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

Juwai

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GUEST OBSERVER
For Michael Hickinbotham, Managing Director of South Australia’s number-one home builder, his company’s deep-seated family roots and commitment to innovation, quality, and value make the Hickinbotham Group a trusted household name today — some 60 years after the first house went up.  
His father and grandfather, Alan David and Alan Robb respectively, established the company more than 60 years ago. Today, it has built 40,000 homes and more than 50 community estates and maintains the founders’ mission of creating beautiful, quality homes for South Australians.
Hickinbotham tells me he proudly attributes the company’s ongoing success to its core values. 
“Above all, I believe in the concepts of innovation, creativity and value. It’s innovation and creativity that allow us to create value and, it’s the ability to offer superior value that underpins our success,” he enthusiastically shares. 
Hickinbotham Group is the only homebuilder to create and successfully manage brands for every segment of the market, from first home buyers to the middle market and all the way up to luxury homes.
But keeping the company at number one, Hickinbotham explains, takes tenacity and a passionate team that thrives on a sense of urgency. “When we decide to do something, we commit to it, and we do it as well as we can.”
He says, “To sell significant volumes of real estate you have to offer unmatched value. That starts with beautiful designs, great build quality, and fantastic service and is backed up by people who care.”
While Hickinbotham says luck has played a part of the company’s success, he also notes the company has continued to pioneer through significant challenges, including the South Australian State Bank collapse in the 1980’s, the Global Financial Crisis, and the residential building downturn of the mid- and late-2000’s.
The family business emerged from each crisis stronger, smarter, and wiser. 
South Australian Heritage
Hickinbotham’s father and grandfather were the first in the family to develop homes for sale, starting with a house in 1954 on Sturdee Street in Linden Park, an inner-eastern suburb of Adelaide. I understand that house still stands today and is in immaculate condition. 
These are humble beginnings, but both men had a vision to improve communities that still inspires the company’s success today.
His father was a renowned sportsman who represented South Australia and Geelong in football and seemed larger than life. He was well read and engaged with the world but determined and single-minded about the family business.
His grandfather —known to many as “Hick”— was a respected academic and the founder of Australia’s most famous winemaking course at Roseworthy, which is now part of the University of Adelaide.
The legacy of these two men drive Hickinbotham to try new things. 
“While I don’t like failures, I accept that if you don’t have some failures you’re not pushing the envelope far enough, you’re not testing your limits, you’re not growing,” Hickinbotham said. 
“With business you have to learn to take risks and to minimise risk where you can. You have to be willing to fail and, more than that, to face your failures squarely and learn from them.”
Creating homes, not houses 
Although a trained lawyer, Hickinbotham chose property. He could have also joined his family’s other business, which is wine. His older brother David oversees a business that produces excellent wines. Twice they have been ranked among the 100 best in the world by Wine Spectator magazine.
“I love real estate because it is so fundamental to human happiness,” Hickinbotham says. “Nothing improves lives like putting a roof overhead. Real estate is also a time-honoured way for people to build their wealth.”
“I whole-heartedly believe the family serves the business, not the other way around. The business, in turn exists to serve our customers and the community”.
And, as Hickinbotham confidently and proudly states, it is this philosophy and commitment that will continue to guide the business for the next generations. 
Hickinbotham Group was the first Australian developer to put telephone and power lines underground; the first to impose restrictive covenants on the felling of trees at a new home estate; the first to win a Civic Trust award for a housing development. They were the first to store run-off stormwater in the aquifer for later re-use. They were also the first to develop a privately-owned public school at a time when the South Australian State Government couldn’t afford to fund new schools. 
Notably, the company recently signed an agreement with Elon Musk’s Tesla to explore the deployment of Tesla batteries in its estates. And the company already puts solar on many of the homes it builds. 
Hickinbotham Group has even worked on plans to take an entire housing estate “off the grid” via photovoltaic cells and batteries. This means homeowners might be able to earn revenue by selling excess power back to the grid. 
Advice for First Time Buyers and Investors 
As a proud Adelaidean, Hickinbotham whole-heartedly believes his city is the best in Australia for first home buyers.
“You will get a lot more for your money in Adelaide than in Sydney or Melbourne,” he says. 
“Infrastructure here is less stretched. Prices are not as high, so there is a lower entry cost. Adelaide is beautiful and the perfect size at 1.3 million people.”
According to Hickinbotham Group, South Australia is a less volatile market to invest in because traditionally it hasn’t been subjected to the same booms and busts as other capital cities.
“I have also lived in London, Sydney and Melbourne, and I love those cities. But in Adelaide, I can take the family to the beach, or we can go to the wineries and small towns in the Adelaide Hills. Both are only about 30 minutes from the city centre.”
And, naturally, he firmly believes houses are a fantastic investment. 
“The secret to investment success in property is to understand that it is the land that appreciates, not the buildings”, he explains. 
“If you’re in a block of 200 apartments, when the land value increases, the extra value is divided 200 times. That’s the main reason why houses have been such a good investment for such a long time.”
GEORG CHMIEL, the chairman of Juwai, a Chinese website for buyers of overseas property, was speaking to Michael Hickinbotham in his regular column giving insight into the leading minds of Australian property experts.
He has spoken with LJ Hooker agent Bill Malouf about the ins and out of the Sydney market, REINSW president Leanne Pilkington about women in real estate, developer Larry Kestelman about developing your first property, Harcourts boss Mike Green on real estate investment secrets, Ironfish chief Joseph Chou on investing in today's market and liveability guru Cecile Weldon.
 
