The Victorian Government has secured the passage of the Building Legislation and Treasury Legislation (Tax Relief) Amendment Bill 2026, introducing a suite of reforms aimed at improving consumer protection and confidence in the apartment market.

Resilience Insurance, Australia’s leading Latent Defects Insurance (LDI) provider, has welcomed the move.

The LDI elements of the Bill passed with bipartisan support and now moves to the Legislative Council where debate and passage are expected later this month. It represents a significant milestone in the national shift toward stronger, longer-term protection for apartment buyers.&nbsp;

The reform would deliver practical benefits across the housing system. Apartment owners will have stronger protection if major defects emerge, developers and builders will have a clearer quality framework to work within, and the State will reduce the risk of serious building failures becoming a long-term financial and social burden for households, communities and government.&nbsp;

LDI helps support apartment delivery while providing stronger protection for buyers and encouraging better construction outcomes.&nbsp;

Resilience LDI provides apartment owners with 10 years of insurance-backed cover for major structural defects from completion, with direct claim access to the insurer. This means owners are not required to first pursue developers or builders through costly legal action before accessing protection.&nbsp;

Resilience Insurance has been operating in Australia since 2022 and has already insured hundreds of development projects covering many thousands of apartments across Australia.&nbsp;

At approximately 1.8 per cent of build cost, it is a cost-competitive alternative to the traditional two per cent Strata Bond, bond while delivering significantly broader and longer protection.&nbsp;

“The Victorian Lower House vote shows that reforms like this succeed when they are practical, evidence-based and supported by industry," says Corey Nugent, CEO of Resilience Insurance.

"Victoria is moving quickly on a reform that will make a real difference for apartment buyers, while supporting better building outcomes and greater confidence in apartment delivery.

“This is step one. We look forward to the Bill completing its passage through the Legislative Council and to working with government and industry to implement the framework effectively.”&nbsp;

Fast Facts: What is Resilience LDI?&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Resilience Latent Defects Insurance (LDI): Covers major structural defects for 10 years from completion.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Consumer-first: Direct claim access, no need for lengthy legal action.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Cost advantage: At approximately 1.8% of build cost, LDI is typically priced below the traditional 2% Strata Bond while offering broader protection.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Market leader: Resilience Insurance is the first approved LDI provider in NSW.</li>
</ul>

The Building Legislation and Treasury Legislation (Tax Relief) Amendment Bill 2026 has passed the Victorian Lower House, putting Victoria on track to become the first state to legislate an industry workable LDI framework as a formal alternative to the Strata Building bond. 

Joel Robinson

10-year Latent Defects Insurance for new apartment buyers set to land in Victoria

Just a few months after acquiring a prime Broadbeach site on the corner of First Avenue and Surf Parade, family-run developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/raptis">Raptis</a> has filed fresh plans for a new apartment development.

Raptis is seeking to deliver a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/17-19-first-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4217">29-storey tower with 73 apartments</a> on the 818 sqm site. It will be the developer's seventh project in the suburb, as they are approaching completion of The Sterling on George Avenue.

There will be a pool, barbecue and outdoor dining area, residents lounge and dining, sauna and steam room, gym, and a Yoga and Pilates studio.

<img alt="Raptis" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b554da3f-7344-49aa-b1c9-44cf459af0d7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-05%20at%2010.41.45%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=zzjWu1iO1wnuYv4EV4fyOyf5nSXjGYut" />

Raptis Joint Managing Director, Evan Raptis, says they remain&nbsp;committed to developing quality infill sites across the Gold Coast in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

"This project continues our long track record of delivery in Broadbeach, and we look forward to bringing another premium development to this thriving precinct."

The announcement follows strong delivery momentum for Raptis, with The Sterling Broadbeach nearing completion and construction well underway on the final stage of the Waterpoint community adjacent to Harbour Town. The developer's continued investment in the Gold Coast reflects confidence in the region's apartment market fundamentals, underpinned by sustained Southeast Queensland population growth.&nbsp;

The outlook for the region is further bolstered by infrastructure investment tied to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, which is expected to drive continued economic and population growth across the SEQ corridor.&nbsp;

Subject to a favourable response from Gold Coast City Council, construction on the new First Avenue tower is targeted to commence before the end of 2026.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/it-s-all-in-the-family-four-decades-later-raptis-continues-to-shape-the-gold-coast-skyline">It’s all in the family: Four decades later, Raptis continues to shape the Gold Coast skyline</a>

Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/raptis-secures-prime-surf-parade-site-for-next-broadbeach-apartment-development">Raptis secures prime Surf Parade site for next Broadbeach apartment development</a> 
&nbsp;

Gold Coast developer brings seventh Broadbeach project to market, targeting construction commencement before year end

First look: Raptis lodges plans for new 29-storey Broadbeach tower 

Brisbane development veteran Kevin Seymour's Seymour Group is set to deepen its presence on one of Brisbane's most tightly held riverfront addresses, lodging revised plans for a luxury apartment development on Oxlade, just a few doors down from The Oxlade, which it completed in 2024.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/70-72-oxlade-drive-new-farm-qld-4005">new project at 70-72 Oxlade Drive</a>, directly north of The Oxlade, will have 27 apartments across a seven-storey building&nbsp;overlooking the Brisbane River and Merthyr Park. It's a revision from a 2021-approved design.

