering to emerging needs of the growing population.

Emily Wombwell, Director and Design Lead at SJB, said their concept encompasses a broader site vision that integrates this site with Rhodes Town Centre through a new iconic building and generous public domain.

"Cascade’s design offers a variety of living typologies that cater to a diverse range of existing and emerging demographics. The proposal aims to improve social and environmental connections by creating a safe and welcoming landscape for existing and future communities of Rhodes."

Billbergia has filed a&nbsp;State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for the final stage. Demolition has been completed on site, early works including excavation will begin early 2026, with completion estimated in 2030.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135080]

Billbergia unveils new Cascade apartment tower with final stage of $3 billion Rhodes Town Centre

Airbnb

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Unruly NSW house guests will from today be subject to strict new short-term rental accommodation laws that could see them banned from securing accomodation again on booking platforms.

Hosts or guests who commit two serious breaches of the code within two years will be banned for five years.

Platforms and letting agents will not be permitted to offer services to anyone, or any dwelling, that is listed on the exclusion register.

A strike will include any behaviour which unreasonably interferes with a neighbour’s quiet and peaceful enjoyment of their home.

Hosts’ obligations relate to holding an appropriate level of public liability insurance and providing neighbours and owners corporations with information such as the host’s contact details, and that they are bound by the Code of Conduct during their stay.

There will be changes to planning laws in mid-2021, including a new planning policy that applies consistent regulation of the use of premises for short-term rental accommodation across the whole state of NSW.

A short-term rental accommodation premises register is also under development for commencement in mid-2021.

Hosts must register their premises once that obligation is mandated by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment and the register becomes available online.

Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson said the new industry Code of Conduct provided clear obligations for hosts centred on minimum standards of good behaviour.

“If you are a house guest from hell behaving disgracefully in a holiday rental or a shady host trying to swindle an unsuspecting customer, under these changes you will face penalties, and could be banned from the industry for five years,” Mr Anderson said.

“These new laws are coming into effect at the perfect time as we now head into what is shaping up to be one of the biggest domestic tourism holiday seasons on record.

“While the tourism boom is fantastic news for local communities getting back on their feet following last summer’s bushfires and the unprecedented disruption of COVID-19, it also reinforces the need for increased protections against anti-social and disruptive behaviour.”

Anderson said a key feature of the new laws was the establishment of an exclusion register, which will introduce a ‘two strikes and you’re out’ policy. 

“We are introducing these laws as part of our broad reform of the sector. Together, they will ensure the minority of participants who are giving the sector a bad name are penalised or removed and the sector is improved for hosts, guests and communities,” Mr Anderson said.

The standards are enforceable, with powers available to the NSW Fair Trading Commissioner to take disciplinary action, including penalties and exclusion from the industry for repeat offenders.

All participants, including booking platforms, will be required to comply with the Code and with directions and requests from the Commissioner.

For a time apartment owners in New South Wales faced the prospect of having to pay compensation to their neighbours.

Prior to COVID 19, the short-term rental accommodation injected $2.1 billion plus annually into the economy.

The industry was estimated to be worth $31.3 billion nationally in 2016.

Sydney ranks as one of Airbnb’s top ten cities for most properties on the platform.

In June 2018 the NSW government put a 180-day cap on the number of days properties can be rented out by Airbnb in Sydney.

It also gave strata corporations the power to ban Airbnb in their buildings if 75 percent of owners seek the ban.

The latest rules arose from an options paper by the NSW government.
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Hosts or guests who commit two serious breaches of the code within two years will be banned for five years.



jchancellor

Tougher short term Airbnb accomodation rules in NSW

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Airbnb, the popular short-stay rental platform, has launched a new program which will aim to assist 100,000 health care professionals, relief workers and first responders in accessing accommodation while in self-isolation. This opportunity will give workers who could potentially be exposed to the virus, a space away from household members which will be especially beneficial to those who are at greater risk of catching the virus, such as elderly or immune-compromised relatives. 

<blockquote>
“Medical workers and first responders are providing lifesaving support during the coronavirus outbreak and we want to help.” 
</blockquote>

Joe Gebbia, Co-founder of Airbnb

Since learning of the lack of clean and accessible accommodation for thousands of healthcare workers globally, Airbnb is working to locate available accommodation which is reasonably close to hospitals and medical centres.