</body></html>

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Georg Chmiel chats with Hickinbotham Group's Michael Hickinbotham about the home building family business

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Georg Chmiel chats with Harcourts co-owner Mike Green about secrets for real estate investing.
One of the most charming and gregarious people in the real estate industry calls himself an introvert. But what will really surprise you about Harcourts MD Mike Green is the job that he sought before becoming an agent and what he has to say about investing in apartments. 
Green is co-owner of international real estate network Harcourts – a New Zealand native who made the hop to Brisbane (for the weather) and has since conquered not only Australia but nine other countries as well. 
We will get into Green’s secrets for real estate investing, but first let’s look at how he climbed the business ladder. He got into real estate purely by accident.  
“I was looking through the newspaper for a job, having just left university” he says. “I applied for a job washing cars in a car yard, and the guy turned me down.” 
That rejection sent Green back to the employment classifieds (remember those?). Eventually, he talked his way into his first property job at 19 as a real estate sales consultant with no experience and only one year of university. He hasn’t looked back since.
Does he still pine for the missed opportunity to wash cars all day long? I didn’t ask him, but I imagine not.
“I went into a profession that I just clicked with,” he told me. “I love the freedom of it, the impact you can have on people’s lives. Eventually, my wife Irene and I opened our own Harcourts franchise. Now (Harcourts Chairman) Paul Wright, Irene and I are the owners of the Harcourts international franchisor.”
Green’s secrets to success in business are available to anyone. “The reality is,” he says, “if you hang around long enough, you end up at the top — as long as you don’t do anything stupid and don’t annoy people.”
I have managed hundreds of people in my career and, as simplistic as it sounds, this advice is actually quite profound.
DISRUPTON
Green runs a major international real estate agency network with more than 900 offices in 10 countries. Is he worried about losing it all to a tech giant like realestate.com.au, purplebricks.com or Google? 
Not a bit.
“The only thing we need to worry about is disrupting ourselves by not delivering value,” he told me. Selling a home “is such an emotional and traumatic experience. Our clients actually want an advisor to help them through the process. It’s very hard to disrupt when you have hundreds of thousands of people on the ground doing just that.”
But Green did admit that there are still risks. No real estate company has a monopoly. 
“If we don’t add value to clients we will disappear like so many other companies in other industries have.”  
COUPLES
For Green, one of the benefits of a career in real estate has been the opportunity to work alongside his wife Irene, who is herself extremely successful in the industry in her own right. 
“Irene and I have worked together for nearly 30 years,” he said, “and it certainly creates its own unique challenges. You never stop talking about the business. It’s a really dangerous place to be when your wife technically reports to you, which was the case for a very short period of time.” 
After all, we all know who the real boss is…
That said, Green encourages other couples to consider a property career, as long as you can “keep a sense of humor and understand that, while the business is important, the relationship is far more important.”
WHAT SHOULD FIRST BUYERS DO?
Now, let’s get to Green’s advice for first-time buyers who are in a tough position because of high prices. 
“Government is more attuned to first-home buyers now,” he says. “Study up on the available first-home buyer grants and other incentives available.”
You should choose a “good property that can be readily resold and has a wide market appeal. What they say about location is very true. If you buy in a good location you will always be fine in the long term.”
And watch out for interest rates, which are still at historic lows. “Reality says that will change,” advises Green. “You should say, ‘Hey if the rates go up two percent or three percent, will I be OK?’ 
“Also factor in starting a family. If you have to live on one income, how will that look?”
ADVICE FOR INVESTORS
Green advises property investors to play it safe, too. His preferred investment is a three-bedroom home on a little bit of land and with a garage.
“They are very easy to rent, and if you need to sell they sell easily. Some investors look for houses that have been split up for multiple revenue streams, but those are harder to sell. They only appeal to other investors. If you are under pressure and need to sell, chances are other investors will be, too.”
Green made a 38% profit on his first investment home after only two and a half years. It had cost him NZ$29,000. Today, the same home is worth as much as NZ$1.8 million. 
Now, about apartments. While Green lives in one for the care-free lifestyle it affords, he doesn’t recommend apartments as an investment.
“They don’t perform as well in terms of rental return or capital gain. I’d recommend you spend a bit more and buy a three-bedroom house.”
Green firmly believes property investors today can still leverage a small amount of capital into a large and successful portfolio that eventually lets them live off their earnings. His own sons and a number of their friends are following just this strategy.
“I think you can do it today,” he said. 
“You have got to be a bit careful because there is more money involved. But as rents and capital gains grow and the mortgage is paid down, you are building wealth. Property will never be cheaper than it is today!”
Georg Chmiel, the chairman of Juwai, a Chinese website for buyers of overseas property, was speaking to Mike Green in what will be a monthly insight into the leading minds of Australian property experts.
He has spoken with LJ Hooker agent Bill Malouf about the ins and out of the Sydney market and REINSW president Leanne Pilkington about women in real estate.
He most recently spoke with Melbourne property developer Larry Kestelman about developing your first property.
 