Designed by bureau^proberts, the project has evolved from the previously approved 26-apartment scheme, introducing an additional penthouse level while maintaining a low-density, boutique character. The development will comprise 26 three-bedroom apartments and a single four-bedroom penthouse, supported by two basement levels with 86 car spaces and 34 bicycle spaces.

The architectural response is centred around two distinct building forms separated by a landscaped open-air atrium.&nbsp;"This dual composition captures and embraces Brisbane’s subtropical environment whilst breaking down built form and scale," the submission to the Brisbane City Council noted.

<img alt="First look: Seymour Group returns to Oxlade Drive with revised riverfront apartment plans in New Farm" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c12d84d0-bc11-4067-b46f-5bd2d786a34d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/new%20farm%20landscape.png?VersionId=YEPc2k5CAdh6aAPlu4uVpgZadh4MEfRd" />

A defining feature of the design is a deep landscaped void running through the centre of the building, creating what bureau^proberts describes as a "natural ravine" that enhances airflow, daylight penetration and resident amenity. The design report notes that the separation of the two building volumes is intended to maximise natural light, cross-ventilation and outlook while strengthening connections to the surrounding riverfront setting.

Curved balcony edges, integrated planting and extensive landscaping throughout the façade reinforce the subtropical design approach. The building's façade is softened by elevated gardens and planter beds, creating a green edge that complements the established landscape character of Oxlade Drive and neighbouring Merthyr Park.

New Farm has become one of Brisbane's most sought-after suburbs for developers delivering premium downsizer-focused apartments.

GRAYA has been particularly active in the precinct, completing both Chalk and York in recent years, while construction of Moray House, being delivered for Spyre, is now nearing completion. Architect-turned-developer Joe Adsett recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/arcilla-new-farm-by-joe-adsett-28-maxwell-street-new-farm-qld-4005">Arcilla on Maxwell Street</a>, an exclusive collection of just nine apartments.

First look: Seymour Group returns to New Farm's Oxlade Drive with riverfront apartment plans

A new residential tower will be the first piece of a broader mixed-use precinct set to reshape a prominent Newcastle West site, with local developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> bringing its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/cambridge-quarter-newcastle-west-12-denison-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Cambridge Quarter</a> vision to market.

The first release, Tempo, will introduce 87 apartments across a 24-storey tower, marking Stage 1 of the residential component of a larger urban regeneration project planned for the western end of Newcastle's city centre, encompassing the former Cambridge Hotel site.

Positioned on Denison Street, Tempo has been designed as the inaugural building within Cambridge Quarter, a precinct that will ultimately combine apartments, retail activation and revitalised public spaces including the revamping of the Cambridge Hotel.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368853]

The tower will comprise a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, including layouts with multipurpose rooms, catering to a broad cross-section of owner-occupiers. Apartment sizes range from around 60 sqm to 192 sqm, with a number of residences oriented to capture views across Newcastle Harbour, the city skyline and coastline.

GWH has emphasised liveability in the design, with open-plan layouts extending to generous balconies and terraces. Residents will have a choice of two interior palettes, while specifications include engineered stone benchtops, SMEG appliances, full-height bathroom tiling and secure building access. Premium upgrade packages will also be available.

Multiple rooftop resident retreats will provide communal outdoor space overlooking the harbour and city, offering an elevated amenity layer above the activity of the precinct below.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368851]

The broader Cambridge Quarter vision extends beyond the residential tower itself. Ground-level retail activation and landscaped public areas are planned throughout the precinct, creating a walkable neighbourhood environment connected to the surrounding renewal of Newcastle West. The Cambridge Hotel is also earmarked for future redevelopment into a family-friendly hospitality venue integrated with the new precinct.

The project is strategically positioned within walking distance of Newcastle Interchange, providing access to light rail, regional rail services and direct connections to Sydney. Residents will also be close to Honeysuckle, Newcastle Harbour and the city's beaches and coastal walkways.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368852]

For GWH, Cambridge Quarter represents one of its most significant Newcastle developments to date. The locally based developer, which has operated in the Hunter region since 1995, describes the project as a new chapter in the ongoing transformation of Newcastle West.

GWH Executive Director Jonathan Craig said the project had been shaped by a focus on creating lasting community connections.

"We take pride in creating places that last. Spaces where people feel connected, comfortable and a genuine sense of belonging," Craig said.

"Cambridge Quarter is something we are truly proud of, a place shaped by local knowledge, built with care and designed to be part of Newcastle's next chapter."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135876]

GWH unveils first release at landmark Cambridge Quarter precinct in Newcastle West

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ss-projects">S&amp;S Projects</a>,&nbsp;Rainbow Bay's busiest developer,&nbsp;has officially lodged plans for the largest development in its booming local portfolio, seeking approval for a further 88 apartments on Boundary Street.

The proposal&nbsp;at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">209–213 Boundary Street, Coolangatta</a>,&nbsp;marks the next chapter in the developer's transformation of the southern Gold Coast beachside precinct. It will be its fifth in the area, having already delivered Flow, Awaken and Esprit, while construction continues on the 38-apartment Radia. The new project would rise 57 metres above a consolidated 1,518 sqm site, on the same street as Radia and Esprit.

&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, the proposed development comprises 88 two and three-bedroom apartments across a contemporary podium-and-tower form that integrates extensive landscaping from street level through to the rooftop.

