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

Industry News

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The new Nepean Rise apartment project in Jamistown, near Penrith’s CBD, is set to be sold by 'Emma'…a virtual real estate agent powered by artificial intelligence. 
Emma has been hailed as the country’s most advanced virtual selling agent, with a depth of AI learning capacity drawn an extensive data lake. 
It is actually little more than live chat.
There is no illustrative graphic representation of the so-called selling agent, Emma.
Laing+Simmons Projects, in collaboration with Laing+Simmons Penrith, has just launched Emma to coordinate off-the-plan sales at Nepean Rise with the guiding principle being a better user experience. 
“The pace of change in AI since the first virtual agents were employed until now has been exponential,” says Jason Salter of Laing+Simmons Projects.
“It amounts to a vastly enhanced quantum of data for Emma to tap into, delivering a more targeted and individual service to customers at any time that suits them, which of course is the key reason for AI being the future of service industries like real estate," Salter added.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/11/20/Emma%20Jamistown.jpg" alt="">
Emma can navigate a buyer’s journey from initial enquiry through to purchase and settlement, depending on the customer’s preferences. A human agent can enter the transaction at any time, and Emma will let he or she know the optimal time for this to happen. 
Nepean Rise at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-nsw-jamisontown-128690810" target="_blank">47-51 Preston Street in Jamisontown</a>, is just minutes from Penrith’s CBD. 
“These new homes will be moments from what is a vast commercial centre, with access to transport, shopping and dining options, sport and recreational facilities, community amenities and more,” Salter says. 
“The capital growth prospects for the Nepean Rise apartments are clear but for owner-occupiers, the lifestyle benefits are equally compelling.”   
Developed and being built by Devcon Partners, Nepean Rise will comprise 46 architecturally designed two and three-bedroom apartments, in a variety of configurations. 
The apartments are targeted at investors and owner-occupiers, and construction is expected to kick off next year.
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Jamistown apartments for sale through virtual real estate agent 'Emma'

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The auctioneer Peter Baldwin has been appointed the chief executive officer of the stock and station agents industry group, Australian Livestock and Property Agents Association.
The appointment by ALPA president Warren Johnston follows the retirement of Andy Madigan next month after 15 years at the organisation. 
"Mr Madigan has seen vast change across the agency industry over that time and helped to navigate us through an evolving agriculture space that is increasingly reliant on technology and influenced by the perceptions of the broader community," Johnston said. 
Baldwin will commence at ALPA on October 9 and Madigan will leave the week after the annual general meeting.
Baldwin's career has been as a property auctioneer for <a href="https://www.randw.com.au/staff-profiles/2287-peter-baldwin" target="_blank">almost three decades at Richardson &amp; Wrench</a>, but he has a strong foundation in the stock and station profession.
Baldwin had a rural background, growing up at Inverell in northern NSW and beginning his career with his father's stock and station agency, Brian Baldwin and Company.
Brian Baldwin is a life member of the Inverell Stock and Station Agents Association and a long-time member after joining the NSW Stock and Station Agents Association in 1969.
Peter Baldwin was the youngest auctioneer known to sell prime cattle, sheep and lambs in the Inverell Saleyards. He was also calling horse races in the far north of NSW and southern QLD from the age of 15.
Baldwin holds a Bachelor of Business in Land Economy from Hawkesbury Agricultural College (UWS).
Over the past 29 years, Peter has auctioned over 35,000 properties mostly across Sydney, but also Noosa, with a value in excess of $14 billion.
He holds the highest auction sale price records in over 30 Sydney Suburbs, including an Australasian apartment sale record of $10.35 million in Darling Point which equated to $50, 000 per square metre.
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Auctioneer Peter Baldwin heading back to the cattle yards as Australian Livestock and Property Agents Association CEO

