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 emerging national estate agency The Agency has reported it expects its core business units to be profitable within the next 12 months.
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The network has expanded to 300 sales representatives across Perth, Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast (across nine offices, following the closure of Coogee premises).
The company now has 4209 properties under management, 1394 listings and a mortgage book of over A$1.2 billion.
The Agency East Coast recorded 402 residential sales (with a combined value of A$805 million), along with a property management portfolio in excess of 3,300 properties, having a team of 117 sales agents.
Commenting on the results, The Agency managing director Paul Niardone said with a reduced cash burn rate, the expectations are its WA operations (real estate, mortgage, and settlement businesses) will be cash flow positive from the start of the 2019.
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It reported its national net revenue from continuing operations of $10,479,073 for the six-month period ending 31 December 2018, representing a 52 per cent increase on the previous comparative period 31 December 2017 revenue (HY2017: $6,877,278).
Its commissions for the six-month period totalled $7,011,868, representing a 46 per cent increase on the previous comparative period 31 December 2017 revenue (HY2017: $4,798,945).
It reported a loss before tax of $2.11 million which was lower that the prior period. (Dec 2017: $2,148,445 loss).
Some $615,000 were one-off costs associated with legal expenses and corporate advisory incurred in relation to the acquisition of Top Level Pty Ltd, the Matt Lahood lead Bondi Beach based agency. 
The reported to shareholders noted revenue and commission growth "will be maintained during the upcoming period and significantly enhanced as a result of the acquisition of Top Level Real Estate Pty Ltd which settled post 31 December on 11 January 2019."
On 17 January 2019, The Agency completed its acquisition and settlement of Top Level Pty Ltd (“Top Level”), by The Agency’s wholly-owned subsidiary Ausnet Real Estate Services Pty Ltd, after all conditions precedent to the transaction were satisfied. The total cost of the acquisition was $5,000,000.
As announced on 12 February 2018, the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Ausnet Real Estate Services Pty Ltd, entered into an amended and restated option agreement with Top Level Real Estate Pty Ltd and Top Level’s majority shareholders for Ausnet to acquire all of the Top Level Shares held by the majority shareholders and offer to acquire all of the Top Level Shares held by the minority shareholders.
 The total cost of the acquisition was $5,000,000.
As part of the post-acquisition settlement process, the company has re-negotiated the existing Top Level Macquarie Bank financing, with a new debt facility executed, for a term extending from 17 January 2019 to July 2019. 
It advised the Macquarie Bank debt facilities total $12.65 million.
It reported it had also re-negotiated an extension of the repayment date on an existing $1,350,000 loan until June 2019The Agency also completed the acquisition of Vicus Residential - the residential sales and management division of The Vicus Property Group – in January 2019 with settlement of 2,666,667 shares and a $75,000 cash payment as payment for all of Vicus Residential’s issued shares.
The total acquisition cost was $875,000.
 
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

The Agency renegotiates $12.65 million Macquarie Bank debt

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Developer Consolidated Properties Group has recruited industry professionals for three key roles.
The recruits, Chelsey Blount, Clinton Amble and Rob Clifton (pictured left to right) will take on major roles in retail, development and marketing. recruits have been appointed as
Consolidated Properties Group is entering it's 40th year, with a $2.1 billion portfolio of more than 200 residential, retail and commercial projects.
Chelsey Blount will run the company's communications strategy, utilising seven years of experience in the profession, most recently with Ray White and SSKB.
Rob Clifton has 20 years of experience in the retail leasing field, including senior positions with Stockland and QIC.
He has been appointed as National Manager for Retail Leasing.
Project Director Clinton Amble, formerly of Lendlease and Mirvac, has more than a decade of industry experience.
He will take charge of the developer's residential work book, including the $850 million Yeerongpilly Green urban village and the $600 million Cornerstone Living project in Coopers Plains.
Consolidated Properties Group Executive Chairman Don O'Rorke says all three appointments are a major coup for the company.
"As we have approached the 40 year milestone this year, it's the right time to ensure our most important asset - our team - is the best it can be, with the capacity and capability to drive future growth."
"The year ahead promises to be even bigger than 2018, which saw the launch of our new small commercial projects division, the start of upgrade and expansion works on three neighbourhood shopping centres in South East Queensland and the beginning of Yeerongpilly Green," he concluded.
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Developer Consolidated Properties Group expands team

