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

Lj Hooker

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GUEST OBSERVER
With price growth slowing in Australia’s biggest housing markets, many sellers have been pondering what is the best strategy for a strong sales result.
Prospective sellers keenly eye the auction clearance rate as a leading market barometer, and with a bumper volume of properties to go under the hammer this weekend, property pundits will have their opinions on what figure dictates a sellers’ or buyers’ market.
But when auction volumes fluctuate, the clearance rate is not the best way to determine buyer sentiment. While it indicates the percentage of properties selling via auction, it doesn’t address the number of sellers achieving success through this method. It also doesn’t capture the number of properties sold through post auction negotiations in the day following the event.
For the record, LJ Hooker, in general, believes auctions are the best method to capture a wide net of buyers in a short-time period, and offers the greatest potential for sellers to achieve a premium result. But in slowing markets, the real efficacy of auctions is laid bare.
In Sydney – the nation’s largest market – data for the September quarter showed the median house price moderated -1.9% over the period. In comparison, the median price had risen 8.2% over the last 12 months. In the second largest market of Melbourne, growth slowed to 1.3% over the quarter, however, it’s still up 13.9% gain over the year.
When price growth slows, sellers want a quick way to capture the last measurements of growth. An auction provides the market with a three to four-week timeframe to put their best offer forward.
And in slowing markets, a nominated price can often be the first thing which deters a buyer from exploring a property and assessing it for its suitability for lifestyle or location, rather than price. 
Nationwide, 18,349 properties sold at auction in the last quarter, which was a 14 per cent increase compared to the September quarter last year (16,147).
In Sydney, there were 9,968 auctions over the same period this year, compared to 8,249 for the same period in 2016. 
While the average daily auction clearance rate dropped from 76 per cent to 69 per cent over the period year-on-year, more homes sold under the hammer in Q3 this year (6,678) than the same period last year (6,517).
Economics dictates that clearance rates will increase when there is an under-supply of auctions; conversely, it’s likely that the clearance rate will drop when there is a flood of properties on the market. 
Property markets fluctuate in cycles – it’s a tenet that’s almost as certain as death and taxes. But don’t hinge your assessment of market performance on auction clearance rates – the underlying data shows more people are having success selling via auction.
David Holmes is national auction manager with LJ Hooker.
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

The truth about clearance rates: LJ Hooker's David Holmes

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A former LJ Hooker real estate agent has pleaded guilty to misappropriating agency trust fund money.
Tri Duc (Joseph) Ngo was charged with 302 counts relating to electronic transfers of client deposits into the bank account of a company directed by his wife while running LJ Hooker franchise offices in Melbourne's outer eastern suburbs.
Consumer Affairs Victoria agreed to strike out 143 charges as Ngo pleaded guilty before in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday.
A plea hearing in the County Court is scheduled for November 8 and 9.
Ngo was required to surrender his passport, though he doesn't have one, and reside at his Rowville address.
A CAV spokesman said Ngo’s remaining charges included 125 counts of “wrongful conversion and false accounts”, which carried a maximum penalty per offence of “a term of imprisonment of not more than 10 years” or a $77,730 fine under the Estate Agents Act 1980.
His wife Truc Thanh Le (Judy) Nguyen has pleaded not guilty to similar charges.
She is due to appear at the Magistrates Court for a one-day committal hearing on November 1.
The court was previously advised about $4 million had gone missing, but some had been paid back so the total loss was $2.1 million.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Former estate agent Joseph Ngo pleads guilty to trust fund misappropriations