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Georg Chmiel chats with Harcourts boss Mike Green on real estate investment secrets

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EXPERT OBSERVER
When brothers Ben and Rob Coorey created the technology to analyse the profitability of potential development sites within seconds, they had a choice.  
They could keep it to themselves and go on to become two of Australia's richest developers. Or, they could share it with the world and make real estate investment, development, and design much easier and more transparent for everyone.
They chose the latter.
Not that they haven't also benefitted. Their business, <a href="https://archistar.ai/" target="_blank">Archistar</a>, has raised millions from investors such as the former Foxtel chief executive Peter Tonagh, ex-CoreLogic managing director Graham Mirabito, and former CEO of CBRE Australasia Tom Southern.
"Our tool evaluates development opportunities for your property and assesses its potential market performance,” Ben Coorey told me in a conversation last week. "A consumer, developer, architect, or council … anyone can benefit if they need to assess designs."
MAKING NEIGHBOURS RICH
Archistar can even turn a handful of neighbours into millionaires.  
As Coorey pointed out, the most important part of real estate development is to understand what the rules are for your site. His tool gives you exactly that information.
Coorey say, "Our software allows you to piece together a number of neighbouring lots and determine what you could build if they were combined.”
A group of eight neighbours in Castle Hill secured $5 million each by selling all their homes in one go. The developer who bought the land plans to build a unit project. Since the average price in Castle Hill is about $1.3 million, the vendors earned about a 300% profit by informing themselves about the development potential of their property.
That kind of windfall shows why Archistar’s tool is so valuable. But I don’t think the Coorey brothers are in it for the money. 
Talking to Ben, I got the sense that what really motivates the Cooreys is getting their arms around complex problems and then solving them. The fact that they made their development analysis tool publicly available is proof. (You can get a free, basic analysis of your own home on their website, https://archistar.ai.)
More proof that the Archistar team is motivated by a good challenge rather than a fast buck comes from the fact that they decided to take on the challenge of developing automated reports based on the arcane rules of a 3,000-year-old practice that has been called both science and superstition.
DOES YOUR HOME HAVE GOOD FENG SHUI?
“We wanted to democratise the principles of Feng Shui so that anyone, anywhere could get an instant Feng Shui analysis of their floorplan,” Coorey told me.
How hard was that? 
Very. 
Archistar spent 12 months developing a one-of-a-kind artificial intelligence engine that makes the Feng Shui analysis possible. To start with, they had to understand the principles of Feng Shui. Then, they had to digitize them, create algorithms that can analyse any floorplan according to those rules, and design a system that uses those algorithms to provide useful insights that allow you to fix whatever Feng Shui problems your home might have.
"We had to translate over 500 rules from ancient Chinese Feng Shui texts that go back hundreds of years," Coorey said. The sources they consulted also included some recent page-turners such as Human Habitat and Feng Shui (人居环境与风水), Modern Residential Feng Shui (现代住宅风水), and Chinese Wisdom Feng Shui's Application (国学智慧-风水文化应用篇) by Professor Yu Xixian.
"From those texts, we put together a set of Feng Shui rules," said Coorey. "Then we take apart floorplans and use these rules to evaluate the Feng Shui of each one."