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AMP Capital’s Real Estate business has been realigned along specialist sectors, with new and expanded roles taken up by its leadership team.
It includes the creation of two new managing director roles for retail and office and logistics, accountable for fund, investment, property and development management for their specialist sectors.
Brett Williams has been appointed to the new role of managing director, retail.
Currently fund manager for the AMP Capital Diversified Property Fund (ADPF), Williams will lead AMP Capital’s entire retail platform including the shopping centres asset management platform as well as the wholesale pooled funds with retail exposure, the AMP Capital Shopping Centre Fund (ASCF), as well as ADPF.
Mark Kirkland will work closely with Williams under the new title of Head of Retail and will continue to be responsible for leading the retail asset management platform including the delivery of the retail development pipeline.
Luke Briscoe will take on the new and expanded role of Managing Director, Office &amp; Logistics.
Briscoe will be accountable for the whole office and logistics platform including the AMP Capital Wholesale Office Fund (AWOF), and the investment, property, leasing and development management functions, as well as of some of real estate’s shared functions including Sustainability, EWHS and Asset Technology which work across the entire office, logistics and retail business platform.
Other changes to the Real Estate Leadership team include Merran Edwards appointed to the new role of Chief Financial Officer, Real Estate, where she will lead the finance, global strategy, business planning, strategic partnerships and risk functions.
Kylie O’Connor’s COO role will shift to be fund management focused which will see her taking on fund operations and governance, while leading one of the largest separate account businesses in the market, as well as private investor funds. To reflect this change, her title will change to Chief Operating Officer &amp; Managing Director, Separate Accounts.
John Dynon will take on the role of Head of Origination &amp; Capital where he will be accountable for sourcing new opportunities and placing capital for new and existing clients as well as overseeing the real estate transactions and distribution teams.
Global Head of Real Estate Carmel Hourigan said the new integrated sector specialisation structure and bolstered client focus will best enable AMP Capital to deliver for its clients and achieve its growth strategy.
As the overall business structure is now sector aligned, there have been some leadership changes and the role of Head of Real Estate Funds Management held by Chris Judd is no longer required.
Judd has had a distinguished career at AMP Capital and made a significant contribution to the business over the past 13 years. 
He has played a fundamental role in the governance, growth and management of the pooled fund and New Zealand portfolios and will work closely with the team on this transition and remain as a director on Precinct Properties until early 2020.
These changes will be effective 16 August 2019, and all of the above roles on the Real Estate Leadership team will report to Global Head of Real Estate &amp; Chief Investment Officer, Carmel Hourigan.
AMP Capital is one of the largest and most experienced direct real estate fund managers in the Asia Pacific, with more than $28 billion in funds under management as at 30 June 2019.
AMP Capital offers institutional and private investors access to real estate equity and debt opportunities globally through a range of wholesale funds and separately managed solutions.
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AMP Capital repositions real estate business along specialist sectors

<html><body>
Ayre Real Estate has announced that Torch Property Management has joined the brand under a strategic collaboration, with the Torch business rebranding to Ayre Real Estate.
The combined business will feature two office locations; the existing Ayre Real Estate office located at the Sheraton on the Park, 161 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, and Torch’s shopfront at 9 Argyle Place, Millers Point.
Ayre Real Estate founder Adrian Wilson says the combined power of our 68 plus years of prestige property experience, coupled with the benefit of two offices in key locations and our advanced marketing strategies, was a significant competitive advantage.
The partnership will service a portfolio of over $400,000,000 in assets with over 200 luxury rentals under management.
Launching a portfolio of prestige apartment sales, the first on the market is a penthouse apartment; 731/8 Point Street Pyrmont, for auction on 21st August with a price guide of $5.3 million.
It has a one bedroom apartment in Observatory Tower 2406/168 Kent Street Sydney, listed for sale at $1,575,000.
Craig Donohue, a CBD Agent previously at McGrath joins the leadership team as a Director, alongside Kate Sommervelle, Director and Licensee of Millers Point office, and Adrian Wilson, Founder and Director of Ayre Real Estate.
In addition, Georgia Peters, one of Sydney’s most experienced property managers, also joins the team as Senior Property Manager.
The team at Torch seek premium prices for luxury rentals regularly leasing properties between $2000–$5000 per week, up to $25,000 per week.
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Torch Property Management joins forces with Ayre Real Estate