The tower would be delivered above a basement and multi-level podium accommodating resident and visitor parking, with the residential component commencing from level three. The design incorporates cascading planting throughout the façade, landscaped podium edges, and deep planting zones along the Boundary Street frontage.

<img alt="First look: S&amp;S Projects lodges plans for 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="677e6615-b5c0-4b6c-b4f9-efb14fcde1a6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ss%20da%20pers.png?VersionId=YOnPKQm7IFXv0M5H326djEpxk80500Hi" />

A key feature of the development is its expansive rooftop wellness and recreation precinct. Plans reveal a resort-style pool deck, gymnasium, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, rooftop terraces, barbecue areas and landscaped relaxation spaces positioned to capture views across the southern Gold Coast coastline.

The rooftop wellness focus builds on the vision S&amp;S Projects first outlined when it acquired the site for $20.25 million last year.

"We are taking every advantage to create a truly unique rooftop wellness experience with a natural feel for residents, offering stone features throughout and an underlying theme that emulates a botanical garden," S&amp;S Projects founder and director Paul Gedoun said at the time.

The proposal seeks a 57-metre building height, representing a 50 per cent uplift on the site's mapped 38-metre height limit. Planning documents argue the additional height is consistent with recently approved and emerging towers in the immediate Boundary Street and Rainbow Bay precinct.

Urbis, acting as planning consultant, said the development would provide "88 dwellings, comprising a mix of two and three-bedroom apartments, contributing to housing choice and supply within an established medium to high-rise coastal urban neighbourhood."

The scheme has undergone extensive pre-lodgement consultation with the City of Gold Coast, with the design refined following feedback relating to architectural expression, landscaping, traffic access and podium treatment.

<img alt="S&amp;S" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a2d70fd-62ac-4b83-97c6-b798fc1243dd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-05%20at%209.16.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=yHmghUwKM3IVGpBktQU1mE.0Lpf3WimG" />

The architectural team is led by Brisbane-based Cottee Parker, one of Australia's most active residential design studios, with landscape architecture by Dunn + Moran. The consultant team also includes ADG Engineers, Windtech and Acoustic Works.

S&amp;S Projects has become one of the most influential private developers operating on the southern Gold Coast. Since entering Rainbow Bay in 2022, the company has assembled a portfolio exceeding $1 billion in end value, establishing itself as a key player in the area's evolution into a premium apartment destination. Pezet Matheson will again handle the sales for S&amp;S.

Coolangatta is entering another wave of apartment development, following the delivery of several prominent residential projects in recent years.

John Kearney's Immerse Projects will launch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kaiya-kirra-beach-5-haig-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Kaiya on Haig Street</a>&nbsp;soon, meanwhile, Palm Beach-based Sherpa Property Group is preparing to bring its debut Coolangatta development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-viver-87-griffith-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Flourish Viveré</a>, to market later this year, subject to approvals.

First look: S&S Projects proposes 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street

New South Wales

<html><body>
Demand for new housing in Sydney will continue to outstrip supply as development targets have been set too low to accommodate population growth, according to NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure director general Sam Haddad.
“Indicators are that for the next couple of years we are going to achieve our targets of 25,000 to 27,000 dwellings in Sydney and I’m not sure that’s enough,” Haddad said last week at an industry forum organised by the Committee for Economic Development of Australia.
The department last year predicted the NSW population would increase by two million people to reach 9.2 million by 2031. Since then it has been examining updated Australian Bureau of Statistics data and invested in improving its population forecasts.
“Indications are that we are expecting a much higher population than we have predicted before,” Haddad said.
A larger population in Sydney meant demand for new housing would be much higher than previously anticipated and the existing targets for housing development would be too low.
The total number of dwelling units approved in NSW fell 0.2% in February after rising for 24 months, ABS data shows.
Approval times for new dwellings fell in 2012-13 compared with the previous year, according to the Local Development Performance Monitoring Report for 2012-2013. It took 68 days on average to approve a development application in 2012-13, three days less than in the previous year. Fast-tracked approvals took 17 days on average, one day less than the year before.
Haddad said there was a lag between dwellings being approved and work commencing, which the department was trying to understand but its key focus was on driving changes to the NSW planning system.
The department released a white paper outlining a new planning system for NSW and draft planning legislation on April 16 last year. The paper and legislation were on public exhibition until June 28.
The draft legislation has not yet been passed but Haddad said he was hopeful that it would pass soon as existing legislation could not cope with changes to population, community and investor expectations, environmental concerns and how infrastructure was integrated into urban developments.
“NSW is changing and we need to look ahead as to how we are going to manage this change and manage growth ... The current planning legislation cannot cope with the change that I’m talking about. It can no longer deliver to the community,” he said.
</body></html>

zfielding-GvX3Uq9KTa

Housing development supply targets set too low: NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure

<html><body>
When <a href="https://www.sqmresearch.com.au/" target="_blank">SQM Research</a> predicted back in September last year that Sydney dwelling prices <a href="https://propertyupdate.com.au/sydney-dwelling-prices-to-rise-15-20-in-2014-louis-christopher/" target="_blank">would rise by 15-20%</a> in 2014, and possibly by significantly more, there were more than a few raised eyebrows.
<img src="https://dev.propertyupdate.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/sydney-dwelling-prices.png" alt="sydney dwelling prices">
Source: SQM Research
Some went so far as to be directly scornful. Yet, given the fundamentals of the market at that time, the underlying logic of the prediction was sound enough and SQM will once again likely prove to be pretty close to the mark.
Dwelling prices in Sydney had under-performed household income growth for almost a decade, and, crucially, interest rates appear set to remain at what are historically extremely low levels throughout the year and potentially well beyond. Notably Australia's official cash rate will remain materially below where it was during Sydney's last property boom through to early 2004 for some time to come yet. 
<div class="separator"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GHyZPPEi6S0/U0DWI2miS_I/AAAAAAAAMXE/Av5bxBTmK5w/s1600/OCR.jpg"></div>
 