To test its new Feng Shui analysis tool, Archistar looked at The Lodge, the official Canberra Prime Minister’s residence which has been home to leaders such as Robert Menzies, Malcolm Fraser, Bob Hawke, Gough Whitlam, Paul Keating, and John Howard.
Archistar’s Feng Shui analysis found that the 1927 building generally abides by Feng Shui principles. It’s not that the original architects consulted a Feng Shui expert when designing The Lodge.
“Sometimes, a design has good Feng Shui even though the architects didn’t know anything about the practice,” said Coorey. “Good design can transcend cultures.”
Juwai.com, where I am chairman, now provides Archistar’s Feng Shui reports to our Chinese international property buyers.
WHICH CITY RULES?
As Archistar analyses the Feng Shui properties of more and more floorplans, Coorey expects to be able to draw conclusions about entire cities.
“As we build a database of floorplans, you can start to collect insights on regions, countries, and cities. Up until this point, you haven’t had the analysis in a common format that you could compare. Now, we have a standard format to do so.”
I asked Coorey which Australian city he thought would come out on top in the Feng Shui competition. 
Do buildings in Melbourne have better Feng Shui than Sydney? Does Brisbane beat Perth? And can Parramatta blame bad Feng Shui for the fact that the Eels came dead last in 2018, or is there a more nefarious cause?
Probably wisely, Coorey wasn’t willing to hazard an answer to any of these questions.
Georg Chmiel is the chairman of Juwai, a Chinese website for buyers of overseas property, was speaking to Ben Coorey, the founder and CEO of Archistar, a training centre teaching digital design skills for architects and engineers.
His regular column, getting into the leading minds of Australian property experts, has spoken with LJ Hooker agent Bill Malouf about the <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/forward-planning/advice-and-hot-topics/82193-georg-chmiel-chats-with-bill-malouf" target="_blank">ins and out of the Sydney market</a>, REINSW president Leanne Pilkington about <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/forward-planning/advice-and-hot-topics/83830-georg-chmiel-chats-with-reinsw-president-leanne-pilkington-on-women-in-real-estate" target="_blank">women in real estate</a>, developer Larry Kestelman about <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/forward-planning/advice-and-hot-topics/85169-georg-chmiel-chats-with-larry-kestelman-about-developing-your-first-property" target="_blank">developing your first property</a>, Harcourts boss Mike Green on <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/forward-planning/advice-and-hot-topics/86232-georg-chmiel-chats-with-harcourts-boss-mike-green-on-real-estate-investment-secrets" target="_blank">real estate investment secrets</a>, Ironfish chief Joseph Chou on <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/forward-planning/advice-and-hot-topics/87440-georg-chmiel-talks-with-ironfish-ceo-joseph-chou-about-whether-to-invest-in-today-s-market" target="_blank">investing in today's market</a>, liveability guru <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/forward-planning/advice-and-hot-topics/90628-georg-chmiel-talks-with-liveability-guru-cecille-weldon-about-unlocking-a-home-s-hidden-value" target="_blank">Cecile Weldon</a> and Hickinbotham Group's <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/forward-planning/investment-strategy/129-industry-leaders-give-their-property-insights/93219-georg-chmiel-chats-with-hickinbotham-group-s-michael-hickinbotham-about-the-home-building-family-business" target="_blank">Michael Hickinbotham</a>.
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Georg Chmiel chats with Ben Coorey on how to turn neighbours into millionaires