Airbnb is also collaborating with businesses, non-profit partners and government agencies such as the International Rescue Committee, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, International Medical Corps. 

<h2>THE GLOBAL ROLL OUT OF THE INITIATIVE</h2>

The initiative has already commenced in France and Italy, with 4,000 hosts in France volunteering to open their homes to medical workers. 

With the program now launching in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, New Zealand, Spain, Thailand, United Kingdom and the United States, Airbnb hopes to develop more partnerships in the coming weeks. 

<h2>HOW HOMEOWNERS CAN HELP</h2>

Homeowners have also been encouraged by Airbnb to list their homes to house doctors, nurses, caregivers and other medical support staff during this time of need. Airbnb will be waiving any hosting fees to make it easier for homeowners to provide accommodation for those in need.

<h2>HOW WILL HEALTH AND SAFETY BE UPHELD?</h2>

For those who wish to accommodate COVID-19 responders with a safe place to live during the crisis, Airbnb has created a strict set of guidelines to ensure health and safety are maintained.

Hosts must vacate the property before the arrival of COVID-19 healthcare professionals.

Hosts are expected to practice social distancing by minimising their contact with guests during check-ins, and throughout their stay. It is also advised that they avoid visiting the premises while the guest is in residence and wait at least 72 hours between reservations to clean, disinfect and prepare the space for another guest. 

The recommendations published in Airbnb’s guidelines for <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/resources/hosting-homes/a/cleaning-guidelines-for-preventing-the-spread-of-covid-19-163">cleaning and safety protocols</a> are all based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The information includes the type of cleaning supplies to use, such as diluted bleach solutions, cleaning products with 70% alcohol and disinfectants <a href="https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2">registered by the Environmental Protection Agency</a> that are believed to be effective against the coronavirus. 

Health care professionals, relief workers and first responders who book accommodation through an NGO (non-profit organisation), government agency or health care system, will also be informed and familiar with the safety protocols they must follow. 

<h2>REQUIREMENTS OF AN AIRBNB HOST DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC</h2>

By signing up for the program, hosts agree to allow guests to finish their reservation or stay for the length of time they need to self-isolate (which may mean the guest needs to extend their stay).

For people who have volunteered to provide free accommodation for health care workers, there is an option to accept or decline reservations, as well as the option withdraw from the program.

Airbnb has advised that people who choose to host a COVID-19 responder should inform their neighbours, to give them a chance to share their concerns or any considerations they may have. The company will also be working closely with local authorities and organisations, as rules surrounding emergency accommodation could vary depending on the country and state. 

<h2>AIRBNB IS AN EXAMPLE OF A COMMERCIAL BUSINESS PIVOTING THEIR STRATEGY TO SUPPORT THOSE IN NEED</h2>

First responders on the frontline of the pandemic are putting their lives at risk every day to ensure the health and safety of the citizens of their nations. It is great to see Airbnb and other accommodation services supporting those in need with initiatives that provide healthcare workers with safe and clean accommodation to help reduce stress during this uncertain period.
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Airbnb plans to help house 100,000 COVID-19 responders

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Airbnb's initial public offering details highlights the pandemic hit on bookings.
But its been a long-awaited filing for an initial public offering in the United States showed that revenue growth had been slowing before the coronavirus pandemic.
The company is reportedly planning to raise as much as $US3 billion in December. Reuters reported the company could get a valuation of more than $US30 billion.
Airbnb plans for its shares to trade on the Nasdaq under the symbol ABNB.
Airbnb's bookings bottomed in April, plummeting 72 per cent from the previous year.
By June, bookings were down 21 per cent year-over-year.
Trading in 100,000 cities, the filing states that 70 per cent of the company’s top 200 largest cities have some form of regulation on short-term rentals.
Airbnb had a net loss of $US697 million on revenue of $US2.5 billion for the nine-month period to September 30, compared with a net loss of $US323 million on revenue of $US3.7 billion for the same period last year, according to the filing.
The company's filing also confirmed its gross bookings for the nine months ended September 30 tumbled to $US18 billion, down close to 40 per cent on the same period last year.
Airbnb's offering will be led by Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs. 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Airbnb's initial public offering highlights the pandemic hit on bookings

