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

Apartment Sale

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Weekend bidding showed signs of the frenzy typically seen in the televised auctions of The Block.
<div class="tg-tlc-storybody_intro">
At Bondi Beach - 13 years since the renovation series began and eight doors along - a dilapidated stripped-bare one-bedroom unit fetched a stellar $961,000.
<div>
The buyer was a family from nearby Dover Heights who will lease it out after they renovate the apartment with no car space. 
</div>
<div>"It went berserk," McGrath selling agent Simon Exleton told Fairfax Media. </div>
<div class="cq-article-content-media section">
<div class="tg-tlc-storybody_intro">
The Sunday Telegraph reported there were more than 50 registered bidders. 
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-apartment-nsw-bondi+beach-123490502" target="_blank">The Bondi Beach one bedroom apartment</a> was 60 sq m with sunroom.
The first floor unit last for $54,500 in 1986, reflecting just shy of 10 percent annual price growth.
A renovated offering in the block of 16 apartments sold for $770,000 a few months ago.  
The price guide for 6/85 Roscoe Street - just one block from the iconic beach - was $660,000 with the auction opening with a $720,000 opening bid.
Even a Richmond cottage that failed to sell in its televised auction on The Block’s first Melbourne season fared well at weekend auction fetching $1.32 million.
</div>
</div>
</div>
The three bedroom 41 Cameron Street workers cottage renovated by sisters Katrina Chambers and Amie Godde last fetched $860,000 in 2011, a few days after the televised event. 
RT Edgar Hawthorn had the house with a price guide of $1 million to $1.1 million. 
With annualised price growth of 8.7 percent, it sold at $70,000 over reserve, one of the 1090 offerings across Melbourne, according to CoreLogic.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Bondi Beach's $961,000 one bedder doer-upper

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Melbourne had the nation's cheapest auction when a one bedroom apartment fetched $185,000 at 10/117 Anderson Road, Albion through hockingstuart Point Cook.
It last sold at $177,000 in 2012 when it was rented at $180 a week.
It's last rental asking price was $210 in 2014. 
CoreLogic puts the median price of <a href="/news">Albion apartments at $251,500</a>. It was around $240,000 in 2012.
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Slow growth in Melbourne's Albion with $185,000 sale

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The recently appointed editor-in-chief of The Australian Women’s Weekly, Kim Doherty (nee Wilson) and her husband, Guardian Australia journalist Ben Doherty secured the pre-auction sale of their Tamarama apartment, as they are trading up in the eastern suburbs.
Listed with an $800,000 to $875,000 guide, Bethwyn Richards of McGrath Estate Agents secured $920,000.
The former editor-in-chief of New Idea - who was also a regular on Sunrise as one of “Kochie’s Angels” - had purchased the Stonehaven apartment in 2007 for $515,000.
She'd undertaken an upgrade of the internal finishes. Its north-facing curved sunroom was converted into a nursery for daughter Molly.
Doherty was named as the new editor-in-chief of AWW in February, taking over from her former boss Helen McCabe.
This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph.
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firstname1-iYD4UYzvBa

Australian Women's Weekly editor-in-chief Kim Doherty sells Tamarama unit pre-auction 

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The Binetter family have sold their Bondi Beach apartment block for $6.45 million at Cooley Auctions.
The apartment building features nine one bedroom apartments, with three units on each of its three levels.
Rents showed between $420 and $460 per week for the units.
Bondi Realty agent Molly Ruan stated in her pre-auction marketing e-mail that: "All parties involved in the property NEED IT SOLD on the day of auction."
There were eight registered parties with five participating. Auctioneer Damien Cooley announced it on the market at $6.05 million having taken an opening bid of $5 million.
There were just the two bidders after its on the market advisory.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Binetter family secure $6.45 million for Bondi Beach apartment block

