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 News

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EXPERT OBSERVER
The CoreLogic quarterly rent review released today shows national weekly rents increased by 0.3% over the second quarter of 2019; slower than the 1.0% increase the previous quarter and level with rental growth over the June 2018 quarter.
Capital city rents were 0.1% higher over the quarter and -0.1% lower year-on-year. Regional market also saw an increase and were 0.7% higher over the quarter to be 1.9% higher over the past 12 months.
The annual change in combined capital city rents remains at record low levels (based on data which is available back to 2005) while annual growth in regional rents has remained fairly steady over the past quarter.
The report found:
<ul>
<li>
Rents increased in all capital cities except for Sydney and Darwin over the past 12months
</li>
<li>
Brisbane and Perth were the only two capitals where the annual change in rents over the past year was superior to growth over the same period in 2018
</li>
<li>
Gross rental yields are currently recorded at 4.14% nationally compared to 4.10% at the end of the previous quarter and 3.83% a year ago.
</li>
<li>
Gross rental yields increased over the past quarter across all capital cities except for Sydney and Canberra while over the past year, yields have firmed across all capital cities.
</li>
<li>
Nationally, rents were unchanged on a monthly basis in June 2019.
</li>
<li>
Over the second quarter of 2019, national rents have increased by just 0.3%; a sluggish rate of growth and well down on the seasonally strong first quarter in which rents rose by 1.0%.
</li>
<li>
At the end of the 2018-19 financial year, national rents were recorded at $438/week.
</li>
<li>
Rental rates across the combined capital cities sat at $466/week and substantially higher than the $380/week across the combined regional markets
</li>
<li>
Looking at the change in rents over the month across the capital cities, rents were lower in Sydney, Darwin and Canberra; they were unchanged in Perth and higher elsewhere.
</li>
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<img class="align-center" src="https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/inline-images/Rental%20Yeild_20190708.PNG" alt="Rental Yeild_20190708.PNG" width="610" height="214" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c1236628-e3c8-4737-9cd1-2ce69c0ce9b0" data-image-style="" data-responsive-image-style="wide" data-zoom-image-style="_as_uploaded" data-mfp-src="https://www.corelogic.com.au/sites/default/files/inline-images/Rental%20Yeild_20190708.PNG">
 Although rental rates in Sydney are falling, the city still remains as the most expensive city to rent a property with a median rent of $580/week. For many years Hobart has been the most affordable rental market however, the rapid growth in rents over recent years has seen it become more expensive than Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Darwin and on par with the cost of renting in Melbourne.
Overall, the rental market remains quite mixed, however, it is clear that Sydney accounts for a large share of overall renters with annual falls in Sydney leading to a fall in the combined capital city index.
Sydney and Melbourne continues to experience the impact of heightened demand from investors over recent years along with a substantial ramp-up in new housing (largely apartment) supply, much of which was purchased by investors.
Darwin rents have been falling for many years and they continue to decline. The past year has seen a change of direction for both the Brisbane and Perth rental markets, following a number of years of declines rents are now climbing again.
CAMERON KUSHER is the head of research for the Australian branch of CoreLogic
Kusher regularly posts on the <a href="https://www.corelogic.com.au/news" target="_blank">CoreLogic website</a>.
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Brisbane and Perth had standout rental growth this year: Cameron Kusher

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Perth is seeing a surge in the leasing of one to three-bedroom properties, helping tenants take advantage of improved affordability in the rental market, according to recent reiwa.com analysis.
REIWA president Hayden Groves said one-bedroom leased property activity had increased by 50 percent in the March quarter, while two and three-bedroom properties had increased by 18 per cent.
“There was a significant amount of leasing activity in the one to three bedroom market over the quarter, while four and five bedroom properties experienced a small decline."
“Affordability in Perth’s rental market has improved over the last 18 months, tenants who may have been living in shared accommodation are now finding that they can afford to move out on their own, which is why we’re seeing this shift to smaller households,” Groves said.
In the three months to 31 March 2016, the total volume of leased properties in the Perth metro area increased by 17 per cent on the December 2015 quarter.
“While rental listings in Perth remain above the long-term average, the number of properties leased in the March quarter has soared well above the growth of listings which is a real positive for the market."
He said this has brought the vacancy rate down to 5.6 percent in the March quarter from six per cent in the December quarter as tenants have soaked up stock.
At a sub-regional level, nearly half of Perth’s sub-regions maintained a stable overall median rent in the March quarter, while there were mixed results for average leasing days across the metro area.
“The biggest improvement in average leasing days was felt in the Perth City, Fremantle and Western Suburbs sub-regions, while on average it took longer to lease a property in Joondalup South, Wanneroo North West and Wanneroo South in the March quarter than it did in the December 2015 quarter,” Groves said.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Leasing activity spikes in Perth rental market as affordability improves: REIWA