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Staying in an Airbnb in New South Wales has been declared an illegal act, Fairfax Media reported today.
But a spokesperson for the Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation Kevin Anderson said the reports that it is illegal to stay in short-term rental accommodation was incorrect. 
There is no ban on any kind of accommodation.
The NSW Government advice to prevent the spread of COVID-19 has been very clear.
As per the public health orders, people must stay home with the exception of a number of circumstances including work and to provide care.
The NSW Government acknowledges that in these circumstances the provision of short-term accommodation is often critical, particularly for our frontline health workers.
“It isn’t illegal for them to advertise the property but guests couldn’t get there without breaking the law,” one commentator advised.
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Airbnb not made illegal in NSW amid tighter COVID-19 regulations

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EXPERT OBSERVER
 
Short-term rental platforms such as Airbnb are increasingly displacing hotels and holiday letting agencies as the go-to form of accommodation. The ease of booking it all in seconds on your smartphone adds to the appeal of renting a well-appointed flat in Noosaville, or having basil or turmeric on hand in the kitchen of your Katoomba house. With so many people using Airbnb and other short-term rental platforms in Australia, have you ever wondered just how many Airbnbs there are?
The answer is 346,581. Or at least that’s the number of unique properties listed at least once in Australia between July 2016 and February 2019 (the period for which we have a complete data set for the entire country), with a high of 147,655 listed in December 2018. According to research we presented at the recent <a href="http://soac2019.com.au/program-outline/" target="_blank">State of Australian Cities conference in Perth</a>, we estimate about 4% of the Australian housing stock is, or has been, used as an Airbnb.
The number of listings grew by an average of 2.43% a month over that period. If trends continue, we are likely to have set another record this past December.
<iframe style="border: none;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/5qowC/4/" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="400"></iframe>
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Airbnb property listings generally peak in the summer. The exception is in the country’s north. There the peak is in June and July holidays as chilly temperatures in the southern states send visitors to warmer climes.
<h2>There’s something for everyone</h2>
Airbnb properties come in all shapes and sizes. Just over half (53%) of Airbnb properties can be classed as houses and 37% as apartments. The remaining 10% are considerably more diverse, and include 82 boats, 21 tipis, 26 yurts, 43 train cars and even two lighthouses. You can also book a private island on the Great Barrier Reef, or a treehouse at Cape Tribulation.
The latest available data indicate 74% of listings are for entire homes, 26% are for shared properties and 1% are for shared bedrooms.
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Of the total listings, 5% are studios, while 40% have one bedroom, 25% have two bedrooms and the remaining listings have three or more.
The map below shows the sheer density of these listings nationwide. Click <a href="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/rAsWc/3/" target="_blank">here</a> to see a larger version of the interactive map (hover over dots to display the location – the larger the dot, the greater the number of listings).
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One remarkable thing about Airbnb is how ubiquitous it has become. Of the 2,292 statistical units (<a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/D3310114.nsf/home/Australian+Statistical+Geography+Standard+(ASGS)">SA2</a>) in Australia, 2,226 had at least one listing. As of February 2019, the average SA2 area had on average 56 listings, but the numbers varied greatly between localities.
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<iframe style="border: none;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/kUzNE/3/" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="400"></iframe>
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The most popular places for absolute number of listings generally fall into one of two categories. Inner cities, like central Melbourne and Sydney, attract visitors year-round.
Holiday destinations, such as the Gold Coast, Byron Bay and Mornington Peninsula, tend to have more seasonal patterns.
<h2>Too big for policymakers to ignore</h2>
A key concern about Airbnb is the degree to which it causes displacement in the conventional rental market and/or disrupts residential neighbourhoods (think of tourists wheeling luggage into your building’s foyer 24/7). While difficult to measure both of these, our data indicate there are basically two types of Airbnb “landlords”: professionals, whose properties are always available, and hobbyists, who are regarded as genuine participants in the so-called sharing economy.
The fact entire home listings have been growing at a faster rate than shared accommodation suggests short-term rentals have been professionalised over time. Increasingly, management companies rather than individuals are leasing properties full-time.
Short-term rental platforms such as Airbnb are unlikely to disappear overnight. Some hotel chains and booking sites have adapted their strategies accordingly by providing apartment-style living alongside conventional hotel rooms.
The sharing economy has expanded tremendously over the past decade. A recent Australian <a href="https://treasury.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-03/Consultation-Paper-A-sharing-economy-reporting-regime-1.pdf">Treasury report</a> estimates nearly one in two Australians earned extra money from sharing economy services in the last six months of 2017. The impact on the economy totalled more than A$15 billion.
Policymakers increasingly need to consider the impacts of Airbnb and other sharing economy platforms. Understanding the complexity of all the pros and cons will be critical to making informed decisions.
 