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McGrath Estate Agents has recruited the Brisbane agent Roxanne Liu as it continues to bolster its Brisbane inner city team.
Kon Stathopoulos, head of sales for McGrath’s company owned offices, said she will join the existing team of 20 agents in the Paddington office.
He suggested it was "one of the most exciting property markets in the country".
“This is in line with our plan to restock our agent pool.”
Liu embarked on her real estate career in 2006, and within the first year proved to be the rising star at LJ Hooker Sunnybank Hills.
From 2008 to 2015, Roxanne’s sales performance saw her join its Multi-Million Dollar Chapter.
In 2016, she achieved its highest accolade, Gold Medalist and 2nd Highest Achiever in Sales for LJ Hooker internationally.
Liu said that after 10 years working six days a week, she decided to take a gap year, reassess her career path and also focus on her teenage daughter.
She moved to Paddington to be closer to her daughter’s high school.
"For the past five years we have immersed ourselves in the lifestyle that Paddington offers and love its inner city sophistication," adding she was seeing an emerging trend of local Chinese families relocating to inner city areas of Brisbane.
"Inner city prestige property is very attractive to my Chinese clients and I see this as a great opportunity for vendors wishing to sell their home," she said.
"Naturally I will market to those on the south side of Brisbane who wish to relocate."
Liu will focus on servicing core suburbs of Paddington, Red Hill, and Kelvin Grove.
In the five years before her hiatus period, Roxanne Liu sold between $30 to $45 million in residential sales per year.
Charles Higgins, at McGrath Brisbane had worked previously with Roxanne Liu, at LJ Hooker Sunnybank Hills. 
The McGrath Report 2019 labelled Brisbane: "as one of the world’s great cities. Liveability, affordability, scale and future economic prospects all suggest that Brisbanke is a market in which you can confidentally invest. The value gap between the East Coast capitals is compelling..."
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McGrath adds Roxanne Liu to its Paddington, Brisbane sales team 

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New home owners in NSW will be better protected, according to the NSW government's recently announced plans to improve the building and construction industry.
Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean (pictured) said the plan, which includes appointing a Building Commissioner, has been months in the making.
The Building Ministers’ Forum (BMF) commissioned an independent report into the industry in August 2017.
“Professor Peter Shergold AC and Bronwyn Weir spent six months examining building regulatory systems around Australia and delivered a thorough and insightful report to the BMF,” Kean said.
“They found that there are national problems in the construction industry. We’ve taken their findings on board and we’re taking strong action to further protect NSW home owners.”
In response to the Shergold Weir Report, the government will support the majority of recommendations, including requiring that:
<ul>
<li>building designers, including engineers, declare that building plans specify a building that will comply with the Building Code of Australia;</li>
<li>builders declare that buildings have been built according to their plans; and</li>
<li>requiring building designers and builders to be registered.</li>
</ul>
In addition, the NSW Government will appoint a Building Commissioner to act as the consolidated building regulator in NSW, including with responsibility for licensing and auditing practitioners.
The plan will also clarify the law to ensure there is an industry-wide duty of care to homeowners and owners corporations so that they have the right to compensation where a building practitioner has been negligent.
“We’re making tough new laws to ensure buildings meet Australian standards, and to guarantee that people who build and design buildings have the proper qualifications to do so,” Kean said.
“This plan will ensure those who control the risks – building practitioners – are held responsible for their work. People deserve to feel safe in their homes and have confidence that they are buying a quality building.
“The NSW Government is committed to getting these reforms right and will continue to consult with both industry and community stakeholders to make sure we get the best results for home owners.”
Certifier laws were recently strengthened by enacting the Building and Development Certifiers Act 2018, a modern planning system was created under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and unsafe building products banned with the Building Products (Safety) Act 2017.
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NSW government to appoint Building Commissioner following industry reform report 