Even now in April, the <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/media-releases/2014/mr-14-05" target="_blank">Reserve Bank rhetoric</a> suggests that the first rate hike is potentially some way off, particularly since inflation is expected to be consistent with the Reserve Bank's stated 2-3% target over the next two years.
In other words, interest rates are not going to be the handbrake which stops the current Sydney property boom in its tracks.
Rather, the music is only likely stop in this Sydney property market cycle once buyers deem yields to have fallen too low, such as they eventually did in Q1 2004.
<blockquote>
Those who plan to own well-located, desirable property in Sydney over the coming decades appear set to be very happy with the outcome.
</blockquote>
Auction clearance rates in Sydney remain remarkably high, the levels of stock on the market remain significantly lower than where they were a year ago in spite a flurry of vendor activity, and prices have continued to rise.
RP Data's index shows Sydney outperforming the rest of Australia over the past year, and indeed the five capital cities price growth has largely been driven by Sydney's dwelling price growth itself, in concert with broadly equivalent price activity in Melbourne.
<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gSgKWhHSXzU/U0DFN4LkLgI/AAAAAAAAMWs/TzNAnNxE2n4/s1600/SQM.jpg">
Whether 2014 price growth in Sydney ends up being 10%, 15% or even 20%, SQM's logic will prove to have been broadly accurate. For what it's worth, below are the year to date figures as reported by RP Data.
<img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F48tiydlEdI/U0DFVlXWpFI/AAAAAAAAMW0/w2AgIVQtYq0/s1600/SQM2.jpg">
We're only a week into April and it already looks likely that another month of gains will be recorded in the harbour city. And if you take the view that such indices are inclined to lag, then SQM's prediction looks very much to be in decent shape.
In any case, certain locations are beginning to <a href="https://domainmastheads.homepriceguide.com.au/saturday_auction_results/Sydney.pdf" target="_blank">record blistering results</a>, including <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-waverton-116398555" target="_blank">Sydney's lower north shore</a>. 
And you can probably begin to add parts of the Campsie/Canterbury/Bankstown sector of the market to that. Meanwhile, the popular inner west suburbs closer to the central business district have been flying for some years now. 
When I discussed Sydney's real estate prospects in a brief chat with SQM's Managing Director Louis Christopher, he likened Sydney dwelling prices "to a high PE stock", which I thought was a worthy analogy.
Sydney's property will likely continue to trade at a premium to dwelling prices elsewhere in Australia since massive population growth and the sheer intensity of demand for inner suburb real estate factors in that Sydney will be a solid city for property owners for generations to come. The population of Sydney is expected to grow to some 8 million over the coming decades. I've spent plenty of time in other high-density cities including London, Hong Kong and Singapore and observed with interest the appreciating prices of well-located real estate. Those who plan to own well-located, desirable property in Sydney over the coming decades appear set to be very happy with the outcome.
You can visit <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) or Pete's <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blog</a>.
His new book '<a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>' is out now.
</body></html>

pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

SQM Research's Sydney price rise predictions have been vindicated

<html><body>
The online rural homestead auction trend continues. Rossiville Homestead, which was part of the land grant to Captain Francis Rossi in 1826 at Goulburn, has been listed for online auction.
The 1826 stone homestead sits within a private, old world garden with tennis court and in-ground pool on 170 acres. More than $2.3 million is tipped.
The homestead at 157 Range Road is enhanced is to the sandstone two storey coach house.
Rossiville was established by Captain Francis Nicholas Rossi, from a noble Corsican family, in 1826, when he received a grant of 2,560 acres from Governor Darling for his services to the state after a successful term as police superintendent of New South Wales.
Francis Nicholas Rossi died at Rossiville age 75 years in 1851 and was succeeded by his eldest son Count Francis Rossi who took over the estate with his main interest the breeding of racehorses. In 1890 the government purchased Rossiville for the purpose of establishing a hospital, after which it was utilised by the Department of Agriculture in 1908. 
There's also a sandstone grooms’ quarters, Olympic size arena and significant farm shedding and stabling.
It comes with hectares of gently undulating, fertile country with two kilometres of frontage to the Wollondilly River with an approved two lot subdivision.
"As one of Goulburn’s original properties Rossiville Homestead offers a genuine opportunity to acquire a portion of the district’s heritage, the marketing says.
Bidding starts at <a href="https://www.saleezy.com.au/property.aspx?id=111105" target="_blank">www.saleesy.com.au</a> on April 29 with bidding to close May 7, 2014 at 11.00am through Allan McDonald at Professionals Goulburn in conjunction with Carpenters.
A neighbouring property with modern home on 40 acres has also been listed for sale with $480,000 plus hopes.
Last month <a href="/expert-insights/buying/colonial-kippilaw-near-goulburn-sells-for-4-2-million-in-pioneering-online-auction">Kippilaw, the colonial Breadalbane homestead outside of Goulburn</a>, was sold for $4.2 million via online auction.
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Rossiville, the 1826 pioneering Goulburn homestead, joins the online auction trend