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Crown Residences at Barangaroo has won Chinese Global Choice Awards from Juwai.com, the number one Chinese international property portal
The awards presentation, held in Shanghai, saw Crown Residences pick up the Best International Hospitality Branded Residence.
The presentation followed followed four months of nominations, online voting by Chinese consumers, and final selection by a panel of judges that included senior executives from Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund, Noah Holdings, and other respected companies.
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The Juwai Global Chinese Choice Awards (below) is the only awards program in the world to target China-centric residential developers, agencies, lenders, and other organizations.
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Todd Nisbet, executive vice president of strategy and development for Crown Resorts said the fact that a project in Australia won the award shows how global real estate has become.
 "We couldn’t be more excited about receiving this award, given the fact that it is voted on by the general public who are interested in real estate," Nisbet said.
"That an award has been won by a project in Australia is a testament to how truly global real estate has become for the Chinese consumer. 
Crown wasn't the only Australian winner at the awards night.
Property investment firm Ironfish won the Trustworthy Overseas Property Service Provider award.
Lanny Xu, CEO of Ironfish China, said it's one of the best awards to win.
“Since 2004, we have built up our business in China and received lots of awards and are very appreciative, but none of these can be compared with today’s award from Juwai," she said.
"It is one of the best awards in the industry and we are very honoured to receive it. 
"Hopefully, in the future, we will work with Juwai<a href="http://juwai.com/">.</a>com in a long-term relationship in terms of serving clients in purchasing and investing in overseas property.”
 
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Crown Residences at One Barangaroo win Juwai award for best international hospitality branded residence

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Former Mirvac CEO Greg Paramor will join the board of directors at Juwai, the No.1 Chinese international property website, as a non-executive director from December.
Paramor has been involved in the real estate and funds management industry for more than 40 years.
He is former CEO of Mirvac Group, past president of both the Property Council of Australia and the Investment Funds Association, a board member of the professional Australian rules football club the Sydney Swans, and the immediate past Chair of LJ Hooker.
Juwai.com board chairman Georg Chmiel said Greg brings to Juwai.com so much expertise in Australian and APAC property, finance, and business that he is a treasure to have on the board.
"We expect Greg to work closely with the existing board members and the executive team on delivering on our vision for Juwai in 2019 and beyond," Chmiel said.
“This year, Juwai.com has delivered rapid growth on its financial and operational metrics."
Paramor said he is delighted to join the board.
“Juwai.com is one of the most exciting real estate technology companies on the landscape today," he said.
“Juwai.com has a promising future, given the size of its addressable market, its lead over potential competitors, and its role in the cross-border property sales process."
In August, Paramor's property fund management and development group, Folkestone, was acquired by Charter Hall Limited for $205 million.
He is a non-executive director at Charter Hall, which is a listed property funds management group with over AU$26 billion under management.
Paramor served as CEO of Mirvac Group between 2004 and 2008. He cofounded Equity Real Estate Partners, Growth Equities Mutual, Paladin Australia and the James Fielding Group. 
Paramor was awarded an Officer in the General Division (AO) of the Order of Australia in January 2015 for his distinguished service to the community through executive roles in fields that include breast cancer research, sport, the not-for-profit sector, and property. 
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Former Mirvac CEO Greg Paramor joins Juwai board

