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 Rates

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Based on the CoreLogic May monthly rental review released today, while rents increased slightly by 0.1 percent in April, overall, capital city rental rates edged lower, falling 0.2percent over the past 12 months.
Rental rates are currently $490/week for houses and $467/week for units across combined capital cities;
Five of the eight capital cities saw a modest rise in rents over the past twelve months, including Sydney (1.4 percent), Melbourne (1.7 percent), Adelaide (0.5 percent), Hobart (1.1 percent) and Canberra (2.5 percent); 
Perth (-8.9 percent) and Darwin (-12.6 percent) experienced large drops in rents &amp; have collectively pulled the combined capital average lower; 
Brisbane rents dropped by -0.6 percent.
<div>
<a href="/images/2016/05/11/2016-05-09--monthly-report-report.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/05/11/2016-05-09--monthly-report-report.jpg" alt="">
 We anticipate that the weakness in the rental market will persist over the year and rents will continue to fall over the coming months. The annual change in rental rates continues to be at its slowest pace since before 1996.
At the same time last year, rental rates increased by 1.7 percent which indicates a sharp slowdown in rental growth over the past year.
Factors contributing to a slowing in rental growth include falling real wages, excess rental supply in certain areas and lower rates of population growth - all of which have impacted on demand for rental accommodation.
With dwelling approvals at recent record highs and construction activity set to peak over the next 24 months, accompanied by many new properties still to settle, we anticipate that the weak rental market conditions will persist with rental growth continuing to slow and, or, fall in most capital cities.
Based on current market conditions, landlords won’t be in a position to lift rental rates and may actually need to reduce rents in order to keep their tenants. We see renters as holding a stronger negotiation position and where they now have the potential to upgrade into higher grades of accommodation for a similar, or lower rents.
Canberra is the only capital city where the annual rental change is currently stronger than it was a year ago. Mr Kusher said this highlights the weakness in rental market conditions is being felt across all other capital city markets.
With rental rates increasing in some cities in April, rates in Sydney, Adelaide and Hobart are at record highs. In all remaining cities, rental rates are now below their highs with the declines recorded respectively in: -0.1 percent in Melbourne, -0.8 percent in Brisbane, -13.7 percent in Perth, -17.3 percent in Darwin and -5.4 percent in Canberra.
The results show that as rental changes outpace home value changes, gross rental yields have trended lower and have hit record lows of 3.3 percent for houses and 4.2 percent for units.
In our two largest capital cities, we’ve seen rental yields move to record lows of 3.1 percent for houses and 4.0 percent for units in Sydney and in Melbourne, rental yields are at a record low 2.9 percent for houses and 4.0 percent for units.
With home values continuing to grow and rental markets expected to soften further, don’t be surprised if we see a further compression of gross rental yields over the coming months.
Cameron Kusher is research analyst for CoreLogic RP Data. You can contact him <a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/about/">here</a>.
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ckusher-ujnxiKuFQs

Weekly rents have continued to fall over the past year: Cameron Kusher

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Bunbury sales activity has fallen with 2,600 homes sold over the year to February 2019, down 7% from one year ago, according to the latest CoreLogic Regional Report. 
Of the homes that transacted, 91% were houses while just 9% were units, the report noted. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/6/5/bunbury%201.jpg" alt="">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/6/5/bunbury%202.jpg" target="_blank">Click here </a>to enlarge:
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/6/5/bunbury%202.jpg" alt="">
Source: CoreLogic
Dwelling values have fallen across the Bunbury region over the 12 months to March 2019 for both houses (-4.1%) and units (-19.5%).
Homes are taking longer to sell when compared to February 2018, with the average time it takes to sell a house increasing by 11 days and the average unit increasing by 10 days.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/6/5/bunbury%203.jpg" alt=""> 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/6/5/bunbury%204.jpg" target="_blank">Click here </a>to enlarge:
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/6/5/bunbury%204.jpg" alt="">
Source: CoreLogic
Vendors are offering a slightly larger discount to secure a sale for both houses and units.
Across the rental market, the advertised rental rate for houses across the region remains unchanged over the year, while units are $10/week more affordable when compared to March 2018.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/6/5/bunbury%205.jpg" alt="">
Source: CoreLogic
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Bunbury house rent remains unchanged while dwelling values fall: CoreLogic