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LJ Hooker’s intended DIY property selling platform Settl, while launching the 88-year-old company into a new tech era, is already having a disruptive internal impact before it starts, with fears there will be undercutting of the commissions of its loyal sales agents.
The yet to be launched online <a href="https://settl.com.au" target="_blank">Settl </a>platform, which had been timed to commence in the second quarter of 2017, but seems delayed, or even on the back burner, will encourage vendors to sell their homes by themselves for a low fixed fee, in an response to property disruptors such as Purplebricks and buyMyplace.com.au.
Property Observer gleans it will on launch adopt the logo "Pay less, Settle for more."
Purplebricks, buyMyplace and forsalebyowner are all slowly growing their share of the Australian property market due to their low-cost, fixed-fee model.
Settl will include the pricing option of assistance of a Settl estate agent if the vendor wishes to have assistance with open-for-inspections and auctions. 
LJ Hooker’s Settl will be run as a stand-alone entity although seemingly directed by the network's current leadership team who have faced franchisees who've threatened to depart.
Settl has been in research and development by LJX-Lab for the past 20 months.
Settl is led by an expert tech-startup team including players from pioneering tech-giants Uber, Atlassian, Freelancer and Airtasker.
Headhunters Mitchelake have closed applications to find its chief executive who has been tasked with leading "an aggressive business/market development strategy in Australia."
A landing page, while unconfirmed, suggests it is a "smart, nimbler real estate service."
The hybrid model will be scaled up in partnership with LJ Hooker’s own network to cater to the new consumer.
Settl is part of LJ Hooker’s $100 million digital transformation. 
The real estate agency, founded by Sir Leslie Hooker in 1928 and still part owned by grandson Janusz Hooker, is in the midst of a transformation. Earlier this year LJ Hooker's CEO Grant Harrod unexpectedly resigned after the company scrapped plans to list on the ASX.
The most recent development has been that of former Aussie Home Loans CEO Stephen Porges joining in an advisory role, although market chatter points to him becoming the next chief executive following the departure of Harrod.
Earlier this year, LJ Hooker scrapped its IPO as real estate franchise businesses came under pressure from a deterioration in property listings and the threat of technologies.
Chairman Janusz Hooker has likened the launch of Settl to when Qantas created low-cost carrier Jetstar to service a different market segment.
"These will be two brands – LJ Hooker and Settl – serving two distinct customers," Hooker told The Australian Financial Review recently.
Hooker said Settl would cater to the needs of millennials and "digital natives" who wanted to "pay less and do more themselves".
But the traditional, commission-based model is not going anywhere, he stressed. Usually, commissions vary from 1.5 percent to 2.5 percent of the selling price.
"Part of the market still wants to fly Qantas, but there's a new market that wants to fly Jetstar. We're creating a new market – it's not a zero sum game. The launch of hybrid real estate businesses has increased the size of the market," he said.
Pricing for Settl has not yet been revealed, but is expected to be competitive compared with other DIY platforms.
L Janusz Hooker said Australia is on the cusp of a wave of property innovation.
“We have been closely monitoring global trends for several years, and have seen new models gain momentum in overseas markets like the UK.
"Settl will open up this new market in Australia, giving digital-natives the choice and control they want,” he said. 
"In Australia, this segment is estimated to only be a few percent of today’s market, however it could grow up to 10 percent by 2025."
Mr Hooker commented that Australia was a unique market with its own distinct circumstances - "and we’ve seen time and time again that standardised overseas models are not overly successful here." 
“We see the ongoing human value added from agents a critical part of real estate services into the future. To ensure customer satisfaction, Settl’s unique hybrid “online to offline” model aligns the agent 100 percent with the vendor’s result.”
Josh Rowe, CEO of property price prediction app realAs.com, has welcomed the new LJ Hooker venture.
"A company that is not prepared to cannibalise their own business to meet customers' changing needs will eventually fail," Rowe told the AFR.
"Netflix was originally a DVD mail order business with 20 million users at its peak. Now as a streaming service it has 99 million users," he said.
"Perhaps LJ Hooker is the Netflix of real estate in Australia."
Graeme Hyde and Bryan Weir are heading the venture, with oversight by Esther Selvanayagam, the financial chief since February 2017. 
Hyde is the exisiting network chief having joined the real estate industry in 1995 after 15 years in television and radio. He joined the LJ Hooker network in 2001 when he took over the LJ Hooker office in Port Macquarie and was inducted into the Captains Club in his second year with the network and Multimillion Dollar Chapter in his third year. 
Bryan Weir joined the board of LJ Hooker in 2014 after 35 years of corporate and business experience including time at Freeholds and Macquarie Bank.
Weir is keenly involved in the sport of rowing, being the President of Mosman Rowing Club from 2004 until 2009.
Earlier this month they watched as their Mosman-based LJ Hooker Lower North Shore group joined the Ray White network in a shock defection.
LJ Hooker Lower North Shore has been operating for 60 years and employs more than 50 people.
It has been run by the same directors for the last 20 years.
LJ Hooker Lower North Shore directors Richard Harding, Geoff Smith and Bernard Ryan are to undertake the re-brand, seeing the potential for expansion across the region from their already large footprint. Since Property Observer previously reported LJ Hooker agents jumping ship to Ray White, LJH has advertised in print publications for their replacement.
Agents across the group and industry have expressed concern at the LJH Settl initiative saying "flat fees aren't the answer."
"We have an over supply of agents, and the value is being lost as a seller when agents operate just as a tour guide at the opens.
"Agents should be looked at as an investment in the sale," one agent said adding Settl "just creates more opportunity for crappy agents."
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Settl, LJ Hooker's DIY hybrid property sales platform to take on disruptors 