<html><body>
The Walter Burley Griffin Castelcrag house, Creswick, aka the house of seven lanterns, has been listed for sale.
Albeit with extensions, the house retains aesthetic significance as a residence erected in 1926.
Enthusiasts says the property is an outstanding combination of house and landscape, adhering to the Griffin doctrine of organic architecture. 
The house retains many of its original design features, attributed to the innovation of Griffin, including the knitlock block and the distinctive design of the french doors and windows, incorporating timber joinery.
It is one of a group of three Griffin houses in The Barbette sited near the escarpment edge with staggered setbacks. 
Sadly the seven lanterns now long removed were evidence of Griffin's experimentation into sculptural segmental architecture.
It is one fourteen houses designed by Griffin and built in Castlecrag and one of the thirteen remaining. 
It is being marketed by the McGrath agents as "an iinspiring home that successfully unites Walter Burley Griffin's Creswick house, with a minimalist contemporary residence, delivering a marriage of effortless modern living with revolutionary, timeless design all nestled in a tranquil harbourside setting."
It is set on 891 square metres.
<a href="https://www.mcgrath.com.au/buy/house-castlecrag-nsw-2068/222771/?searchID=38078299" target="_blank">Offers are due 14 May with McGrath agents David Forrester and Grant Borley</a>. It is understood around $2.5 million is being sought.
It is offered by the architect Barbara Bunton and her husband Paul who designed and built a two-level addition to the original two-bedroom property, linking the two with a bridge.
The original flat roofed singe storey house was 82 square metres with separate living and dining rooms, two bedrooms, bathroom and small kitchen.
 Even at the time of its construction it was considered a small house and described in the Australian Home Beautiful in 1929 as a "house for elfin folk." 
The Creswick House was built in 1926 for Mrs Alice Creswick who lived in Burwood. Mrs Creswick was a member of the Theosophic Society whose meeting rooms were near Griffin's offices in Bligh Street. Both Walter and Marion Griffin were Theosophists. 
Griffin was compelled to purchase the completed house after Mrs Creswick threatened legal action based on the unhealthy environment of the house due to water penetration and damp.
Marion sold it after Griffin's death to Eric Nicolls, Griffin's architectural partner who owned it for five years until 1949.
</body></html>

Creswick, Walter Burley Griffin's Castlecrag house of seven lanterns listed

<html><body>
There was no black swan in sight, though a white swan painting hung on the dining room wall.
There's now a new $8.02 million record for Dover Heights after the six bedroom home at 246 Military Road sold at Thursday night auction.
The three storey home was <a href="https://rwdbgroup.com/nsw/dover-heights/1107322/" target="_blank">sold through Ray White Double Bay agents Daryl Rosen and Jeannine Yates</a>. About $6 million were the stated initial marketing price expectations.
The previous Dover Heights record stood at $7.1 million set in 2007. The same house resold at the lower $6.8 million when Channel 7 morning television host <a href="/expert-insights/investing/larry-emdur-says-good-morning-to-breathtaking-cliff-top-property">Larry Emdur bought on the prestigious cliff top in 2011</a>.
The highest prior Military Road price stood at the $5.97 million when the Selim family bought the <a href="/news/ed-lippmann-designed-butterfly-house-dover-heights-sells">Ed Lippmann architecturally designed Butterfly House</a>.
"No expense has been spared in the creation of this exquisite brand new tri-level masterpiece," the Ray White marketing suggested.
Capturing views over Sydney Harbour, it had been designed by the architect Julian Brenchley of Brenchley Architects, best known for their work on the Channel 9 renovation series, The Block over several series.
It came with six bedrooms and seven bathrooms.
There was a a resort-style rooftop terrace plus swimming pool, spa, sauna and steam room.
The 650 square metre block last traded at $2.7 million in 2008.
Competing Chinese Australian parties took the bidding on 246 Military Road well beyond the slightly vague low $7 millions on the market indications given by the Ray White auctioneer James Keenan.
The bid tally got to 58 bids with four parties all up seeking the property after the $6 million opening bid. The underbidders were represented by David Cohen from the hastingsproperty.com.au buyers agency.
Dover Heights has featured high on the radar of Chinese buying interest. A recent survey put it in fifth place in Sydney's top 10 most searched suburbs on the juwai.com website.
1) Sydney
2) Turramurra
3) Vaucluse
4) Mosman
5) Dover Heights
6) St Ives
7) Drummoyne
8) Hunters Hill
9) Parramatta
10) Darling Point
"Just witnessed a Chinese War for a new house on main eastern suburbs road with bus stop out front sell for $8.02m! Completely nuts!," <a href="https://twitter.com/bradceyles" target="_blank">one auction attendee tweeted</a>.
Eclipsing the Surfers Paradise office traditional status, the Ray White Double Bay team currently sits as the top selling office within the entire Ray White Group.
Its 20 strong sales team secured $119 million in sales during March.
"It is significant that this outstanding figure was achieved across a wide range of sales and prices, its not just a small handful of sales," agent Craig Pontey said.
"What this indicates to me is that the strength of market activity is now more widely spread, than might have been the case six or 12 months ago.
"This is a positive because if activity is widespread across the entire market it does help to indicate a generally health market with more people on the move, selling and trading up," he said.
</body></html>