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Capital city rents declined over the past year for the first time since 1996 though weekly rents rose slightly, according to the latest CoreLogic RP Data update.  
Rental rates across the combined capital cities were -0.2% lower over the past year, while weekly rents increased by a fraction 0.2% in March for the capital cities. 
Over the year, Melbourne recorded the biggest increase in rental rates at 2 per cent followed by Sydney at 1.4 per cent, Canberra 1.2 per cent and Hobart 0.3 per cent, shows CoreLogic RP Data March rent review figures.
On the flipside, the cities to see a drop in rents included Darwin -11.5%, Perth -8.4 per cent, Adelaide -1.0%, and Brisbane with a -0.7% drop.
The combined capital city house rents were recorded at $489 per week in March while unit rents were $469 per week, said CoreLogic analysts. Over the past month, house rents have increased by 0.1% and unit rents by 0.4% and over the past three months, house rents rose 0.5% compared to a 0.9% rise in unit rents.
The March results show that recent rental increases are likely to be seasonal which is further highlighted by the fact that rents are lower over the year. Over the past 12 months, house rents were -0.5% lower and unit rents increased by 1.5%. 
“It is important to note that a much higher proportion of total unit stock is rented compared to housing stock,” said senior analyst Cameron Kusher.
“We have been tracking the annual change in capital city rents since 1996 and this is the first time we have seen rental rates falling.” 
“The extra accommodation supply, as a result of the current building boom, along with the recent record high levels of investment purchasing is adding substantial new dwelling supply to the rental market at a time when the rate of population growth is slowing from quarter to quarter. Furthermore, wages are increasing at their slowest annual pace.
“Today’s results also highlight a swift easing in rental market conditions over the past year. We’ve attributed this ease to a variety of influences such as falling real wages, excess rental supply in certain areas and lower rates of population growth which have impacted on demand for rental accommodation.”
“With dwelling approvals recently at record highs, construction activity set to peak over the next 24 months and many new properties still to settle, the rental demand weakness is expected to persist. In all probability, there won’t be much scope for landlords to lift rental rates given current conditions have given greater negotiation opportunities to those in rental situation.”
While rental rates remain at record highs in Sydney and Melbourne, rents are lower than their previous peaks in all remaining capital cities. The decline in dwelling rents from peaks is recorded at: -0.9% in Brisbane, -1.2% in Adelaide, -12.8% in Perth, -0.1% in Hobart, -15.6% in Darwin and -7.4% in Canberra.
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Annual capital city rental change in decline and lowest since 1996: CoreLogic RP Data

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Rental property website Rent.com.au Limited (ASX: RNT) is raising more than $5.4 million through a rights issue to fund its offline branding campaign, the company said in a release.
Rent.com will issue up to 36,376,607 shares at $0.15 each and it is a fully underwritten, non‐renounceable pro rata offer.
The issue will raise $5,456,491 (before costs) and the company will have a total of $8.5 million cash (after costs) after completion of the issue.
The highlights of the fund raising are:  
* Demand for sub‐underwriting allocation was heavily oversubscribed
* Funds to be used primarily on commencing offline marketing activities
Rent.com founder and managing director Mark Woschnak said he was pleased with the strong demand from institutional and sophisticated investors. 
“We recently announced that March 2016 was one of our strongest months on record, with the strongest new agent registrations since listing and all‐time highs in the number of unique visitors and also non‐agent listings on the site,” Woschnak said.
“We have a strong Board and executive team, robust and scalable technology and are now well capitalised to further accelerate our commercialisation objectives by commencing offline marketing activities to support our recently deployed national sales team.”
Shareholders as at the Record Date of April 13 will be eligible to buy one additional share for every three they hold at the Record Date, with acceptance forms to be returned by April 28, the media release said.
The issue price of $0.15 per share represents an 18% discount to the 10-day Volume Weighted Average Price (“VWAP”).
Jett Capital Advisors Pty Ltd are the lead manager and underwriter of the Offer, with GMP Securities acting as brokers. 
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prateek24-ezbwHMbNAk