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The Fair Work Commission handed down a decision to change the Real Estate Award.
The decision affects how commission-only payments for salespeople apply and who they apply to. 
The changes apply in two stages. 
The first will be from the first full pay period on or after 30 April 2019.
The second will be from the first full pay period on or after 30 June 2019.
30 April 2019 changes
<ul>
<li>The phrase “was an active licensed real estate agent” in clause 16.3 has been replaced with “has operated his or her own real estate business”.</li>
<li>A definition of a real estate business has been included to mean “a business involved in the sale of real property or businesses”.</li>
</ul>
30 June 2019 changes
<ul>
<li>Employers will no longer be able to employ part-time employees as commission-only salespeople from the first pay period on or after 30 June. </li>
<li>There will be no ‘grandfathering’ of the clause, which means the payment method for all current part-time commission-only employees will need to change to the hourly rates provided in the award.</li>
</ul>
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Fair Work Commission amends rules for commission-only real estate agent employment

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A foundation director of Stone Real Estate Double Bay, Daniel Baran has departed to join LJ Hooker.
He leaves Reece Coleman and Paul Wigan as the Stone principals.
<a href="https://www.stonerealestate.com.au/stone-double-bay/meet-team/daniel-baran/" target="_blank">Baran's </a>prior office, The Agency, was selected to be the first office in Sydney's east for the new Stone brand from January 2017.
Stone had offices in Dee Why, Lane Cove, Lindfield, Manly, McMahons Point, Mona Vale, Neutral Bay, Seaforth and Turramurra and globally more than 550 member firms of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World.
Having lived in the eastern suburbs all his life, Baran is a well-known local real estate agent.
Since starting his career in the mid-80s, he has achieved numerous record-breaking results.
In the 1990s, he was as Nationwide Realty Double Bay during which he took space in the local paper to tell readers that his life as a salesman was like that of a doctor on duty 24 hours a day. 
The ad has a shot of the mobile phone-toting Baran alongside a photo of a doctor in gown, mask and gloves nursing a newborn baby.
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Daniel Baran quits Stone for LJ Hooker

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Kon Stathopoulos, the head of sales, has departed McGrath Estate Agents.
Stathopoulos is no longer listed on website showing the McGrath management team.
He had been with McGrath since the beginning of 2014.
He became head of company sales in October 2016 when he was elevated from being McGrath’s general manager of sales, NSW.
He took on the current role when McGrath Limited lost its longtime head of sales, Matt Lahood to The Agency, <a href="/news/mcgrath-group-loses-head-of-sales-matt-lahood-after-two-decades">with the Lahood departure and Stathopoulos appointment announced to the stockmarket</a>.
He was listed among the agencies' top earners in the 2018 company annual report with a $625,000 annual renumeration, including bonuses, up from $560,000 in the 2017 financial year and $413,000 in 2016.
Lahood had been on $679,000 in the first year after the McGrath float.
The mid-week departure has not been notified to shareholders, nor any replacement details.
He joined the Sydney office in 2014 when he moved into real estate from Melbourne, and took 12,000 shares in the group in the late 2015 IPO grant to executives, and 77,000 shares in the 2017 grant.
He'd previously been in sales for almost 14 years, starting off as a teenager as a telemarketer for Neopost Australia, a mail and logistics company.
He advanced to manage revenue, profit and their entire Australian sales team at Neopost, which included culture, strategy, training and recruitment.
 McGrath was a client.
On his 2016 appointment the then chief executive Cameron Judson announced he was "excited about the energy and enthusiasm that he brings."
Stathopoulos has previously explained his enthusiasm was that "real estate has always been in my DNA."
He'd purchased his first home at 22 and second at 29, both in Melbourne.
He'd noted proudly that the McGrath agency had superstar agents.
"One of my favourite roles is being able to celebrate the agents who have committed and been loyal to the business for many many years," he recently said.
McGrath will shortly be leaving its long-time head office in Edgecliff in Sydney's eastern suburbs and heading to inner-city Pyrmont.
It has taken the lease of a refurbished 1500 sqm ground floor space at 100 Harris Street from late October. 
One insider reportedly suggested the new digs enabled McGrath to "continue its brand renewal."
The gross annual market rent in the former 1890s wool store sits was $600 to $700 a square metre, giving McGrath savings in lease expenses, according to the Nine Entertainment website.
McGrath will share the building with Domain and WeWork.
The agency had reduced the Edgecliff office size required on <a href="https://www.raywhite.com/nsw/edgecliff/1718420/" target="_blank">New South Head Road</a> last year. 
Initially developed in 1989, and expanded in the early 2000s, the Edgecliff building has five levels of commercial office space a total lettable area of 3,500 square metres as well as basement parking for 67 cars.
The building sold last month for $41 million back to Anka Eastern Pty Ltd.
It had previously sold in 2005 to long-time Mirvac chief Bob Hamilton who paid $19.26 million reflecting a sale yield of 7.75 per cent when it was bought from Anka Property Group, directed by Andrew and Vera Boyarsky.
Anka Property Group had paid $10.6 million in 2001, it having been the temporary offices of Woollahra Council.
It was leased on its 2001 sale to McGrath and data warehousing firm Tacoma, with the price translating to a sale yield of more than 9 per cent when sold by mainland Chinese investor Grand Ocean, which bought the building in 1995 for $10.8 million. 
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Kon Stathopoulos departs McGrath Estate Agents