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Stone Real Estate has launched in Queensland with former McGrath executive Scott Kelly at the helm.
Kelly moves across from his former position as head of franchise performance at the McGrath network to establish Stone’s boutique model throughout the Sunshine State. 
The Queenslander said he is thrilled to join Stone Real Estate, saying his move was inspired by Stone Real Estate’s agility and forward-thinking approach that allows franchisees to expand their businesses in a way that until now has been previously unavailable.
“The agility of the Stone franchise platform gives the brand enormous appeal,” Kelly said.
“This is a franchise platform that enables businesses to grow - and offers technology, marketing, coaching and training to assist franchisees and agents.”
With almost 20 years industry experience, and a decade in residential sales, Kelly said he is relishing the challenge to "start from scratch".
“This is a brand that draws people who are aspirational, smart, bold and have an ability to think and act big – and then gives them the geographical scope to grow their businesses to their proper potential. 
“Stone’s franchise model is unique is the way it allows owners to grow and expand their businesses beyond the territories that they’ve been limited to. With Stone they can expand and not be compromised.”
Welcoming Kelly into the Stone Real Estate fold was head of franchise, Luke Cameron.
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Former McGrath executive Scott Kelly launches Stone Real Estate Queensland

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Little Projects has announced that chairman, Paul Little will sell his portion of the property development business to existing directors Leighton Pyke and Paris Lechte (pictured above).
They will take over controlling interest in the company effective 1 January 2019.
The decision comes as Little Projects seeks to implement a site acquisition strategy with a focus on growing a diverse pipeline across medium scale residential, industrial, hotel and student accommodation sectors. 
"It's just that property is very lumpy and it's also very time consuming and it's a good time to transition out of a full development role into an investment role," Little advised.
Pyke and Lechte have both worked alongside Little at executive level and on the board of Little Projects, which has delivered award winning residential and commercial buildings within Australia and New Zealand during the last decade. 
Little will remain an advisor to Little Projects and will continue to invest in new projects that meet the group’s overall objectives.
He will retain ownership of his other businesses including Little Real Estate, aviation and the subdivision that owns broadacre sites at Suffolk Park and Dayton, north-east of Perth. 
"The market in WA has been through a more difficult phase but it appears to be straightening out now," he said. "It would probably be a mistake to look at selling out of the estates we currently have."
The restructure in the business will not affect the ownership and delivery of the current project pipeline in any way, Pyke said.
"The strong synergistical fit of Little Projects and Little Real Estate will continue to deliver a seamless solution for our customers," he said.
Little confirmed that the Little Group Offices would still be keen to invest in the property development sector via Little Projects where strategic benchmarks were met.
Little also confirmed that other activities within the expanding Little Group would be unaffected this announcement.
Little, who turned 71 this week, said the sale of the business to development director Mr Pyke and construction director Mr Lechte would allow him to stop playing a full-time development role and focus on investing in his current projects and some new ones. 
"There's no scaling down at all," Little told Nine's The Australian Financial Review.
Financial documents filed with regulator ASIC show net profit after tax for the company in which Mr Little is the sole shareholder more than halved to $10.3 million in the year to June from $24.8 million a year earlier. 
Sales revenue jumped to $60 million from $12.7 million as site acquisitions also jumped to $52 million from $10 million.
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Paul Little to sell out of Little Projects to existing directors

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NSW real estate agent recruits halved last year, Office of Fair Trading figures show.
The halving in the issuing of new real estate agent certificates in NSW meant the total with the basic qualification was down to 26,390 from 26,737.
The total would continue to fall, Tim McKibbin, chief executive of the Real Estate Institute of NSW told the Australian Financial Review.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/8/29/Real%20Estate%20Agents.JPG" alt="">
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Victoria has yet to show any similar slowdown.
The total number of registered real estate representatives climbed to 16,720 in the year to June from 15,779 as the number of new applications lodged picked up to 1800 from 1581, Consumer Affairs Victoria figures show.
In SA and in Tasmania, the equivalent totals rose for a fifth year.
The WA numbers have continued to decline with total real estate and business sales representative registrations down for a fourth straight year to 11,198.
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New NSW estate agent recruits halve as lean times hit

