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

Rental Bond

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SPONSORED POST
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/09/05/Trustbond%20logo1%20small.png" alt="">
 
Younger people face discrimination based on their age - that is, they're worried their rental applications won't be accepted, and that their landlords won't trust them because of their limited rental history.
Landlords can be reluctant to leave their property with younger people, because these young tenants cannot prove they have successfully rented before.
A new start-up called <a href="https://trustbond.com.au/" target="_blank">Trustbond</a>, is changing this dynamic by allowing tenants to share their online reputations to prove their trustworthiness. Trustbond measures trustworthiness using online data including networks, ratings and reviews from Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Airbnb, eBay and Uber to determine a tenant’s TrustScore.      
“Online reputation is the loyal handshake of today. A new kind of trust, based on the principles of old. Every time we connect online with someone to shop, sell, ride share, house share and interact within an online community we are earning trust and building reputation. We are showing our character and the type of people we are. This reputation can be used to prove trust in new contexts like renting,” Trustbond Country Manager, Will Soutar, said.
Based on focus groups conducted by George Patterson Y&amp;R, in May 2017:
-       70% of participants said  "I would trust somebody based on their digital reputation."
-       90% of participants said "I believe my digital reputation is an accurate reflection of who I actually am." 
Trustbond enables tenants to harness their digital reputation to help rent a home. Tenants can easily build a free online reputation profile that can be easily shared with agents and landlords to build trust. Trustworthy tenants can replace the cash bond with a Trustbond for a small premium.TRUSTBOND
For more information, watch the video below or go to <a href="https://trustbond.com.au/" target="_blank">Trustbond</a>.
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WlzfGI_7cJE?rel=0&amp;controls=0&amp;showinfo=0" frameborder="0" width="450" height="315"></iframe>
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spost-fCfKtoCdFu

How to trust the young first time renters? 

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SPONSORED POST
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/09/05/Trustbond%20logo1%20small.png" alt="">                           
A world-first technology will make renting more accessible to trustworthy Australians and save them thousands of dollars in the process.
Fintech company Traity has partnered with Australia’s leading landlord insurance specialist Terri Scheer Insurance to this month launch <a href="https://trustbond.com.au/" target="_blank">Trustbond</a>. Trustbond lets tenants avoid paying a traditional bond and instead pay a premium, which is a proportion of the rent paid for the term of the lease.
Instead of paying what can often be thousands of dollars up front renters instead would pay as little as hundreds. A renter paying a $2000 bond would instead pay a one off fee of $250. It covers the same breaches of a tenancy agreement including unpaid rent, damage, broken leases and associated costs.
Trustbond uses blockchain to measure the potential trustworthiness of a renter using data from social networks like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Airbnb, eBay and Uber to determine a tenant's TrustScore. 
“In addition to the financial incentives, Trustbond is a better way for tenants to show who they really are. Tenants can use their online accounts to show they are trustworthy. It’s a way to build stronger relationships between tenants, landlords and property managers based on trust,” Traity Country Manager, Will Soutar, said. 
There are also key incentives for landlords to choose tenants who are eligible for Trustbond.      
“Trustbond is based on the premise that only tenants with a high TrustScore are eligible,” said Terri Scheer Insurance Executive Manager, Ms Carolyn Parrella.
“Landlords who use Trustbond can save time with automatic verification and screening, fill their properties faster by appealing to a broader pool of tenants and make better decisions for tenant selection.”                                                        
“Trustbond also gives landlords and property managers the ability to rate and review tenants. This encourages tenants to be responsible and motivates them to take care of their landlord’s property, in order to keep their TrustScore high.”
For more information, watch the video below or go to <a href="https://trustbond.com.au/" target="_blank">Trustbond</a>.
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WlzfGI_7cJE?rel=0&amp;controls=0&amp;showinfo=0" frameborder="0" width="450" height="315"></iframe>
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World-first digital technology to end cash rental bonds                         