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The boss of Cranswick Wines Australia, Graham Cranswick-Smith, has sold his Milsons Point penthouse pre-auction.
He's bought another penthouse over in the eastern suburbs.
McGrath Neutral Bay agents Jordan Black and Nigel Mukhi <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.realestate.com.au/123055154" target="_blank">secured the Milsons Point sale</a> after having $3.9 million hopes. It sold to a family from the Macarthur region who plan on leasing it out for a couple of years and then downsize to it.
Showcasing over 300 sqm of indoor and outdoor living, the Mirvac built penthouse has four bedrooms, two renovated limestone bathrooms and his home office.
A wraparound entertainers' balcony offers 270 degree views of the Harbour Bridge.
There's also an upper level expansive alfresco sun deck with jacuzzi.
Graham paid $3.58 million for the Milsons Point apartment in February last year, just weeks after he sold his McMahon Point trophy mansion, Villa Medusa, to tech guru Daniel Petre and his wife Carolyn.
Cranswick-Smith founded Cranswick Wines in 1991 when he initiated a management buy-out of Diageo's bulk winemaking facility in the Riverina region of New South Wales.
Since then Graham has transformed from producing bulk wine for major Australian producers to producing and marketing it's own broad range of Australian varietal wines. It recently won gold medals at the 2016 China Wine &amp; Spirit Best Value Awards.
The family name Cranswick is thought to derive from Crane’s Wyke (the village of cranes) in Yorkshire, as recorded in the medieval Domesday Book (England 1066).
This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph.
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 Graham Cranswick-Smith sells Milsons Point penthouse

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The Palm Beach apartment of Paspaley Pearl family's Roslynne Bracher sold for $1.95 million prior to auction. It was bought by Beth Hartley and John Kellow.
Roslynne is the daughter of Nicholas Paspaley, founder of Paspaley Pearls, the largest and oldest pearling company in Australia.
The three bedroom apartment was sold through LJ Hooker Palm Beach agent David Edwards.
Bracher purchased the property in 2003 for $900,000 and renovated the home with Thomas Hamel interiors. 
She was expecting $1.9 million plus for the apartment.
Roslynne and her sister Marilynne Paspaley rank among the country's wealthiest women.
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Palm Beach unit of Paspaley Pearl's Roslyn Bracher sold

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Adman Matt Grogan, creative director and partner at Analogfolk, has sold his New York-style converted warehouse apartment in Paddington given plans to up-scale to something bigger.
He bought the 132-square-metre apartment in the Old Tobacco Factory in 2013 for $900,000 as a bachelor pad.
He now has a partner, a baby and a dog.
Di Jones’ Gary Sands and Jane Schumann had<a href="https://www.domain.com.au/3-13-21-macdonald-street-paddington-nsw-2021-2012898043" target="_blank"> a $1.4 million guide.</a>
This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph.
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Paddington old tobacco factory apartment sale

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Belconnen’s Wayfarer development is 90 percent sold, with a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments still available.
One-bedroom units range from $332,900 to $418,900, two-bedroom are priced from $452,400 to $622,400 and three-bedrooms are priced from $503,900 to $701,400.
Completion is expected before the end of the year on the 27-storey building.
<img src="/images/2016/06/16/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-16%20at%2011.52.57%20AM.png" alt="">
The Wayfarer apartment kitchens were designed by renowned chef Tetsuya Wakuda who was engaged by Geocon managing director Nick Georgalis.
The complex was designed by Cox Architecture, with the top two levels of the 88-metre tall building including an infinity pool.
<img src="/images/2016/06/16/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-16%20at%2011.53.13%20AM.png" alt="">
Level 25 will feature a sky lounge entertaining area with 360-degree views across Canberra.
For more information, <a href="https://geocon.com.au/project/wayfarer-apartments/" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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Belconnen's Wayfarer is 90 percent sold with Tetsua designed kitchens

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The Bendel family secured $520,000 for their bold and bright 1950s Potts Point studio apartment investment. 
Its colour scheme was inspired by Mighty Mouse, the animated super hero.
It was the work of industrial designer Nicholas Gurney whose Brougham Street project was shortlisted with a commendation at the Australian Interior Design Awards in 2013.
The top floor 27 sqm space, that comes with views of the city skyline and the Harbour Bridge, last traded $406,000 in June 2013.
It sold through Richardson &amp; Wrench.
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Potts Point mighty mouse studio sells at $520,000

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Former Hawthorn Football Club premiership player Ray Wilson is selling a three bedroom apartment on level seven at East Melbourne’s 60 Clarendon Street.
The locations overlooks the Fitzroy Gardens from the eight whole-floor complex. 
<a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-east+melbourne-122012566" target="_blank">Marshall White agent Marcus Chiminello</a> is reportedly expecting a sale price of about $4.5 million after expressions of interest close later today. 
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