The 10-year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI) policy, now one of the most important considerations on an off-the-plan apartment buyer’s checklist, has expanded its growing presence to another Sydney suburb.

Norwest-based developer Haitchin Group has secured the policy through Resilience Insurance for its recently launched Hornsby project, Habitat. The cover will protect the development’s 67 apartment owners against structural and waterproofing defects that may arise within the first 10 years after completion.

Located just 200 metres from Westfield Hornsby, Habitat will also include two retail tenancies and 15 commercial suites, creating additional opportunities for investors and owner-occupiers while contributing to the vibrancy of the surrounding precinct.

Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/what-is-latent-defects-insurance-and-is-it-bringing-confidence-to-the-off-the-plan-apartment-market">What is Latent Defects Insurance and is it bringing confidence to the off the plan apartment market?</a>

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PRD Norwest Director David Inkster, who is managing sales for Habitat, said today’s buyers are seeking certainty and quality above all else.

“Location, reliable delivery teams and confidence in the finished product are paramount,” Inkster said.

“Buyers want proximity to retail, transport and green space, and reassurance that both the developer and builder have proven track records.”

He added that initiatives such as Latent Defects Insurance are playing an increasingly important role in restoring confidence among both owner-occupiers and investors by mitigating concerns around major structural issues.

Read more: <a href="https://industry.apartments.com.au/updates/resilience-latent-defect-insurance-protection-runs-hot-in-new-south-wales">Resilience Latent Defect Insurance protection runs hot in New South Wales</a>

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The development team is pitching Hornsby as a "compelling investment destination", underpinned by strong fundamentals, excellent infrastructure connectivity and a resilient rental market.

With strong rail access, proximity to major retail and employment hubs, and sustained demand from professionals, downsizers and essential workers, Hornsby offers investors an attractive balance of affordability, yield stability and long-term capital growth potential.

Habitat is the first new-build residential development to come to the local market in more than seven years. The undersupply of new housing, particularly three-bedroom apartments, will likely see Habitat's apartments perform well into the future.

“Off-the-plan investors are showing renewed confidence, supported by improving economic conditions and a greater willingness to commit when the right product is offered in the right location," Inkster added.

“The off-the-plan apartment market in Sydney is not just surviving, it’s adapting and evolving in response to buyer needs, setting the stage for a promising revival.”

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Haitchin Group General Manager Rob Tasevski said the vision with Habitat is to deliver a residential address that combines world-class architecture with interiors meticulously designed for owner-occupiers and downsizers, while also offering a compelling proposition for investors seeking stability and long-term value.

“Our previous masterplanned community, Infinity Park, set a new benchmark in the Hills District. With Habitat, we are proud to deliver the first development in Hornsby to offer Latent Defects Insurance, providing purchasers with an additional layer of confidence and security.”

Two-bedroom apartments with a car space are priced from $845,000.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6784]

Joel Robinson

Hornsby becomes the latest suburb with new apartments backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy

Leading Australian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/homecorp">Homecorp</a> has officially kicked off construction on its $210 million Florence Residences, ushering in the Gold Coast’s next era of wellness-infused luxury as the city continues to top sales charts nationwide.&nbsp;

Rising 26-storeys above the Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach skylines, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/florence-residences-24-monte-carlo-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Florence Residences</a> will deliver 120 curated homes paired with a private residents’ only wellness club including a resort-style rooftop pool, hot and cold plunge pools, a spa retreat, contemporary gymnasium and a spacious yoga and Pilates studio.&nbsp;

The project is anticipated to complete in late 2027.&nbsp;

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“This project was an opportunity to deliver something truly special for the Gold Coast," said Ron Bakir, Founder and CEO of Homecorp.

"We have listened and we have researched to develop a project that has been designed to meet a powerful shift in what buyers are craving around the world. The wellness residential market is one of Australia’s fastest-growing sectors and we wanted to deliver a place that feels like an escape from the everyday.

“Florence Residences is a community where architecture, lifestyle and wellness converge, designed as a home for the future, one that will truly stand the test of time. A place that can be passed down through generations, in a city where lifestyle never compromises. With construction underway, we mark not just the beginning of a build, but the start of a new era for our buyers, for Surfers Paradise and for the Gold Coast.”

Beyond each residence, the Eastern European-inspired project introduces a holistic lifestyle destination within one of the city’s most exclusive coastal and park-side enclaves, boasting social and community-focused spaces, including a resident-only lounge with private dining and a rooftop bar, premium outdoor entertaining areas, a striking hotel-style lobby lounge, generous bike parking and pet-friendly perks including a heated dog wash.