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SPONSORED POST
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/09/05/Trustbond%20logo1%20small.png" alt="">
One of the main challenges in the landlord-tenant relationship comes from the asymmetry of information.
Rental history can be unreliable and limited. There is also minimal risk to a tenant’s reputation if they misbehave in a tenancy.
At the same time, Airbnb hosts accept guests with ease, and those guests most often leave the property in mint condition? Why is that, and how can it be replicated in the traditional long- term rental industry? 
Review systems like Airbnb serve two purposes. One focuses on the past, and one on the future. 
1. The past: Reviews help landlords select trustworthy guests, and filter out the bad guests. The references or reviews cannot be easily manipulated because they are transparent and have been explicitly written by other hosts in the past.
2. The future: The guests have a lot to lose if they don't behave well with the property. A bad review from the landlord could limit their ability to rent new homes in the future. 
<a href="https://trustbond.com.au/" target="_blank">Trustbond</a> is helping Australian landlords use reputation reviews from Airbnb, eBay, Uber, LinkedIn and many others to the complement tenancy applications. This gives landlords much more accurate information about the trustworthiness of the tenant and their previous behaviors.
A TrustScore is generated for the tenant to use now and in the future. This creates a fundamentally different incentive for tenants to behave well in the property, since bad behavior will affect their Trustbond TrustScore in the future.
For more information, watch the video below or go to <a href="https://trustbond.com.au/" target="_blank">Trustbond</a>.
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WlzfGI_7cJE?rel=0&amp;controls=0&amp;showinfo=0" frameborder="0" width="450" height="315"></iframe>
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Aussie landlords using ratings, reviews like Airbnb to verify tenants

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SPONSORED POST
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/09/05/Trustbond%20logo1%20small.png" alt="">
 
According to figures from the NSW Rental Bond Board for 2015 to 2016, it held nearly 80,000 residential rental bonds, totalling $1.31 billion.
A new startup has launched in Australia and is positioned to change the way we have always managed house rental bonds.
“Cash rental bonds are a medieval form of protection. They are one of the most inefficient forms of insurance, because tenants are forced to pay for everything that could go wrong up-front. Tenants freeze up to 6 weeks of rent in a cash bond and this causes great financial stress and also limits access to homes and opportunity,” said Traity Country Manager, Will Soutar.
“<a href="https://trustbond.com.au" target="_blank">Trustbond</a> is a surety bond that protects the landlord for the same amount as the traditional bond, but only costs a fraction to tenants as a relatively small fee. No loans, no interest. Just an efficient form of protection.” 
In the same way that Uber enables people who don't own a car to get the service of “Access to private transportation, any time, anywhere”, Trustbond enables landlords to get the full protection of a bond without blocking the cash-flow of tenants. It is a win-win.
The Company started operations in Australia in August and the surety bond is underwritten by AAI Limited, the insurer behind Terri Scheer, the renowned landlord protection insurance Company. They have launched in South Australia, and will be moving to other Australian states soon.
For more information, watch the video below or go to <a href="https://trustbond.com.au/" target="_blank">Trustbond</a>.
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WlzfGI_7cJE?rel=0&amp;controls=0&amp;showinfo=0" frameborder="0" width="450" height="315"></iframe>
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Is this the Uber of apartment and house rental bonds?

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SPONSORED POST
 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/09/05/Trustbond%20logo1%20small.png" alt="">
 
While some cities in the country have a buoyant rental market, like Sydney, other cities like Brisbane and Adelaide are suffering, due to the high availability of rental properties and limited demand. 
Your conditions:
Typically, your only lever when you negotiate the conditions of your property is the price. Your tenant wants low, you want high, and it’s a win-lose situation for both. However, there are other things you can offer to make the property more appealing to tenants without touching the price and losing money. 
A new startup called <a href="https://trustbond.com.au" target="_blank">Trustbond</a> is enabling tenants to replace the rental bond with a surety bond that gives landlords protection without needing to freeze cash. This allows landlords to significantly reduce the outlay for tenants.
It is attractive to tenants because it gives them more cash-flow on day-one and landlords still get the same exact protection.
Between 2 properties of similar characteristics, one offering Trustbond and other one not offering it, which property do you think the tenant will take?
Your reputation:
The tenancy process has always been asymmetric in nature. The landlord requests reputational information from the tenant until they are satisfied. However, in a slow market, tenants have choices available to them. How can you differentiate?
There are as many tenant horror stories, as there are landlord horror stories, so what about showing your own reputation to the tenant? Proving that you are a good landlord and will take care of your tenant can go a long way. You can use platforms like Trustbond where you can share landlord reviews to show you are a trustworthy landlord on your own ad. Advertise yourself!
For more information, watch the video below or go to <a href="https://trustbond.com.au/" target="_blank">Trustbond</a>.
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WlzfGI_7cJE?rel=0&amp;controls=0&amp;showinfo=0" frameborder="0" width="450" height="315"></iframe>
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