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Rental rates fell by -0.3% over the final quarter of 2018 which was a slightly more moderate fall than the -0.6% decline over the previous quarter, according to CoreLogic latest quarterly rental report.
The report found that across the combined capital cities, rents fell -0.4% compared to a -0.7% fall the previous quarter and no change over the same quarter in 2017.
The combined regional markets saw rents increase 0.3% over the quarter compared to a -0.1% fall over the previous quarter and a 0.9% quarterly increase a year earlier.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/1/24/CoreLogic%20Q4%20RR%201.JPG" alt="">
"Sydney (-1.4%) and Darwin (-2.0%) were the only two capital cities in which rents fell over the quarter while rental rates were unchanged in Melbourne," the report said.
"Rates increased over the quarter in Brisbane (+0.3%), Adelaide (+0.6%), Perth (+0.4%), Hobart (+0.9%) and Canberra (+0.6%)."
"The rental change was greater over the December 2018 quarter than the previous quarter in each capital city however, compared to the December 2017 quarter, rental changes were lower in all cities except Brisbane and Perth," the report added.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/1/24/CoreLogic%20Q4%20RR%202.JPG" alt="">
Rental rates nationally rose by 0.5% over the 2018 calendar year which was their slowest rate of rental growth any time since 2005.
Annual rental growth has been slowing since it peaked at 3.0% in July and August of 2017. 
Rental growth has been slower over the past year compared to a year ago in all capital cities except for Brisbane, Perth and Canberra.
The report noted: "The rental change in Sydney is at an historic low while Brisbane is seeing its strongest rental growth since August 2013 and Perth is seeing its strongest rental growth since July 2013.
"In Sydney and Melbourne in particular, the weaker rental market conditions look set to continue with a high volume of new housing set to be completed over coming years."
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/1/24/CoreLogic%20Q4%20RR%203.JPG" alt="">
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Rental growth slowest since 2005: CoreLogic

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Rents across the nation were -0.1% lower in December 2018 and were recorded at $433/week, according to CoreLogics latest quarterly rental report.
The report found that, while rents fell -0.2% to $462/week across the combined capital cities over the month, in the combined regional markets rents increased by 0.2% to sit at $373/week.
Rents were lower in Sydney, Darwin and Canberra, they were unchanged in Melbourne and higher in the remaining capital cities.
Click <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/1/24/Dec%20Rental%20yields%20CL.JPG" target="_blank">here</a> to enlarge
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/1/24/Dec%20Rental%20yields%20CL.JPG" alt="">
Sydney remains the most expensive capital city rental market with a median rent of $583/week which is $43/week more expensive than Canberra rents ($539/week) which are the second most expensive in the country.
"Historically Hobart has been the most affordable capital city rental market however, strong rises in rents over recent years have pushed rental costs well above those in Adelaide and Perth and now marginally higher than rents in Brisbane."
"The rental market remains mixed with rents falling in Sydney and Darwin and a fairly significant slowdown in growth in Melbourne."
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/1/1/Strip%20ad%20keep%20up%20in%202019.jpg" alt=""></a>
"Sydney and Melbourne are seeing the impact of such significant 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 years of declines, rents are now rising again. 
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Rents down for landlords in late 2018: CoreLogic

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Perth house rents increased annually for the first time in half a decade, according to the latest research from Domain.
House rents increased 2.9 per cent over the quarter and year to $360 per week, while rental yields increased 1.2 per cent over the quarter and 5.5 per cent over the year to 4.34 per cent. 
Unit rents remained steady over the quarter and year at $300 per week.
Unit rental yields however, improved 2.7 per cent over the quarter and 9.0 per cent over the year to 4.75 per cent.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/1/Subscriber%20strip%20ad.jpg" alt=""></a>
Domain research analyst, Dr Nicola Powell said all signs point to a turnaround in Perth’s rental market.
"Demand for rental accommodation will be supported by an improving jobs market and local economy, giving residents greater incentive to stay and new residents reason to relocate west.”
“As 2018 unfolded, Perth began to experience a broad tightening of the rental market. The key drivers were fewer rental listings, slowing construction of new apartments and stable population growth. If this continues, competition between tenants may start to emerge, which has most likely already begun for house rentals. Investors will find Perth a more attractive option as they seek better yields and growth prospects, particularly given falling property prices in the east coast,” she concluded. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2019/1/9/Domain%20Rent%20Prth.JPG" alt="">
 