Happy as Larry as Dover Heights trophy mansion sale sets new $8 million record

<html><body>
Gav and Waz, one of the competing couples in the first series of Channel Nine’s The Block back in 2003, are coming back to the city from the Byron Bay hinterland.
Title Tattle gleans they have spent about $2.25 million on a poolside Potts Point apartment.
It had to be ground floor garden given their dog, Charlie is a priority. The Richardson and Wrench agent Jason Boon showed them the ground-floor apartment in Rockwall Gardens, which was then sold by the architect Deece Giles.The Jack Russell had apparently been in residence round the corner at the Diamant Hotel since they all left the 23 hectare farm.
The Designer Boys <a href="/news/nsw/designer-boys-gav-and-waz-list-charltons-their-byron-bay-hinterland-retreat-at-3-1-million-plus">recently sold Charltons</a>, through Nicolette van Wijngaarden at Unique Estates for $3 million to the Garnham family of Watsons Bay. It was a 120 year old farmhouse on a hillside block (pictured above), which they bought in 2007 for $610,000.
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" alt="flagtitletat" width="25" height="34" style="font-size: 14px; margin: 5px; float: left;">
Meanwhile Dan Reilly and Dani Wales have secured $429,500 for their one-bedroom Ark, Richmond apartment which they moved into while debuting on The Block in 2012 renovating terraces in South Melbourne.
The reality TV celebrity couple - with the twitter handle <a href="https://twitter.com/DaniandDan" target="_blank">@DaniandDan</a> - had it listed through <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-richmond-115965119" target="_blank">Justine Harris of Hocking Stuart</a> with a $439,000 asking price.
They paid $420,000 off the plan in late 2010, settling in late 2011, just before they moved into the derelict Cameron Street, Richmond Block set.
Melbourne unit prices have recently come in at a $448,000 median, according to the latest RP Data-Rismark index with prices up 8.9% across Melbourne just in the past year. The RP Data median unit price in 2011 was around $424,000.
Designed by Fender Katsalidis Architects, the 114/253 Bridge Road apartment has open-plan living and dining along with an outdoor entertaining area.
<img src="/images/2014/04/04/richmond%20april%203%20one.jpg" alt="">
The current <a href="/news">Richmond</a> median unit price is around $522,500, up 3% over the past year. <a href="https://mail.privatemedia.com.au/owa/14.3.174.1/scripts/premium/UrlBlockedError.aspx" target="_blank">There was a $525,000 median peak in 2011</a>.
Dani Wales runs the online magazine <a href="https://mail.privatemedia.com.au/owa/14.3.174.1/scripts/premium/redir.aspx?C=Zypvoq-Ft0-Zo--uD2WkVVUBMIcZI9EIgvcF3B5QsaRmMoZQ3xffbBvdZwi7mrZ-nA6Kk5sm-Ps.&amp;URL=http%3a%2f%2fthehome-journal.com%2f" target="_blank">The Home Journal</a>.
Dan Reilly works as a carpenter while studying to be a builder.
They bought a 114-year-old property in Seddon <a href="https://mail.privatemedia.com.au/owa/14.3.174.1/scripts/premium/UrlBlockedError.aspx" target="_blank" title="UrlBlockedError.aspx
Cmd+Click to follow link">in May last year</a> which needs renovating. It was secured for around $460,000 which was less than its previous $480,000 purchase in 2009.
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" alt="flagtitletat" width="25" height="34">The filming of the next Block series in <a href="/news">Prahran</a> has begun. Title Tattle gleans there's a mystery former professional sports star among the contestants who are installing apartments in <a href="/news/the-block-shifting-to-high-street-prahran-after-objectors-fail-to-lodge-vcat-appeal">a former High Street office complex</a>.
<img src="/images/stories/flagtitletat.jpg" alt="flagtitletat" width="25" height="34">An apartment that took second place in the 2004 series of The Block goes to auction this month in <a href="/news">Manly</a>. It is the second time the two-bedroom pad in Manly has traded since it sold for $872,000 in front of the cameras on behalf of renovators Jason and Kirsten Johnson. Title Tattle recalls all four of the Whistler Street units sold after renovation for silly prices.
This apartment last sold at $882,000 in 2008, so it went up $10,000 in the first four years following its renovation. 
It's now a decade later and Chris Boys, director of strategy and solutions at Dun and Bradstreet, has hopes of more than $1 million. That's around 2% growth over the past six years. 
The Whistler Street block of four was the location for the second series of the popular TV show, won by Andrew Rochford and Jamie Nicholson. Now coming with updated finishes, the garden apartment goes to auction on April 12 through Jason Pantzer, of Philips Pantzer Donnelley.
</body></html>