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Chinese buyers of Australian real estate spent US$6.4 billion less in 2017 than they did in 2016, according to Juwai.com’s Chinese Global Property Investment report.
<div>Chinese purchased US$17.4 billion on Australian real estate in 2017, well down on the 2016 total estimate of US$24 billion.</div>
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<div>New Zealand saw US$1 billion in investment.</div>
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<div>The total Australia and New Zealand investment combined was down 23 percent from 2016.</div>
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<div>Carrie Law, CEO and director of Chinese international real estate website Juwai.com said that capital controls, restrictions on bank financing to offshore buyers, and new foreign buyer taxes and restrictions all served to reduce Chinese investment last year.</div>
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<div>"This year we expect moderate growth, which is in line with Beijing’s goal of managed, rational overseas investment," Law said.</div>
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<div>“Despite the higher stamp duties, Chinese still see Australia as a long-term value," Law noted.</div>
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<div>Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/9/11/region1.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
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<div>"The majority of our residential buyers are purchasing for their own use, because they have children studying or working here, or because they plan to visit regularly or to retire here.</div>
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<div>"Australia offers a table environment, safety, quality educational institutions, and high quality of life. Both Sydney and Melbourne rank in the top five most liveable cities in the world.</div>
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<div>“In the first half, the most popular Australian cities for Chinese buyers were Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, the Gold Coast, Canberra, and Perth.</div>
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<div>Juwai found US$14.1 billion of the $US17.4 billion spent my Chinese in Australia in 2017 was on residential acquisitions. Commercial sales totalled US$3.3 billion.</div>
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<div>“Sources like KPMG suggest that Chinese commercial real estate investment accounts for one-third of all Chinese corporate direct investment in the country.</div>
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<div>"Political tensions between the two countries have a greater impact in creating uncertainty with corporate commercial real estate investors than they do with individual investors buying residential property for their own use.”</div>
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<div>Globally, total Chinese investment in commercial and residential property hit US$119.7 billion, up 16.1% from the US$101.4 billion reported by Juwai in 2016. </div>
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Chinese property purchasing in Australia down 27 percent in 2017: Juwai 

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EXPERT OBSERVATION
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Juwai's The Foreign Buyer Restrictions Report 2018-19 has found that the world will see fewer new foreign buyer restrictions imposed in top Chinese property destinations in the year ahead than in any of the prior three years. 
The Report points out that Canada’s two largest provinces, six of Australia’s eight states and territories, and Australia’s national government have all increased the taxes or restrictions that apply to foreign buyers of real estate over the past two years.
By contrast, in the year to come, only New Zealand is likely to impose new policies targeting foreign buyers. New Zealand’s Overseas Investment Amendment Bill is now under consideration in Parliament.
The rapid upward trend in Chinese international property investment of the past decade hit the world at the same time as historically low interest rates and population growth were inflating values in popular destination cities. In some places, especially Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, Chinese buyers were blamed for the price increases that objective data suggested was actually due to other factors. 
After retreating from an exuberant peak in 2016 of $101.1 billion, Chinese international real estate investment again appears to be on a growth path, although more steady and restrained that what we saw in that golden year. The Chinese government seems comfortable with what it calls ‘rational’ growth in international investment. 
Beijing has already telegraphed that it may experiment with further loosening capital controls. China has already resumed two key outbound schemes for investment in overseas securities, which had been suspended to reduce capital outflows. These have no direct impact on foreign property buyers, but do reveal a change of direction — from tightening to loosening. The Financial Times has reported it expects some of the controls introduced over the past two years to be ‘quietly relaxed.'
AUSTRALIA The Reserve Bank of Australia, the Australian Treasury, and a Parliamentary inquiry have all found that foreign buyers do not cause house-price inflation in Australia. The national government and six of the eight states and territories have none-the-less found it hard to resist targeting this group with no voice in the political process. Taxing foreign buyers gives state governments the appearance of taking action without having to tackle stamp duty and the planning mechanisms that are a major cause of the affordability crisis. The top Australian destinations for Chinese buyers are Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and the Gold Coast – followed by Canberra and Perth.
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CANADA Canada has seen high bars placed in front of new foreign property buyers over the past two years. But we think that in 2018–19 it is unlikely that new restrictions or taxes will be imposed. New mortgage regulations have weakened the market, by dampening the primary drivers of higher prices, which is local buyers taking advantage of low interest rates to trade up or buy investment homes. 
The most popular Canadian destinations for Chinese buyers are Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, and Ottawa. 
NEW ZEALAND New Zealand is the sole major investment destination in the world that we consider to be very likely to impose new foreign buyer restrictions this year. The Overseas Investment Amendment Bill with its recent amendments would have the advantage of finally putting to an end the political uncertainty that has been ongoing since before the last election. 
The most popular destinations in New Zealand for Chinese buyers are Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, Queenstown, and Hamilton. 
THAILAND In Thailand, new restrictions on foreign homebuying do not appear likely. Weak economic growth and the desire to tap overseas investors for the massive Eastern Economic Corridor project play role. Thai nationals are already protected by rules that prevent foreigners from owning land and more than half of the units in apartment buildings. 
The most popular destinations for Chinese property buyers in Thailand are Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Ko Samui. 
UNITED KINGDOM In the UK, the only potential legislation restricting foreign homebuyers that we foresee would address illegal Russian investment, not other buyer groups. We believe anxiety about the potential property-related impact of Brexit, currently weak markets, a dependency on foreign luxury in London buyers, and the UK’s proud tradition as a financial and investment center will prevent other measures. 
The most popular destinations in the UK for Chinese buyers are London, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, and Edinburgh. 
UNITED STATES The United States offers the freest market, the largest market, and the most diverse market of any major investment destination for Chinese property buyers. That’s why it attracts the greatest amount of investment year after year. We foresee no new restrictions in the US this year, except perhaps for legislation that prevents the acquisition of real estate near critical military bases. The EB-5 visa program is also a perennial candidate for reform. While changes to the investment visa program with the deed affect Chinese nationals, it is not a residential property investment policy. 
The top American destinations for Chinese property buying are Seattle, Los Angeles, New York, Houston, and Orlando.
Carrie Law is the CEO and director of Juwai.com, the No. 1 Chinese international real estate website and the exclusive international real estate partner to Chinese online giant Tencent.
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New taxes targeting Chinese property investment set to drop worldwide: Juwai