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Perth house rents increase annually for the first time in 5 years: Domain

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Rental bidding apps such as Rentberry, Liveoffer and Rentwolf, which aim to implement the property auction process to renting, could soon face a crackdown in Victoria.
The announcement was part of the Labor government’s policy push to make “renting fair” through a package of tenancy reforms.
Victoria’s Minister for Consumer Affairs Marlene Kairouz said that as more people are renting than “ever before and for longer – that’s why tenants need a fairer deal”.
“These changes will crack down on rental bidding, make it easier and faster for renters to get their bond back, and will better hold landlords and agents to account for their actions,” Kairouz added.
Academic Garrick Small from CQUniversity Australia had noted recently in The Conversation that in a market already tilted in favour of landlords, renting apps could further push up rents.
Small summarised each of the apps: Live Offer, Rentberry and Rentwolf
"Live Offer asks prospective tenants to fill out forms and these are then ranked for the landlord to choose," Small said.
"The prospective tenants can see where they are in the rankings, in real time.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/10/18/LiveOffer.png" alt="">
"Rentberry is more of a real-time auction site.
"Prospective tenants submit bids, can see what the current highest bid is and how many bids there have been. 
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/10/20/Rentberry.png" alt="">
"With Rentwolf, prospective tenants set up extensive profiles, as they would with AirBnB, and then apply for properties through the marketplace."
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/10/20/Rentwolf.png" alt="">
Domain reported earlier this year that the controversial Silicon Valley start-up, Rentberry that lets tenants bid against each other for rental properties will launch in Australia this year.
Elite website editor Sarah Bell recently listed some ‘thinking points’ about rent bidding apps in the Elite Agent.
While she said that the apps encourage a free and open system, rewarding those who compete and are bold, a roof over our heads is a basic necessity and bidding will only increase the stress of renting.
Also, the ‘market price’ for rentals won’t necessarily be dependent on the features of the accommodation as much as it will turn on the availability of the accommodation. 
Bell suggested making available data on recently leased comparable properties so that tenants can make an informed decision about market value, as opposed to market value being whatever a tenant is prepared to pay. 
Rental bidding creates an uneven bargaining power between tenant and landlord, she said.
“There is a danger that as the economy cycles and rental accommodation becomes more scarce, the non-property owning class – some of whom are the most vulnerable people in our society – will feel the impact most sharply.”
The rental bidding apps should try to address the imbalance of power between landlord and tenant. 
The highest possible market price could punish a tenant through the term of a lease and the hassles involved where a tenant cannot afford and ceases to pay rent can dwarf a theoretical windfall from an inflated rent bid.
Limits on bidding based on affordability were needed to protect those most vulnerable to over-bidding, she suggested.
Bidding simply makes price the most important factor in choosing a tenant, rather than other factors such as the tenant’s rental history, stability and others that make a good tenant.
Rental bidding can eventually backfire if tenants feel it is unfair. Collectively, tenants could vote with their feet and simply refuse to rent properties in a rent-bid scenario – essentially driving their corrective action on a perceived power imbalance, she says.
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Debate grows as Victoria announces crackdown on rental bidding  