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Savills Australia has announced a new Asia Markets team that will be based in its Sydney Head Office.
Jordan Lee and Andy Hu will lead the team as Joint State Directors.
Lee joins after eight years at Colliers International working across the Asia markets/investment services.
“The synergy between Andy and I has been positive from the first day we met, despite being at competing agencies, which is why we both knew we would work well together. We are excited to join the Savills brand,” Lee said.
“Savills was independently ranked No. 1 throughout Asia Pacific for office transactions in 2018 with a 24% market share, while Savills Hong Kong has transacted in excess of 74% of all office transactions in 2018 and is clearly the dominate provider in the region.”
Hu joins after six years at Knight Frank working across Asia markets and commercial sales.
“This is an exciting venture for us both and we look forward to working closely with the Capital Transactions, Metro Sales and Residential Site Sales divisions as we close the gap between Asian buyers and the Australian market,” Hu said.
Kelly Li will also be joining as an Executive Assistant. 
According to Real Capital Analytics, Savills concluded five of the top 10 office building disposals across Asia Pacific in 2018, with the other half being direct transactions, according to Paul Craig, CEO, Savills Australia and New Zealand.
“These transactions highlight our unparalleled access to capital across the region, providing maximum exposure for our clients who have continued high levels of equity in the market,” Craig said.
“Savills is well and truly embedded within the Asia Pacific region, our major strength being that we have rooted local teams who have long standing relationships with investors and intermediaries giving us unrivalled access to private capital that no other agency can match.
“The appointment of Jordan and Andy is the next step in further strengthening our offering, as our clients receive focus from every single region.
“We pride ourselves on our ability to reach far corners of the globe that many of our competitors cannot.”
Photo (L to R): Jordan Lee, Kelly Li, Andy Hu
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Savills start up Asia Markets team based in Sydney 