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Two former LJ Hooker Glen Waverley real estate agents charged with misappropriating funds from a trust helped themselves to $4 million but have repaid some of it, a court has heard.
Tri Duc (Joseph) Ngo and Truc Thanh (Judy) Nguyen are charged with misappropriating funds, after the final loss was calculated at $2.1 million, Fairfax media reported.
JNT operated businesses including LJ Hooker branches in Keysborough, Mount Waverley, Glen Waverley, Burwood, Doncaster and Box Hill.
Joseph Ngo has indicated he will plead guilty to about 300 charges, but his wife, Judy, may fight the charges.
Ngo says he was the only one with access to the trust account and he was the one who conducted the offending.
Tri Duc Ngo , a former Glen Waverley real estate agent, and his wife are accused of dozens of electronic transfers from rental and sales trust accounts into a company JNT Law Investments for its own use.
In the Melbourne Magistrates Court today, the lawyer for the accused, Erol Cinar, asked for a five-week adjournment of the matter, saying he was going overseas for a week and needed to meticulously analyse voluminous files. 
Nine internal Consumer Affairs witnesses and 19 other witnesses were on standby in case they were required to give evidence at a committal hearing.
The case was adjourned until June 2 for committal mention.
Nguyen was recently trading again, working as a business development manager at Springvale Real Estate business, Oz Capital.
Mrs Nguyen, who as at last April had a property portfolio <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/news/lj-hooker-agent-at-centre-of-collapse-claims-she-was-victim-of-elaborate-conspiracy-20160430-goivv4/" title="">estimated at $4.65 million</a>, offered for sale her two Narre Warren North homes earlier last year without success. The two houses are at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property/2-4-cranston-cl-narre-warren-north-vic-3804" target="_blank">2-4 Cranston Close</a> and <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-narre+warren+north-122627030" target="_blank">6-8 Cranston Close</a>.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Former LJ Hooker agents charged with fraud face court

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LJ Hooker is set to open up to five new offices in the coming months on Sydney's lower North Shore.
It comes as LJ Hooker mutually ended its franchise agreement with the directors, who operated LJ Hooker Mosman. 
"The move gives LJ Hooker, which has been an iconic brand on the lower North Shore for more than 70 years, the opportunity to open more offices to service the blue chip residential addresses of Mosman, Cremorne, Cammeray, Kirribilli and Neutral Bay," LJ Hooker Network Chief, Graeme Hyde said.
He noted the franchise agreement with the Mosman directors was due for renewal next year.
“The Lower North Shore is one of the most lucrative and vibrant real estate markets in Australia and, as such, we now have the opportunity to open a number of new offices in the area, in lieu of just one, to expand our presence and better serve our customers,” Mr Hyde said.
“LJ Hooker Mosman has always been one of our stronger offices but in this lucrative and fast growing market we believe there are even more opportunities that could be capitalised on. 
“After three generations of ‘LJ Hookers’ being part of the fabric of the lower North Shore, we’re now ready to support a new generation of passionate and enthusiastic business leaders to see us continue to grow in that area.
“The success of offices in this key area is a testament that when you come to our brand and engage in our franchise offering, we can accelerate your businesses success.”
The announcement comes on the back of The Mosman-based LJ Hooker lower North Shore group joining the Ray White network in a shock defection last Friday.
LJ Hooker Lower North Shore directors Richard Harding, Geoff Smith and Bernard Ryan are to undertake the re-brand, seeing the potential for expansion across the region from their already large footprint.
Last October the veteran agent Kingsley Yates departed the Ray White group ending his three decade long franchise association due to "differing directions."
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LJ Hooker responds to Ray White defection by Mosman office