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/thomas-sigler-339478" target="_blank">Thomas Sigler</a>, Senior Lecturer in Human Geography, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805" target="_blank">The University of Queensland</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/radoslaw-panczak-914705" target="_blank">Radoslaw Panczak</a>, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805" target="_blank">The University of Queensland</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/ever-wondered-how-many-airbnbs-australia-has-and-where-they-all-are-we-have-the-answers-129003" target="_blank">original article</a>.
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Ever wondered how many Airbnbs Australia has and where they all are? We have the answers

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GUEST OBSERVATION

A Victorian court decision that an Airbnb agreement had the status of a lease has profound implications for guests and hosts.

With summer holidays around the corner, many Victorians may be thinking about offering their homes through a home-share platform, such as Airbnb, while they get away themselves. Airbnb’s terms of service describe home-share arrangements as a “<a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/terms" target="_blank">licence</a>”. Legally, a licence can be terminated at any time and a guest who does not leave is a trespasser.

However, in 2016 the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://www6.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/vic/VSC/2016/313" target="_blank">Victorian Supreme Court decided</a> home-share arrangements may constitute a lease. This decision indicates residential tenancy law may apply to all home-share arrangements where the host is away from the premises.

This would impose significant legal obligations on hosts, who would be regarded as landlords. Guests, if considered tenants, would have all the associated legal protections.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8032]

For example, if a guest refuses to leave the premises, the host/landlord would have to follow the eviction process required by tenancy law. This has happened in <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/airbnb-host-cant-get-squatter-to-leave-2014-7/commerce-on-business-insider/?r=AU&amp;IR=T" target="_blank">California</a>. Australian courts will eventually have to decide this issue.

How did the court arrive at its decision?

The court’s decision involved a tenant who offered the premises to guests on Airbnb. The court decided the tenant had breached the terms of the lease by subletting the premises. The tenant was evicted, as tenants cannot sublet without the landlord’s consent under <a href="http://www6.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/legis/vic/consol_act/rta1997207/s81" target="_blank">tenancy law</a>.

The court focused on the relationship between the tenant and the guest and determined that the host had given “exclusive possession” of the premises to guests. In Victorian tenancy law, exclusive possession is required to create a lease.

The court said it did not matter that each guest’s stay was only a few days, or that the Airbnb terms described the arrangement as a “licence” rather than a lease.

Although the court’s decision applied to tenants in this case, logically the decision applies to all whole-of-premises home-share arrangements, including where the host owns the premises. This is because the legal test for creating a lease is the same as that for creating a sublease.

The decision is controversial because home sharing on Airbnb is similar to boarding arrangements (where the host provides accommodation and services such as cleaning), hotel rooms and serviced apartments. These arrangements are usually regarded as a licence, not a lease. This is because the host has access to the property during the guest’s stay (for example, to do cleaning), so exclusive possession is not given to the guest.

In fact, Airbnb arrangements are unlike typical tenancy agreements. They specify check-in and check-out times, furniture, linen and towels are usually provided, and “house rules” (for example, on noise levels and smoking) may restrict the guest’s use of the premises.

In addition, Victorian residential tenancy laws <a href="http://www5.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/rta1997207/s10" target="_blank">do not apply to premises ordinarily used for holidays</a>. Potentially, this could exclude premises used for home sharing.

The situation may be different in other Australian states and territories, which, unlike Victoria, exclude from residential tenancies legislation agreements for the purpose of a holiday. However, not all home sharing is done for holiday purposes. For example, it’s also used for travel for business.

Legal uncertainty remains

The court’s decision means tenants who provide rented premises on Airbnb without the landlord’s consent may breach their own tenancy agreement and be evicted. However, the court stated that the particular circumstances of each case must be examined.

For example, hosts who provide only part of the premises (such as a bedroom and shared used of a kitchen) but who continue to reside in the premises will not be subletting. This is because they have not provided exclusive use of the premises.

However, if the host is away from the premises, then residential tenancy law may regulate home-share arrangements. This would give guests (now considered a tenant) stronger legal protections, including protection from eviction. The decision shows a court can ignore the description of the arrangement in an agreement if it determines exclusive possession has been provided.