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Mayor of the City of the Gold Coast, Councillor Tom Tate, said&nbsp;Florence Residences offers more variety of high-quality product for the Gold Coast, featuring a lot of rare wellness facilities for buyers chasing a lifestyle with a large focus on health.

"This project is one of the best to be bought to our skyline," Tate says.

"This city has something for everyone and in the lead up to the 2032 Olympics, projects like this are important to provide more homes for Gold Coasters."

Buyer demand on the Gold Coast remained exceptionally strong in the third quarter of 2025, with the region home to Australia’s highest-selling residential developments, including Homecorp’s $250 million Cienna Varsity Ridge Stage Two which led national results, selling out all 289 apartments and outperforming more than 161 developments across the country.

“The Gold Coast is truly growing and we have an opportunity to provide not only housing for local residents, but offer a lifestyle that you can’t find anywhere else," Gold Coast Councillor Darren Taylor says.

"From Surfers Paradise to the Gold Coast, those that call this area home are chasing a lifestyle that’s connected with access to the light rail and nestled between the gardens and the iconic coastline.

“Construction commencing at Florence Residences is really exciting for this city. Demand is continuing to soar across the Gold Coast, particularly in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, and this is a project that is helping to meet that demand.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150414 project_image_fid=357950]

From coastal horizons to Hinterland contours and calm waterways, each residence is framed by a unique outlook that evokes a sense of calm, clarity and connection. Perfectly positioned, the project is just minutes from world-class dining, shopping and entertainment in Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise.

Florence Residences officially launched to the market in late 2025, with prices beginning from $1,249,000.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150414]

Homecorp commences construction on $210 million wellness-infused Florence Residences in Surfers Paradise

Australian home values rose by 0.8% in January according to Cotality’s Home Value Index, a subtle acceleration from the 0.6% increase recorded in December.

While every capital city and broad rest of state region recorded an increase in home values through the month, the start of the year returned a mixed result across the capital cities.

Sydney and Melbourne are weighing on the headline numbers, recording a 0.2% and 0.1% increase in January; a marginal pickup following the slight falls recorded in December. Both markets have values slightly down on their peak levels, with Sydney -0.1% below the November 2025 peak and Melbourne values remaining -0.7% lower than record highs recorded in March 2022.

The mid-sized capitals have continued their solid growth run, however some momentum has left the upswing in these cities as well.

Perth values were 2% higher in January, the strongest gain across the capitals, but well below the cyclical high of 2.9% MoM growth recorded in November last year. Similarly, Brisbane’s monthly gain has slowed from 2% in October last year to 1.6% in January, and Adelaide’s monthly increase dropped back to 1.2% from a 1.8% rise in December.

Tim Lawless, Cotality’s Research Director, noted the market’s resilience, but suggests further momentum is likely to leave the market.

“Despite the most unaffordable conditions on record in many cities, along with a rebound in cost of living pressures and prospect of a rate hike as early as this Tuesday, we are still seeing a broad-based rise in housing values,” Lawless said.

“The ongoing capital gains reflect persistently low inventory in the face of above average housing demand, however we are likely to see demand side pressures gradually ease in 2026.

“Affordability and serviceability constraints are likely to naturally dampen demand, but also renewed cost of living pressures and a strong chance that interest rates will rise. There is also slowing population growth to consider.”

Cotality estimates the number of homes advertised for sale was 19% below levels at the same time last year, and 25% below the five-year average for this time of year. At the same time, the rolling quarterly number of home sales was estimated to be 1% higher than a year ago and only 3% below the five-year average.

Digging a little deeper, most cities are continuing to see homes at the lower end of the value spectrum supporting growth, especially for houses. Across the combined capitals, lower quartile house values were up 1.3% in January compared with a 0.3% rise across the upper quartile.

“This trend of stronger growth conditions at lower price points is supported by intense competition for more affordable houses,” said Mr Lawless. “This is where first home buyers, investors and, progressively, mainstream demand is most concentrated.”

Regional markets have delivered a stronger growth outcome, with the combined regionals index up 1% in January compared with a 0.7% rise across the combined capitals.

Housing values continued to rise in January

The final piece of Norwest’s most ambitious residential puzzle is falling into place.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/zeste-at-the-orchards-norwest-104-fairway-drive-norwest-nsw-2153">Zeste</a>, the concluding release in Sekisui House Australia’s decade-long masterplan, The Orchards, delivers the final 200 apartments to the already thriving Hills District community.