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Rental rates fell across the combined capital cities over August with the exception of Melbourne, Darwin and Canberra according to CoreLogic's latest Rent Review. 
The combined capital city drop was 0.3 percent month on month
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Cameron Kusher, CoreLogic research analyst said weaker rental market conditions are expected to continue as overall housing supply grows.
"Over the past year rental rates have fallen by -0.5 percent and are now -1.4 percent lower than when they peaked back in May 2015," he said.
"In contrast, we saw capital city rental rates increase by 0.7 percent at this time last year. 
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“As long as wages growth continues to stagnate, coupled with historically high levels of new dwelling construction and slowing population growth, landlords won’t have much scope to increase rents. On the flipside, renters are now in a much better position to negotiate.
"There is the potential for a flight of tenant demand towards higher quality tenancy options in newer buildings. 
“It may be more difficult for owners of older units with fewer amenities to compete with better located and facilitated new unit stock, particularly if there is little pricing differential."
Over the past 12 months, rental rates have increased in Melbourne (+2.9 percent), Hobart (+6.8 percent) and Canberra (+2.6 percent). Rental rates are unchanged over the year in Sydney and have fallen in Brisbane (-1.1 percent), Adelaide (-0.3 percent), Perth (-9.4 percent) and Darwin (-14.1 percent). Melbourne, Hobart and Canberra have each recorded stronger rental growth over the past year compared to the previous year.
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Rental rates across Australia’s combined capital cities drop in August

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Rental rates fell over July by 0.3 percent to be 0.6 percent lower over the 12 months to July 2016 according to the CoreLogic July Rent Index.
According to CoreLogic research analyst Cameron Kusher, rental rates continue to ease as supply ramps up.
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He said potentially, the changing rental market conditions will have a flow on effect for older stock, particularly units given we’re seeing so much new unit supply being added to the rental market, much of which is located in inner city locations.
“It is anticipated that the rental market weakness will persist and that on an annual basis rents will continue to fall over the coming months,” he said.
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"Combined capital city median weekly rents are currently $483 and at their lowest since December 2015. 
"In contrast, this time last year, capital city rental rates had increased by 0.9%. Combined capital city rental rates are $485/week for houses and $467/week for units. 
"Over the past 12 months, rental rates have increased in Sydney (+0.4%), Melbourne (+2.0%), Hobart (+6.2%) and Canberra (+1.9%). Rental rates have fallen over the past year in Brisbane (-1.0%), Adelaide (-0.5%), Perth (-9.2%) and Darwin (-15.7%). Hobart and Canberra are the only capital cities to have recorded stronger rental growth over the past year compared to the previous year.
 
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Rental rates fell 0.3 percent over July: CoreLogic

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Over the coming months, rental rates could begin to fall on an annual basis due to new supply in the market, going by the latest release of the monthly CoreLogic RP Data Rent Review results for February.
“With construction activity set to peak over the next 24 months, and with many new properties still to settle, there is a real possibility that rental rates will fall over the coming months," said research analyst Cameron Kusher.
“Based on our expectations, landlords have little scope to lift rental rates while for renters, it potentially means more surety in securing accommodation and the potential to upgrade into a higher level of accommodation for a similar cost.”
He said the cause of the current slowdown in rental growth was falling wages, excess rental supply in certain areas and lower rates of population growth and population mobility which was hurting demand for rental accommodation.
Here are the February findings:
 Capital city rental rates continue to record no change over the year
 Weekly rents across the combined capital city measure increased 0.3% in February, however, rents were unchanged over the past 12 months 
 Rental rates have increased over the year in Sydney (+1.5%), Melbourne (+2.2%) and Canberra (+1.6%) and are unchanged in Hobart.
 Rents have fallen over the year in Brisbane (-0.7%), Adelaide (-0.4%), Perth (-8.4%) and Darwin (-13.3%).
 Currently, combined capital city rental rates are $488/week for houses and $467/week for units.
 CoreLogic RP Data analysis shows rents across the combined capitals rose by 0.3% in February 2016. Rental rates increased over the month in all capital cities except for Perth and Darwin.
Results Summary:
 Dwelling rental rates across the combined capital cities have not moved and continue to sit at now $485 per week for the past year; at the same time last year rental rates had increased by 1.7% highlighting that the slowdown in rental conditions has been quite sharp over the year.
 Rental rates in Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Darwin are currently experiencing some of their largest annual falls on record.
 All capital cities are experiencing annual rental changes which are well below their decade average levels.
 
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