Airbnb provides support to hosts and guests in the case of a dispute over a stay. It also provides compensation to hosts (akin to insurance) if guests damage the property or cause the host financial loss. However, if a host is found to have obligations under residential tenancy law, these obligations belong to the host/landlord, not to Airbnb.

The contentious aspect of the Supreme Court’s decision is its treatment of short-term hotel-like accommodation as a lease. However, it strongly suggests that <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/http://classic.austlii.edu.au/au/journals/AdelLawRw/2018/10">residential tenancy law may regulate</a> whole-of-premises home-share arrangements. That’s likely to come as a shock to Airbnb hosts - owners and renters alike.<img alt="The Conversation" height="1" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/128051/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" 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;" width="1">

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/bill-john-swannie-161231">Bill John Swannie</a>, Lecturer in College of Law and Justice, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/victoria-university-1175">Victoria University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/chris-martin-203935">Chris Martin</a>, Research Fellow, City Futures Research Centre, <a href="http://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-1414">UNSW</a>

This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/your-airbnb-guest-could-be-a-tenant-until-the-law-is-cleared-up-hosts-are-in-limbo-128051">original article</a>.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Airbnb guests could be tenants: Until the law is clear hosts are in limbo

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Hometime, Airbnb’s leading property management partner in the APAC region, has raised a further $6.7 million on top of a recent $6 million funding round completed in May 2019.
The round includes NAB Ventures, backed by one of Australia’s largest banks.
In addition, Hometime has completed two more acquisitions in the most recent quarter - Host My Home in Cairns and bnbpal in Melbourne.
NAB Ventures and AS1 Growth Partners said Hometime’s rapid expansion combined with its scalable business model in a high growth sector attracted them to the company.
Further, a strategic alignment between National Australia Bank and Hometime businesses could see NAB’s retail customers access Hometime’s services to build alternative income streams for their investment properties.
Co-Founder &amp; COO of Hometime, William Crock, said Hometime will use the additional funds to rapidly accelerate growth through acquisition and market expansion - both in Australia and internationally.
Mr Crock said, “the global short stay property rental market will approach US$115 billion in 2019 compared to approximately US$40 billion in 2010 representing an average annualised growth of 13%. As the largest and fastest growing operator in Australia we plan to capitalise on these tailwinds and drive further growth over the coming years as the market matures and consolidates."
“Hometime now supports home owners in nine cities across Australia and New Zealand with many more on the horizon," he added.
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Australian Airbnb property management startup Hometime raised another $6.7 million

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The ATO are set to seize the personal finance data of more than 200,000 Airbnb homeowners in an attempt to crackdown on tax avoidance.
"Airbnb is currently under legal notice by the Australian Taxation Office to share information concerning your hosting activity from the period from 1 January to 30 June 2019," an email sent out to Australian members of Airbnb.
The move comes after the ATO suggested they believe there are a number of people not reporting their income. 
“We believe some people using sharing-economy platforms are failing to report their income, ­either on purpose or because they assume their level of activity constitutes a hobby and doesn’t require reporting,” the ATO advised.
“We also seek to identify taxpayers who use sharing-economy rental platforms as a way to disguise their property as being genuinely available for rent by listing the property but not responding to enquiries.”
Names, addresses and emails are all expected to be given to the ATO, as well as personal finance such as online banking, payments, booking dates and gross income.
The information gathered will start from the financial years 2016-17 and run to the current financial year.
Airbnb have recently announced the <a href="/news/airbnb-short-term-rental-rules-in-new-south-wales-get-closer">new draft rules for their hosts and guests</a> which includes an online list of banned members, as well as a three strikes and you're banned policy.
 