Several thousand residents already call the $1 billion masterplanned community home. Ideally positioned on the fringe of Norwest’s town centre, The Orchards sits close to Norwest Marketown and the Norwest Metro Station.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_HSzhcjpB_Q?si=snRoQIPupjxGlxaI" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

Set among landscaped parkland and walking trails, with the energy of an emerging lifestyle precinct at its doorstep, Zeste has been designed by award-winning architecture firm Rothelowman. Interiors draw on Japanese-inspired craftsmanship, prioritising restraint, material quality, and longevity, hallmarks increasingly sought after by owner-occupiers and downsizers alike.

With a mature community already established at The Orchards, Sekisui House Australia has spent years understanding how residents actually live. That insight has shaped Zeste’s refined apartment mix and intelligent floorplan designs, tailored to the expectations of today’s discerning buyers.

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This buyer-led approach has been reflected in strong early demand. Since launch, nearly half of all reservations have been secured by the Sky Home collection, premium upper-level residences offering private breezeway entries, oversized balconies, and cross-ventilated north–south layouts, a rare and highly prized combination in Sydney’s apartment market.

In some cases exceeding 200 sqm, the Sky Homes challenge traditional downsizer stereotypes, offering house-like proportions without the upkeep.

“Our apartment is over 200 sqm, so there is plenty of space,” says Ashwin, a Castle Hill local moving into Zeste with his wife, Dilu.

“The layout, light timber finishes, Japanese craftsmanship, balcony overlooking a landscaped courtyard, and concierge were standout features. Proximity to friends, shops, restaurants, Sydney Olympic Park, walk and cycle paths, and the new Metro made our decision very easy.”

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Reflecting its local appeal, almost 90 per cent of buyers to date are Hills District locals, many transitioning from family homes into low-maintenance apartments without sacrificing space or lifestyle.

Inside, Zeste continues Sekisui House’s philosophy of balancing home, people, and nature. Dual-aspect apartments maximise natural light and cross-ventilation, while timber-toned joinery, cathedral glass, and stone benchtops reference the site’s orchard heritage. Two interior schemes,&nbsp;Sunrise and Twilight,&nbsp;allow buyers to personalise their homes while maintaining a calm, cohesive aesthetic that matches the overall building palette.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150510 project_image_fid=352096]

Residents will also enjoy access to a private pavilion overlooking the central courtyard, complemented by resort-style amenities including a lagoon-style pool, gym, function spaces, and barbecue areas.

The broader Orchards community is anchored by 1.4 hectares of parkland, complete with an outdoor cinema, playgrounds, and direct access to Norwest’s growing cycleway network.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150510 project_image_fid=351876]

From above, Zeste reads as a green thread within Norwest’s evolving urban fabric. At street level, it offers a highly connected lifestyle, just 600 metres from Norwest Metro, adjacent to Norwest Marketown and Castle Hill Country Club, and within easy reach of Sydney Olympic Park.

Construction is scheduled to commence in early 2026, with completion anticipated in 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150510]

A decade in the making: Inside Zeste, the final chapter at $1 billion Norwest masterplan, The Orchards

With demand for high-quality family homes in the inner west continuing to rise, young families are increasingly turning to new forms of multi-generational living.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/ashbury-terraces-ashbury-165-171-milton-street-ashbury-nsw-2193">Ashbury Terraces</a>, Nikki Pham and Danny Lai are among the growing number of residents choosing the precinct for its space, design integrity and strong sense of community.

For Nikki and Danny, purchasing a three-storey terrace was about securing a long-term home for their young family. Having spent most of their lives in the inner west, they first discovered the project while it was under construction.

“We walked past and had a look during the build and instantly felt the vibe. It had everything we were looking for,” said Nikki.

A return to green, open spaces was a major drawcard after living closer to the CBD.

“We like going for walks, and here it feels like a mini oasis while still being central to everything we need,” she said.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112253 project_image_fid=354944]

Inside, the couple were immediately drawn to the craftsmanship.&nbsp;

“I love the Calacatta marble and timber detailing. If I’d designed it myself, these are exactly the fittings and fixtures I would have picked,” Nikki said. “There’s actually very little I’d change.

“We’ve found the craftsmanship has been great and I believe the beautiful arches and curves, including on our stunning staircase, are all made by hand.”

Since moving in with their seven-month-old baby in mid-August, the family has been making the most of the amenities, especially the pool.&nbsp;

“We love using the shallow area with the baby. It’s great for kids, and the sunbeds are perfect when it’s not too hot,” Danny said.