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Jason Chuck, the chief executive officer of Avnu, LJ Hooker’s online real estate startup platform for the past 17 months has quit - and become Domain’s chief customer officer.
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Chuck’s role is a new one for Domain.
It will incorporate the responsibilities of former chief marketing officer, Melina Cruickshank, who joined REA Group last December.
As Domain’s chief customer officer, Chuck will also be responsible for all of the Nine-majority owned real estate platform’s consumer facing functions including revenue generating activities such the company’s Loan Finder, relocation assistance and online price research services as well as editorial and marketing.
Chuck arrived in Australia from Canada via Hong Kong in 2009 where he first worked with Domain boss Jason Pellegrino in marketing for Google.
After leaving Google in 2010, Chuck joined eHarmony as managing director, then roles with Etsy and Houzz.
He became the founding CEO of LJ Hooker’s Avnu in December, 2017.
<a href="/news/what-is-lj-hookers-avnu-the-much-hyped-new-avenue-in-real-estate">Avnu, the much hyped new avenue in real estate</a>, allows agents and customers to manage their sales and properties in real time through digital online software.
“I am delighted that Jason will be joining Domain," Pellegrino said.
In a message to staff, Domain CEO Jason Pellegrino labelled Chuck an "impressive talent" who would bring his experience in marketing, content and scaling new business to the company.
"Chuck is a passionate advocate for technology’s role in transforming how consumers and businesses interact. He has a track record in building technology and digital businesses, leading with real energy and passion.
"Chuck is an incredible leader and business builder and I am confident his diverse skills, passion and industry experience will support Domain’s transition to our next phase of growth."
“It was an extremely difficult decision to move on from LJ Hooker Avnu," Chuck said.
Domain shares slid more than 7 percent on the ASX yesterday, and almost 2 percent in trade this morning.
(This article's opening sentenced has been amended on the timing of Jason Chuck's exit from AVNU.)
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LJH's Avnu CEO chucks in job to become Domain’s chief customer officer

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Bauer Media has announced the sale of Money magazine to financial services research house Rainmaker.
Money editor Effie Zahos and deputy editor Maria Bekiaris will provide Rainmaker Group with their editorial services to assist with the transition, however they have chosen not to continue past the transition period.
Zahos is a financial literacy campaigner who authored A Real Girl’s Guide to Money: From Converse to Louboutins.
The Telum newsletter reports Zahos will remain with Bauer and liaise with editors across the Bauer brands.
Paul Clitheroe will continue in his role as Money’s chairman and chief commentator.
Established in 1999, Money is Australia’s longest running and most-read personal finance magazine.
The April issue is the final edition Bauer will produce.
Following the purchase, Money magazine will become Rainmaker’s key consumer title under its media division, Financial Standard. 
It currently publishes five B2B titles, including its flagship newspaper, and three B2C titles: The Good Super Guide, The Good Investment Guide and The Good Economics Guide.
“This is our first major acquisition since our media division, Financial Standard, was established in 2003. While we have steadily built our business in trade media, this acquisition meets our longer-term objective of growing our consumer media platform,” said Christopher Page, founder and group managing director of Rainmaker. 
Following the deal, Rainmaker Group has announced new leadership roles with Michelle Baltazar, executive director of media at Financial Standard, to assume the role of editor-in-chief. 
Darren Snyder, editor of Financial Standard, will move to the role of managing editor of Money.
Besieged Bauer Media ANZ CEO Paul Dykzeul said the sale was due to a desire to focus on ‘core consumer brands’.
Rainmaker Group's core revenue stream comes from providing financial information to superannuation funds, investment managers, and financial planners.
The Rainmaker Group was founded in 1992 providing market intelligence, industry research, media and publishing, events and consulting services.
Rainmaker publishes four B2B journals alongside the Financial Standard newspaper: FS Advice, FS Super, FS Private Wealth and FS Managed Accounts.
Baltazar has more than 15 years' experience in financial services media including roles at BRW in Sydney and Shares Magazine in London. She joined Financial Standard in 2005.
"We hold Effie and Maria in high regard and wish them well in their future endeavours," Page said.
"Effie's strong leadership and editorship has enabled Money to boast the loyal reader following that it has today."
New editor-in-chief of Money, Michelle Baltazar said they have built a solid foundation from which "we can further build Money's reputation as the leading source of personal finance news and expert advice".
It was 2012 when the heavily indebted Nine Entertainment group sold Australian Consolidated Press, which published Money Magazine, to German media group Bauer for a reported $500 million. 
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