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Purple Bricks and agency groups like them are not “proper agents” as their television ads claim, industry leader Hayden Groves has claimed. 
"They are not properly negotiating the sale on behalf of the seller, taking on the risks nor managing the sale through to settlement because there’s no incentive for them to do so," he blogged this week.
"They’re not using ACCC approved contract documents either and if you want to use your own settlement agent, you’re forced to pay extra.
"That’s just weird," the Freemantle-based agent suggested on a blog which appeared on the REIA-funded website, the Real Conversation.
It renewed the campaign by the Deputy President of the Real Estate Institute of Australia who had previously attacked “pseudo agent” models.
Groves pointed out that “proper agents” are incentivised through the payment of a commission at settlement which ensures they work for their client from beginning to end to procure the best result possible.
"That is our responsibility by law."
Appropriately, an agent that fails to complete their task doesn’t get paid, he said.
"Comparatively, Purple Bricks charge no commissions but incentivises their agents to list your property for about $5,000 (including advertising), then effectively you’re on your own unless you pay for “extras”. 
The REIWA governing council re-elected Hayden Groves as the Perth institute’s president last October.
Groves claims WA Purple Bricks agents are not employees of the parent company and therefore must hold their own agent license.
He suggested of the 90 registered Purple Bricks participants in WA, "only three hold a license (sic) that enables them to act on a behalf of a seller; with the remainder (if not employees) breaking State laws." 
He pointed out Purple Bricks has fallen fowl of the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) in Queensland for alleged breaches of the Australian Consumer Law and Property Occupations Act (Qld 2004). 
Queensland’s regulator claim consumers were misled by Purple Bricks about additional services offered by them, despite the agency advertising ‘low, fixed fees’ for their services when selling property.
"Purple Bricks also failed to fulfill some of it's regulatory obligations around properly accounting for funds held in trust and some other technicalities that “proper agents” need to comply with."
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Purplebricks aren't offering proper agents: Hayden Groves

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<div>Ray White has appointed Adam Downes in its new national role, Head of Performance Management.</div>
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<div>Downes, currently Ray White’s head of agency operations in Queensland, will start his new role on July 1 after designing a benchmarking program called Pulse for the group’s business owners to measure themselves against. </div>
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<div>With more than 1000 business owners in the Ray White family, Ray White Group director Dan White said he was delighted with the gusto that Mr Downes’ had embraced this new opportunity. </div>
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<div>“This new specialist role has been created to improve the way we measure, recognise and assist the performance of all our business owners and the businesses they lead,” Mr White said. </div>
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<div>“Adam’s primary responsibility will be to introduce a new level of sophistication in this key area, which will in turn create more motivated leaders, improve our efficiency of focusing internal resources to improve office performance and measure the improvement we make as a whole.” </div>
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<div>Downes developed the new Pulse dashboard in collaboration with Harvard Professor Boris Groysberg to determine the lead indicators which drive results, plus the lag indicators which show where support was needed. </div>
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<div>“At Ray White are lucky to work with one of the best minds in organisational behaviour in the world in Prof Groysberg. So we have translated our sales agent recognition level now to the business as a whole, with Chairman’s Elite, Elite, Premier, Qualified and Unqualified businesses,” he said. </div>
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Ray White appoints Adam Downes in new national role, Head of Performance Management.

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Perth real estate agent Brian McKiernan has joined the national real estate network @realty.
McKiernan is the former operations manager and national recruitment manager of Sell Lease Property, which was acquired in December 2017 by The Agency Group.
At the time of acquisition, Sell Lease Property had 210 agents nationally and a revenue of $8.1 million.
McKiernan said he made the move to @realty, which has recruited more than 500 agents nationwide over the past four years, to continue to operate independently with the support of an administrative team.
"The Perth market is in a recovery phase - it's no secret that we are not in stride with the East Coast - and that's why it's even more crucial than ever to choose an agent who understands the local market and takes a tailored approach for each listing.
"Having said that, there is plenty to be optimistic about, with the economy improving and projected population growth looking solid, paving the way for growth in the market over the coming years."
@realty director JJ Taylor says it's a coup to have experienced agents like Mr McKiernan on board.
"Our 500 agents have an average  9.6 years of experience, which shows that we are attracting some of the best in the industry," he said.
"We offer commissions of 93 per cent compared to the industry average of 45 per cent, so there is a real incentive for our agents to work to their potential and to collaborate with other agents where necessary to get a faster result for the client.
"We also offer hundreds of hours of training and workshops, free of charge, to our agents each year to allow them to upskill and keep pace with the latest skills and techniques required to perform at the top level in the fast paced industry."
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