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The home features kitchen, living and dining areas on the ground floor with courtyard access to the pool, two bedrooms and a study on the middle level, and a master suite on the top floor. The proximity to local parks, childcare, and schools also made it an easy choice.

Nikki has noticed the project is sparking interest from the extended families of new residents.&nbsp;

“Several of our neighbour’s parents have now bought here too. It’s ideal for multi-generational living because everyone has their own space but you’re still close by.”

<h2>A growing trend in the inner west</h2>

Aras Labutis, Head of Urban Transformations at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/coronation-property">Coronation Property</a>, said families like Nikki and Danny’s reflect a broader shift.

“Ashbury Terraces was designed for families at different life stages who want to stay connected to the inner west, including multi-generational households," Labutis said.

"Some terraces even include lifts, which make them ideal for older residents who want to remain independent while living close to children or grandchildren."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112253 project_image_fid=354936]

Recent ABS data shows around one in five Australian households is now multigenerational, following a 22 per cent rise in the five years to 2021.

“The demand we’re seeing aligns with broader national data showing ongoing growth in multi-generational living as families look for practical, long-term solutions in well-connected suburbs.”

<h2>Milton Estate launches as the precinct’s next chapter</h2>

Following this strong response, Coronation is now registering expressions of interest for Milton Estate, the next evolution of the precinct. Strong sales and sustained interest in family-focused inner west homes have underpinned the decision to bring this next stage to market sooner than anticipated.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112253 project_image_fid=358839]

The new collection continues the same design principles, quality materials, heritage sensitivity and family-focused layouts, and its launch reflects demand from both local buyers and extended families who want to remain part of the growing community at Ashbury Terraces.

<h2>A new neighbourhood taking shape</h2>

Designed by award-winning architects <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, and brought to life with landscaping by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/360-degrees-landscape">360 Degrees</a>, Ashbury Terraces comprises 136 residences across five low-rise buildings, supported by amenities including a pool, gym and landscaped communal spaces.

For Nikki and Danny, it already feels like a place to grow for years to come.

“We’ve found great childcare nearby, and Ashbury Primary and Trinity Grammar are within easy reach. There are other excellent public and private school options too,” Nikki said.

“It’s hard to find something like this in the Inner West,” she added. “It’s certainly unique in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/ashbury-nsw-2193">Ashbury</a>. We’ve got everything we need here and it already feels like home.”

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112253]

Staff Writer

Ashbury Terraces proves a perfect fit for growing families and multi-generational living

Fire Levy

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The Victorian State Government plans to collect 10 per cent more or $709 million with its higher fire levies on every Victorian’s property in 2019-20.
The levy will rise to $738 million in 2020-21, with further hikes to $756 million in 2021-22 and $776 million in 2022-23.
Treasurer Tim Pallas is due to announce the FSPL rates this month, the Weekly Times reports.
Opposition emergency services spokesman Brad Battin said the Andrews Government had “lost control of fire services costs, due to pandering to UFU demands”. 
The fire services property levies on all the state’s households and businesses.
The rises are designed to cover the ever-growing cost of funding restructured fire services and union demands for higher pay and allowances.
The rises reflect a 20 per cent hike on the $645 million they paid on their properties this financial year. 
The surge is being driven by the growing cost of funding the state’s fire services as the Government moves to carve off the CFA’s 38 integrated stations into a new career-only firefighter service with the MFB, to be called Fire Rescue Victoria.
Until now the Government has protected Victorians from the impact of rising cost of the fire services, including a 19 per cent hike in paid firefighter allowances, by capping the FSPL.
But from July 1 the cap comes to an end.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Victorian real estate owners to be hit by rising fire services property levies

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The NSW Government has backed down on a new fire and emergency services levy which was to come into effect July 1.
It admits its modelling was wrong with extra costs on fully insured small and medium businesses likely to be unfair.
The new levy was set to replace the Emergency Services Levy on insurance policies.
All landowners would have paid a contribution to fire and emergency services starting from around $250 a year with the levy attached to council rates.
Currently only those who are insured pay anything towards fire protection.
Sydney-based commercial agency John Hill &amp; Co, gave the example of an industrial property in Botany where the new levy would be $77,000 compared to $12,000, an increase of 526 per cent. 
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the new system aimed to make it fairer for all, but the modelling received from Treasury was wrong.
"It's become apparent to us that when we've looked at the advice on the modelling for industrial and commercial but [then] looked at the examples that were coming in, there is a mismatch," the Premier said.
The Premier also defended the backdown.
"What is the point of doing something if it doesn't make the system fairer?" she said.
The Government will have to introduce legislation to stop the levy coming into place on July 1. 
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