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Airbnb to hand over letting details to ATO

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The New South Wales government have released the draft code for the Short-term Rental Accomodation (STRA) industry.
"Compliance with this code is mandatory for all short-term rental accommodation industry participants," the code reads.
One of the biggest changes will be an exclusion register, publicly available online which will list banned hosts and guests.
The bans, that last five years, will be administered on a strike process.
Two strikes in a two year period will put the guest or host on the register.
The commissioner for Fair Trading in the NSW Department of Customer Service is tasked with administering the code.
The STRA industry is estimated to be worth $16 billion to the NSW economy, nearly half of the  $31.3 billion national worth. 
The 16 page draft code put forward four objectives of the new regulations.
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set out the rights and obligations of short-term rental accommodation industry participants
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provide for resolution of disputes and complaints concerning the conduct of short-term rental accommodation industry participants
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outline the compliance and enforcement approach that applies for contraventions of the code by short-term rental accommodation industry participants
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facilitate the oversight of the short-term rental accommodation industry.
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Greg Channer, managing director of Wollongong holiday home property manager <a href="https://www.emeraldaqua.com.au/" target="_blank">Emerald &amp; Aqua</a>, said the company welcome the draft code for the Short-term Rental Accomodation (STRA), having been engaged in the review process which began in 2015.
​“The short term rental accommodation is a key driver of tourism in rural and regional NSW and clearly the impacts on residents amenity resulting from inconsiderate or anti-social behaviour by some short-term rental guests needs to be addressed," Channer said.
"The industry is being held accountable for poor guests’ behaviour, it's these few guests and the culture of party houses that needs addressing. “
Channer suggested the current draft code does not go far enough to protect the amenity of neighbours and residents.
"Booking platforms need to take a greater responsibility for unreasonable disturbance, remove ‘Instant Booking’ features and ensure property managers speak with each guest prior to accepting their booking request and qualify the reason and nature of their stay.”
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Channer estimates the STRA industry in the Illawarra generates around $3.7 million a year to the local economy directly to the area's cafes, restaurants and tour operators.
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NSW release draft code of conduct for short term rental accomodation

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Regulation is coming for the short-term rental accommodation (STRA) industry in NSW, but not before further discussion on how it should work for residential dwellings.
The advent of online accommodation booking platforms has seen the national industry estimated to be worth $31 billion nationally in 2016, with NSW’s share about half of that figure, with short term rentals benefiting the economy and providing income for property owners.
But the shift away from hotels, motels and the traditional bed and breakfast establishments has caused problems for communities. 
At present, STRA is regulated differently in different local government areas across NSW, undermining certainty for hosts and communities.
The new schemes is a long time coming, following a parliamentary inquiry in 2015-16 and an options paper in 2017. 
In June 2018, the NSW Government announced a state-wide planning code permitting the use of dwellings under certain conditions, including limits on the days the rental can take place.
The NSW Parliament passed the Fair Trading Amendment (Short-term Rental Accommodation) Act 2018 in August 2018.
There will be a mandatory code of conduct that will apply to online booking platforms, letting agents, hosts and guests.
It was proposed that strata schemes can adopt a by-law that prohibits STRA where the property is not a host’s principal place of residence. 
Any such by-law will need to be adopted by special resolution, with 75% of votes supporting the proposal at a general meeting.
There will be ‘exempt’ and ‘complying’ approval pathways that enable a limit on the number of days possible depending whether the host is present and where the host is not present.
The policy seeks state-wide consistency in the definition and permissibility of STRA, although it will allow regional councils to nominate different day limits for un-hosted rentals,
These council include locations with many coastal location such as in Clarence Valley Shire around Angorie, Yamba and Iluka. Ditto Muswellbrook Shire around Denman and Sandy Hollow. There's also special rules around Lake Macquarie and Ballina Shire.
The presiding departments, the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) and Department of Customer Service (DCS)  are now seeking further feedback from the NSW public on the government's proposal.
There are going to be rules that ban hosts and guests in certain circumstances mostly regarding anti-social behaviour. The decision will come from the commissioner who will maintain a registry publicly available on the internet.
The rules require booking platforms and letting agents to keep the full particulars of each accommodation arrangement for five years.
Feedback is sought on matters including the process for registering a property; the information required to be included on the register; who gets access to information on the register and the costs associated with establishing and managing the register.
Given the time that industry may need to develop and establish the register, the regulatory framework won't commence until 2020, although there is some prospect of a staged implementation towards the end of 2019.
The closing date for submissions is September 11. Making a submission at www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/exhibition/have-your-say-short-term-rental-accommodation-reforms or mail to: Director, Housing Policy NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment GPO Box 39, Sydney NSW 2001.
Meanwhile the government has convened an advisory committee which includes stakeholders including Airbnb; Home Away/Stayz; Property Owners Association New South Wales, Destination New South Wales and the Tenants’ Union of New South Wales.
This article first appeared in The Daily Telegraph. 
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