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The Mosman-based LJ Hooker Lower North Shore group is joining the Ray White network in a shock defection.
LJ Hooker Lower North Shore has been operating for 60 years and employs more than 50 people.
It has been run by the same directors for the last 20 years, having come to the fore under the prior stewardship of the late Ron Wilson.
LJ Hooker Lower North Shore directors Richard Harding, Geoff Smith and Bernard Ryan are to undertake the re-brand, seeing the potential for expansion across the region from their already large footprint.
Last October the veteran agent Kingsley Yates departed the Ray White group ending his three decade long franchise association due to "differing directions."
It was reported his departure was the most dramatic sign that the future of franchise is set for turbulent times given lowered agent commissions along with the market listings contraction while all the time lumbered with geographic boundary restrictions of the franchisor. In a small way, the Purplebricks incursion has set the cat among the pigeons too.
There are also whispers a small father-son LNS office is set to be snapped up by the burgeoning ASX-listed, The Agency.
On the Yates exit from the Ray White Lower North Shore last October, Ray White head office indicated it had been keen during the renewal negotiations for wider penetration.
So while it has taken many months longer than anticipated Ray White is now likely to set up more offices across the lower North Shore as an outcome of the defection by the trio and their team.
Ray White Lower North Shore was the largest North Shore agency in the Ray White Group, with a team of 60.
The LJH Mosman move to Ray White represents "a long term strategic step for both businesses" in one of Australia’s largest and most dynamic pricey real estate markets.  
Harding said there was no doubt his business had been operating at its highest level.
“We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved over the past 20 years - and thankful to LJ Hooker for their support and commitment over that time,” he said.
“However we know we are ready to take the next step and have put significant thought into this decision.
“Joining the Ray White Group provides the ideal vehicle for us to become an even greater force in our local area.“
LJ Hooker Lower North Shore director Geoff Smith said the new partnership gives access to the ambitions and values of the White family.
Ray White Group director Dan White, fourth generation of the 115-year-old White Family owned business, welcomed LJ Hooker Lower North Shore.
“This promises to be one of the most important partnerships we have ever entered into and we expect the changeover will formally occur before the end of the financial year,”  Mr White said.
“The re-brand of this exceptional business is the first step in a strategic plan that Ray White has been working on for quite some time that specifically targets Sydney’s crucial lower north shore region, one of the key property markets in Australia.”
LJ Hooker Lower North Shore were a leading office in the LJ Hooker Group and achieved record results in March and again in April.
It operates four departments - residential and prestige property sales, their specialised Urban Living apartment and townhouse sales division, property management, projects and development, managed by director Tim Abbott, as well as retail and commercial, managed by director Scott Stephens.
 LJ Hooker Lower North Shore directors Richard Harding and Geoff Smith pictured above.
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LJ Hooker Lower North Shore jumps ship to take Kingsley Yates's Ray White office

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A former LJ Hooker real estate agent charged with diverting and using millions of dollars of clients' money held in trust accounts plans to plead guilty, but his wife will contest the accusations. 
Tri Duc (Jospeh) Ngo , a former Glen Waverley real estate agent, and his wife Truc Thanh Le (Judy) Nguyen are accused of dozens of electronic transfers from rental and sales trust accounts into a company JNT Law Investments for its own use. 
The couple appeared in court earlier this week for a committal mention.
The couple’s lawyer, Erol Cinar, told the Melbourne Magistrates Court that Ngo was the only one with access to the trust account and he was the one who conducted the offending, Fairfax Media reported.
Truc Thanh Le (Judy) Nguyen would plead not guilty to all charges, Cinar said.
JNT operated businesses including LJ Hooker branches in Keysborough, Mount Waverley, Glen Waverley, Burwood, Doncaster and Box Hill.
Ngo faced 188 charges, with an extra 114 new charges recently added by prosecuting agency, Consumer Affairs Victoria.
His wife was originally charged with 216 breaches of the Estate Agents Act, and has had 113 added, after approval from the Office of Public Prosecutions.
The offences involve taking tens of thousands of dollars at a time from trust accounts, where money is held by agents on behalf of clients.
Lump sums ranging from $500 to $700,000 were allegedly taken from the trust accounts during 2015 &amp; 2016. 
Consumer Affairs has approved 59 property fund claims to JNT clients, exceeding $2 million.
A total of $34,565 has been paid to 21 claimants owed money from the agents’ rental trust account.
The case will return to court on May 19 for further committal mention.
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Former LJ Hooker agent to admit trust account fraud, court hears