Gav and Waz from the Block spend $2.25 million on Potts Point apartment

<html><body>
In the Southern Highlands, sales activity for low to medium priced properties has remained steady for the past five years, while the top price bracket has been sluggish. But a recent spate of multi-million dollar property sales indicates renewed interest in the area’s prestige market.
This week our property contrarians Jonathan Chancellor and Margie Blok discuss top-end properties in the region, rich with lush rolling hills of farmland, grand mansions, historic villages – all accessed by a 90 minutes drive from Sydney via the M5 Motorway. 
A flow-on effect of Sydney’s robust property market is expected to filter through to the Southern Highlands during autumn, given the prestige market of this rural lifestyle area traditionally rides on the city’s coat tails and roughly 75% of buyers are Sydneysiders.
<ul>
<li>
The latest arrival is the Sydney based car dealer, John Newell. He's secured the 4.85 hectare Exeter estate, Chimneys for around $4.5 million. <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-acreage+semi+rural-nsw-exeter-116030575" target="_blank" style="line-height: 1.3em;">The Bundanoon Road property</a> (pictured above) sold through Margaret McCauley Real Estate in conjunction with Ray White agent, Megan Smith. 
</li>
</ul>
Chimneys is an architecturally designed 2009 built residence. Its library and formal living area each come with an open fireplace. There's internal access to an attached barn with a requisite mud room as well as a five-car garage. And basement cellar which was commissioned by businessman Brian Wood who built the two-storey residence as a weekender.
Originally part of neighbouring Invergowrie estate, the property has three other dwellings named The Gate House (the original gatehouse to Invergowrie), The Cottage (a worker’s cottage for Invergowrie) and The Tea House, once used as tea rooms for garden society open days at Invergowrie.
<ul>
<li>Luggie Bank, an 8.7 hectare property on Range Road at Mittagong, went very close recently to sell for just under $4 million through Bill Carpenter in conjunction with Drew Lindsay Real Estate, but remains listed for sale.</li>
</ul>
It has been for sale for more than four years – initially listed with ambitious $7 million price hopes. With beautiful elevated rural views, Luggie Bank has an architect-designed contemporary residence, along with an 1887 four-bedroom guest cottage, a tennis court, heated swimming pool and spa.
<ul>
<li>But Patchway, Ken and Lyn Wilson’s trophy residence at Burradoo, has been sold. Apparently about $4.2 million was paid by the former Hambros Australia chairman Ed Blackadder, through agent Drew Lindsay Real Estate. </li>
</ul>
Set behind tall gates on an 8,327 square metre block in Ranelgah Road, the four-bedroom house stands in established gardens with sweeping lawns, tall hedges and towering trees. Patchway was sold by the Wilson family, who owned a steel fabrication business that provided steel for the Sydney Olympic Stadium. They moved to Patchway after they sold Clifton, their rural property in the Lachlan Valley at Young in central NSW, paying $3.03 million in 2002 to the then vendors Dan and Toni Regan.
HE SAID: <img src="/images/2014/03/28/jc-silhouette-7.jpg" alt="" style="float: right;">
My favourite trophy autumn listing is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-nsw-bowral-7619543" target="_blank">Woodhurst Green, the Glenquarry retreat</a> of retired Mallesons lawyer Tim Blue, who was managing partner for corporate M&amp;A and tax. In a blue ribbon location on Sproules Lane, the 16.2 hectare property (featured below) is for sale at $4.95 million through Drew Lindsay Real Estate.
Woodhurst Green features all the hallmarks of a prestige Southern Highland estate including an impressive electronically operated gated entrance, a private lake (with water coloured by vegetable dye to match the surrounding grass), extensive landscaped gardens, a horse stables and a grand five-bedroom limestone house with imposing open fireplaces, a wine cellar, a billiard room and a mud room. And of course a huge country kitchen with an enormous Aga stove. 
<img src="/images/2014/04/04/bowral%20april%204%20one.jpg" alt="">
<img src="/images/2014/03/28/mb-silhouette-6.jpg" alt="" style="float: left;">SHE SAID:
Certain to attract attention from cashed up city slickers - and possibly the nascent trend of Asian buyer interest - is <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-nsw-mittagong-7605751" target="_blank">Chain of Ponds at Mittagong</a> (pictured below). Its is the matrimonial farm of businessman Peter Holmes à Court and his former wife, Divonne, who now lives in Saanen, Switzerland where the children are schooled.
With the wonderful autumn rains, Chain of Ponds presents picture perfect. The property is currently run as a beef breeding and fattening property on a large scale for the Southern Highlands but could easily be transformed into a high class horse stud. Get some advice from the near new neighbours, the Waterhouse clan on that. 
It is set for April 26 auction with $6.3 million plus hopes through McGrath Bowral agent Anne Stone and Howard McMillan from McMillan Real Estate Bowral. It's close to the freeway of course.
Occupying 145 hectares on Old South Road, the property has a six-bedroom residence renovated by Luigi Rosselli Architects. It is set in extensive gardens designed by landscape luminary William Dangar. At the western edge of the house paddock, he planted acacias, hakeas and eucalypts all species endemic to the local area to form a screen for privacy and wind relief. In the remaining acres of the external garden, Dangar planted stands of cold climate exotics including ornamental cherries, poplars, maples and ornamental pears to compliment the deciduous trees in the existing orchard. 
With potential for subdivision into three separate lots, Chain of Ponds is six kilometres from Mittagong and 11 kilometres from Bowral. The property has a guest cottage, another essential given you don't want the steady stream of visitors staying under the same roof. Guests will love the chook sculpture in the gardens, which I hope come with the sale.
<img src="/images/2014/04/04/mittagong%20april%204%20one.jpg" alt="">
</body></html>

po-LsXgBTHBmX

Gardens, mudrooms, grand gates, private lakes and fire places: Southern Highlands trophy home requisites