Rent.com.au to raise $5.45 million through rights issue

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Apartment rents Australia-wide rose 2.4% over the year to September to arrive at a median price of $420 per week, with total vacancy increasing to 3%, according to the 2015 Q4 residential review from Knight Frank.
The review found apartment sales volume, capital values and rents grew nationwide despite gross rental yields tightening in the September 2015 quarter.
Michelle Ciesielski, director of residential research for Knight Frank said in September 2015, gross rental yields for Australian apartments averaged 4.64%.
"Over the year to September 2015, Australian apartment capital values have experienced 7.7% growth with the last three months of this period recording growth of 2.4% to stand at a median capital value of $473,500," she said.
"Capital growth amongst the capital cities has continued to be led by Greater Sydney (at 15.6%), Greater Hobart (at 5.8%) and Greater Melbourne (at 5.4%) over the past year.
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"When utilising growth in sales volume as a leading indicator, it would be expected that Greater Brisbane and Greater Melbourne are likely to witness further capital growth heading into 2016. Greater Hobart and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) are displaying signs of a potential upswing over the medium term for capital growth after experiencing negative growth in 2014.
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"Highest annual rental growth is still being experienced in Greater Sydney, at 5.7% over the year to September 2015 while achieving a median rent of $560 per week. Although since mid-2015 rents in Greater Sydney have remained steady as total vacancy has fallen from 2.1% to 1.9% over this time, it is likely we will once again see a rise in rents early in the new year.
"With continued negative growth in apartment capital values over the past year, Greater Darwin recorded the highest gross rental yield at 5.87% in September 2015, although rents continued to fall throughout this period. As shown in Figure 4, Greater Sydney returns the lowest gross rental yields across Australia, at 4.30%. When plotted over a five year range, current yields in Greater Sydney are at the lower end of the range; a similar experience being recorded by Greater Brisbane and Greater Perth."
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Apartment sales volume, capital values and rents grow: Knight Frank

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A new survey has found moving house in Sydney can cost almost half of the annual monthly wage. 
Respondents to the to the Fair Go Finance ‘Make Moving Happen’, a survey of 3,383 Australian renters found $3,402 is spent on average to move properties.
 Sydney is the most expensive capital city for renters to move with Melbourne is the cheapest.
Fair Go Finance managing director Paul Walshe said the research also found one in four renters moves every two years, and nearly half (44%) of renters surveyed have needed some assistance to pay the bond.
"If people are using a bond loan purely for bridging finance between properties, they need to make sure they can repay it early without penalty," he said. 
"Features like this allow for greater flexibility when the need to move occurs, especially when it is unexpected due to job transfers or following a relationship breakdown.
"The biggest moving expense is furniture with renters spending around $880 to fit out their new rental. Removal companies were the second biggest expense ($200) and utilities’ connection fees the third ($195)."
Average weekly earnings 
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="213">
Full-time adult average weekly total earnings
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
Weekly
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
Monthly
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="213">
Ave national
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
$1,545.6
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
$6,182.4
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="213">
Ave Vic
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
$1,396.6
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
$5,586.4
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="213">
Ave NSW
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
$1,512.1
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
$6,048.4
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="213">
Ave QLD
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
$1,440.9
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
$5,763.6
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="213">
Ave WA
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
$1,691.2
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
$6,764.8
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="213">
Ave SA
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
$1,348.2
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71">
$5,392.8
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="213">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/6302.0" target="_blank">Source: ABS</a>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71"> </td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="71"> </td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
Moving cost and bond 
<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="130">
Average Moving Cost
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
National
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="65">
Sydney
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="65">
Perth
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="65">
Adelaide
</td>
<td valign="top" nowrap width="65">
Brisbane
</td>
<td valign="top" width="65">
Melbourne
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="130">
End-of-lease cleaning
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $188
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $149
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $175
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $151
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $244
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $161
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="130">
Hire of van
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $142
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $160
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $118
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $141
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $134
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $140
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="130">
Removal company
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $200
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $210
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $148
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $210
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $228
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $165
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="130">
Transport for family
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $80
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $38
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $88
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $81
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $78
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $47
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="130">
Transport for pets
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $20
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $6
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $19
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $13
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $15
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $15
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="130">
Buying furniture for new property
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $880
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $1,030
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $1,076
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $1,032
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $795
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $921
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="130">
Connection fees (for example connection to phone, electricity or internet)
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $195
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $195
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $218
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $235
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $173
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $203
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="130">
Storage (for furniture or items not moving into the new property)
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $84
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $76
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $50
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $53
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $67
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $70
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="130">
Other
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $91
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $96
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $44
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $69
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $74
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
 $73
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="130">
TOTAL
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
$1,880
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
$1,962
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
$1,935
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
$1,984
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
$1,810
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
$1,794
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="130">
AVERAGE BOND
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
$1,522
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
$1,816
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
$1,768
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
$1,670
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
$1,578
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
$1,514
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="130">
MOVING COSTS+BOND 
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
$3,402
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
$3,778
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
$3,703
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
$3,653
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
$3,388
</td>
<td nowrap width="65">
$3,308
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
**Excludes Darwin, Hobart and Canberra due to insufficient sample
Lost bond 
<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
NATIONAL
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
 $1,083.64 
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65"> </td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
VIC
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
 $1,085.58
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
Melbourne
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
 $1,100.54
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
NSW
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
 $1,063.60
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
Sydney
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
 $1,180.76
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
QLD
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
 $998.32
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
Brisbane
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
 $975.44
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
WA
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
 $1,115.58
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
Perth
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
 $915.44
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
SA
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
 $1,292.27
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
Adelaide
</td>
<td valign="bottom" nowrap width="65">
 $1,407.28
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</body></html>

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