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LJ Hooker's think-tank LJX-Lab has developed an online and offline real estate agency model to work in partnership with the LJ Hooker business.
Named Settl, it is led by a start-up team staffed with people from Uber, Atlassian, Freelancer and Airtasker. It has been in development for 18 months and is expected to launch Q2 2017. 
L Janusz Hooker, chairman LJ Hooker, said LJX-Lab is perfectly placed to create and commercialize PropTech like Settl in Australasia.
“Australia is on the cusp of a wave of property innovation. By leveraging our global network of 650 offices and partners to identify the best home grown inventions and entrepreneurs, LJX-Lab is in a unique position to develop and launch technology for the real estate industry," he said.
“We have been closely monitoring global trends for several years, and have seen new models gain momentum in overseas markets like the UK. Settl will open up this new market in Australia, giving digital-natives the choice and control they want,” he said.
 “Australia is a unique market with its own distinct circumstances - and we’ve seen time and time again that standardised overseas models are not overly successful here.
“We see the ongoing human value added from agents a critical part of real estate services into the future. To ensure customer satisfaction, Settl’s unique hybrid “online to offline” model aligns the agent 100 percent with the vendor’s result.
“By developing a model that is custom-built by Australians for Australia, and scaling it with the LJ Hooker network, we will bring more choice to consumers while growing an exciting new market for the entire industry.” 
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LJ Hooker's think-tank LJX-Lab offers hybrid model

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LJ Hooker has committed $100 million, as part of the networks 2020 vision, to accelerate the industry’s digital transformation.
Its mission is to make Australia the world’s most advanced and best served property market.
Spearheading the strategy is the newly unveiled LJX-Lab, a digital research and development vehicle.
It is hoped it will foster innovation through identifying, incubating and commercialising home-grown ‘proptech’.
It will also introduce new global best practices and technology to local markets to enrich new products, services and training.
LJX-Lab’s first game-changing development is Real Edge, a digital learning and coaching platform that delivers LJ Hooker’s world best practice training online anywhere anytime for continuous personal development of real-estate professionals.
Real Edge is aimed at enhancing the education of real estate as a profession and career; empower real-estate specialists to reach their full potential.
Company Chairman L Janusz Hooker said Real Edge is a first for an Australian real estate network and currently in beta with LJ Hooker’s 8,000 real estate professionals.
“It’s the first of many innovations LJX-Lab will release leading up to 2020 to continue LJ Hooker’s rich pioneering heritage,” he said.
To provide global insights into products and services being created in LJX-Lab, Mr Hooker has assembled an advisory board of business leaders, including:
<ul>
<li>Freelancer.com and Escrow.com, CEO, Matt Barrie (Sydney);</li>
<li>MD CSIRO Innovation Fund and Founder of Black Bird Ventures, Bill Bartee (Sydney);</li>
<li>Co-Founder and Principal of RFR Holding, Michael Fuchs (New York);</li>
<li>Director of Zoopla.com and former CEO of Countrywide Real Estate Group, Grenville Turner (London).</li>
</ul>
Mr Hooker said the group’s digital leadership had also attracted executive talent from global tech challengers that have redefined their industries including Uber, Atlassian and Freelancer.
“These specialists had no prior professional interest in real estate but are inspired by our digital strategy which enables them to apply their experiences working in global tech players to the real-estate industry,” he said.
“The digital revolution is enabling us to merge the property knowledge accumulated over our 88-year history and the expertise of our current 8,000 real estate professionals across 600 offices with the latest technology to better serve our customers.
"No single real estate network has set a digital path that equally empowers its people, its customers and its industry professionals.”
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LJ Hooker commits $100 million to real estate digital development 

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LJ Hooker chief financial officer Tom Wallace has departed the real estate agency.
It comes following its decision to pull a planned public ASX float. 
Tom Wallace had joined LJ Hooker, Australia's second-largest real estate agency network, in April last year from the ASX-listed Servcorp, where he was also chief financial officer.
He resigned after the departure of the former chief executive Grant Harrod.
LJ Hooker chairman Janusz Hooker said both were appointed to progress the IPO.
Hooker told The Australian Financial Review that "their skillsets weren't going to be utilised and it wasn't going to be what they wanted to do."
LJ Hooker has appointed media company Dentsu Aegis Network's Asia-Pacific head of commercial finance Esther Selvanayagam as chief financial officer. 
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