<html><body>
Complying with your legal obligations is crucial, regardless of whether you use a property manager or self manage your properties.
With this in mind, we're sharing 10 'must know' things from the Residential Tenancies Act in New South Wales and encouraging you to provide your own. Next week, we'll tackle Victoria.
<ol>
<li>
That the following terms are not allowed in your agreement:  - A requirement for the tenant to have the carpet professionally cleaned, or to pay for the cost of this service, at the end of the tenancy. - This may not apply if the tenant has pets. That the tenant needs any sort of specific insurance.  - That any rebate may occur if the tenant does not breach the agreement, and, on the other hand, that a tenant is liable to pay all the remaining rent, increased rent or a penalty if they breach the agreement. 
</li>
<li>
Your tenant has anti-discrimination rights.   While this can be a broad topic, you must not discriminate against tenants on the basis of your tenant's race, religion, sexual oritenation, age or any disabilities. Discrimination can be seen as broad, and may include undertaking extra inspections due to a tenant's age. 
</li>
<li>Pet bonds are not allowed. </li>
<li>
You do not have to allow sub-letting.  If a tenant is sub-letting without your consent, that is having another resident in the house pay rent to themselves, this is against the agreement. 
</li>
<li>
Tenants must be provided 60 days of written notice for a rent increase.   When 'written notice' is mentioned, you must allow time for postage if this is your intended method. It is recommended that landlords and property managers keep clear records of when notices have been sent, to avoid a breach. 
</li>
<li>
The property must be in a reasonable state of cleanliness, and it must be habitable, when provided to the tenant.   While this is a debatable point, it's largely worth remembering the state of a property you would be happy to inhabit, and emulate this. Remember to focus on making the property compliant, safe and clean. 
</li>
<li>
Tenants are required to report the need for repairs and maintenance.  They must also not make material additions or changes, such as the alteration of locks or security devices, or fly screens, without the consent of the landlord. 
</li>
<li>
There is a limit on the amount of bond you can charge a tenant. In New South Wales, this limit is up to four week's of the rent you have agreed to pay. As a landlord or property manager, a bond lodgement form is required to be provided to the tenant. 
</li>
<li>
A landlord must tell tenants 'material facts'.   These material facts include whether the home has been subject to serious flooding or bushfire in the past five years, if there are any health/safety risks or if the home has been the scene of a violent crime in the past five years. 
</li>
<li>
A tenant should be provided with a condition report. The tenant should be provided two copies, one of which is for their records, the other is for the property manager. They should be given seven days in which to complete and return this form.
</li>
</ol>
Do you have any "must know" facts from the Residential Tenancies Act? Share yours below.
</body></html>

jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

10 things you need to know about NSW's Residential Tenancies Act

<html><body>
On land owned by the Cronulla Sutherland Leagues Club, Bluestone is developing Woolooware Bay, their first foray into waterfront apartments.
The past Saturday, they launched the apartments to the public and sold $80 million worth of property, pushing them 12 months ahead of what they had stated to be their original sales program.
More than 100 apartments in <a href="https://wooloowarebay.com.au/" target="_blank">Woolooware Bay</a> development's buildings ‘Landings’ and ‘Cove’ sold, to home buyers, downsizers and investors. However, it left some one, two and three bedroom apartments available.
Buyers in the development included former rugby league footballer, Darryl Brohman, who bought a two-bedroom apartment, and Sharks players, including newly recruited Blake Ayshford.
They noted that they believed in supporting the Sharks and the Shire by purchasing into the developments that are well planned and close to the beach.
Architects Turner have optimised the sun exposure, ventilation and views of the residences.
The properties are priced from $485,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, from $700,000 for a two bedroom and from $1.01 million for a three bedroom.
Prior to this, $100 million of property sold at the VIP launch of 226 apartments in the Esplanade, Pavilion and Sea buildings that Property Observer covered in February.
The Landings building is on eight levels and includes 12 one bedroom apartments at 57 square metres plus, 45 two bedroom apartments from 79 square metres and 12 three-bedroom apartments from 114 square metres.
Meanwhile, Cove, on eight levels, includes 40 one bedroom apartments from 59 square metres, 60 two bedroom apartments from 77 square metres and nine three bedroom properties from 108 square metres. This building is slightly more expensive, seeing prices range from $500,000 for a one bedroom, $705,000 for a two bedroom and $1.41 million for a three bedroom.
The entire foreshore is also set to be rejuvenated as a result, with a residential community of a total 600 apartments, the Remondis Stadium and a revitalised Sharks Club. It will also include Bay Central, a retail precinct with a supermarket, restaurants, cafes, health, medical and other facilities.
Locals are a higher percentage of those buying into the development, noted Colliers International residential managing director Peter Chittenden. However, he said that a broader Sydney has been expressing interest.
“Cronulla is the last of the Sydney beaches that in many ways is yet to be discovered,” said Chittenden.
</body></html>

One Saturday in Sydney’s south, one development, $80 million of sales

<html><body>
Investors are being offered a rare opportunity to acquire an award winning Australian winery in the Hunter Valley region - the prestigious James Estate Wines. 
The fully integrated vineyard and winemaking operation produces a range of premium red, white, sweet and fortified wines. 
Up for sale is a vineyard, winery and cellar door operation on 575 hectares in the upper Hunter Valley and a winery and cellar door operation of 43.6 hectares in Pokolbin, in the heart of the Hunter Valley.
</body></html>

New South Wales

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

New South Wales

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News