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Official FIRB data has confirmed a collapse in approvals for foreign investment in Australia’s housing market.
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The Foreign Investment Review Board’s annual report reveals a 67 per cent fall in residential real estate approvals last financial year — down from 40,149 approvals to just 13,198 approvals.
The value of FIRB approvals fell from $72.4 billion to $25.2 billion in fiscal 2017.
The large numbers of residential foreign buyers from the boom of 2012-17 are unlikely to be repeated, a UBS report tips.
During 2016–17, 1,669 residential real estate compliance cases were identified for investigation (down from 2,104 cases in 2015-16). Of these, 1,409 investigations were completed (1,637 in 2015–16), which identified 549 properties acquired in breach of Australia’s foreign investment rules (up from 260). There were 96 residential properties divested by foreign persons (up from 54 in 2015–16) totalling nearly $97 million.
Victoria is the most popular state for residential real estate approvals, followed by New South Wales, with these two states accounting for 73% of all such approvals.
Queensland accounts for 18%, Western Australia for 5%, South Australia for 3%, and the Australian Capital Territory for 1%.
Chinese investors were again the largest source of foreign investment approvals by both value ($38.9 billion) and number (9,714) in 2016–17.  
China continued to be the largest source of foreign investment associated with approvals for residential real estate.
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Carrie Law, CEO and Director of Juwai.com, the No. 1 Chinese international real estate website and the exclusive international real estate partner to Chinese online giant Tencent, said the period saw half years "like night and day" in terms of Chinese investment.
"In the second half of 2016, Chinese investment were investing in Australian real estate at an almost irrational pace.
"It was like money falling from heaven for vendors and developers.
"In early 2017, capital controls, financing restrictions, and foreign buyer taxes reduced Chinese investment to more reasonable levels," Law suggested.
 “Since November 2017, we seem to have entered a period of more sustainable long-term growth. Chinese buying enquiries for Australian property in March were 5.7% higher than the month before and in Aprilthey were 22.3% higher.
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Law added that China’s capital controls have worked.
Today, China’s foreign reserves are up, the Yuan is stronger, the flow" of money out of the country has been reduced, and fears of a devaluation have virtually disappeared.
"But they have succeeded without having to make it impossible for ordinary Chinese families to buy property overseas."
Recent research reports that a majority of Chinese households intend to increase their offshore investments in the coming two years, with real estate the asset class most favoured by outbound investors.
 
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“The big declines are partly due to lower demand, and mostly due to the changed application fees.”
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/5/30/FIRB%20summary%20Juwai.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge:
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 Considering just commercial real estate investment from all nations, approvals dropped from $50 billion to $44 billion.
The FIRB reports that one reason for the decrease in approvals for commercial property is that under the new China-Australia Free Trade Agreement, Chinese investors no longer need request investment approval before purchasing developed commercial property worth less than $1.094 billion. 
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