<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a> offers plenty of reasons to live vertically, but moving from a substantial family home into an apartment can expose the compromises of high-density living. Privacy, room for guests and usable living space tend to matter more when an apartment is intended as a permanent home rather than an occasional coastal base.

A typical residential floor at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-eveleigh-broadbeach-7-9-surf-parade-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Eveleigh</a>, on Surf Parade,&nbsp;contains just four apartments. The 94-residence development by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a> is predominantly made up of expansive three-bedroom homes, with a limited collection of half-floor penthouses above.

Across the apartment floors, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> has used the relatively limited number of residences to give each home greater access to natural light and outlook. Living spaces extend towards full-height glazing, while a series of bay windows frame selected views across the Pacific Ocean, city and hinterland rather than treating the building edge as a continuous wall of glass.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360965]

“The apartment floors deliver a collection of homes that embrace controlled outlook via a series of bay windows deliberately framing moments of view,” Rothelowman Director Kim Lowman said.

From outside, those projecting forms contribute to the tower’s faceted profile. Strong horizontal and vertical elements establish its proportions, while the changing position of the sun alters the light, shadow and reflection across the façade throughout the day.

The same attention moves inside the apartments, where the material palette combines warm timber, natural stone, metallic detailing and softer curved forms. Kitchens sit within the main living zone, with stone island benches, integrated joinery and European appliances, before the living areas extend towards the glazing and the outlook.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360981]

Three genuine bedrooms provide room to accommodate family and guests, while two secure car spaces and storage address some of the practical considerations that can become more noticeable when moving from a larger home. Feedback from the display suite has centred on the warmth and restraint of the interiors, with buyers commenting that the residences feel like homes rather than conventional coastal apartments.

A limited collection of half-floor penthouses occupies the upper levels, increasing the scale of the living spaces and adding private balconies and elevated finishes. From this position, the outlook extends between the ocean and hinterland.

Outside the private residences, The Eveleigh separates its shared spaces between the podium and rooftop. The podium is centred on wellness, with subtropical landscaping surrounding a swimming pool and pool terrace, yoga garden, private gymnasium, sauna and hot and cold plunge facilities. Landscaped retreats and pavilions provide additional places to sit away from the main recreation areas.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360966]

Higher in the building, a rooftop pavilion and private dining suite sit alongside resident lounge, barbecue and outdoor dining areas, opening towards panoramic views across the ocean, city and hinterland.

“Buyers are no longer just looking for an apartment, but a lifestyle where they can relax, reset, and enjoy a balanced way of living,” Hirsch &amp; Faigen Director of Sales Matt George said.

Interest to date has come from established owner-occupiers and interstate lifestyle purchasers, including buyers planning a future move to the Gold Coast. Many are coming from larger homes and want to reduce ongoing maintenance without giving up space for family and guests, privacy, two car spaces or the ability to entertain at home.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360969]

Much of that daily life can also take place beyond the building without requiring a drive. Kurrawa Beach and Pratten Park are an easy walk from Surf Parade, while Pacific Fair, Oracle Boulevard, The Oasis, restaurants, cafés, entertainment and public transport are also within walking distance.

The Eveleigh is Hirsch &amp; Faigen's fourth Gold Coast development since entering the market in 2021, following The Hemingway at Palm Beach, The Emerson at Kirra and Yves at Mermaid Beach. Each of the preceding projects sold out before completion.

“Broadbeach had been on our radar throughout our time operating on the Gold Coast,” the developer said. “Following our projects in Palm Beach, Kirra and Mermaid Beach, Broadbeach represented the natural next step for the business.”

The Surf Parade site brought together proximity to the beach, protected coastal outlooks and walkability to dining, shopping and recreation. Hirsch &amp; Faigen also identified the street as an emerging premium residential address, with enough separation from Broadbeach's busier destinations to retain a quieter environment at home.

The Eveleigh is now under construction by Maxcon, with completion forecast for mid-2028. Three-bedroom residences are currently available from $2.87 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149670]

Joel Robinson

The Eveleigh brings house-like apartments to Broadbeach

A long-stalled Campbelltown development site is back in play, with new plans for 139 apartments set to supersede a mixed-use scheme approved almost a decade ago but never built.

The new proposal for 28 Cordeaux Street would deliver 116 market and 23 affordable apartments in a part 14-storey building, bringing a substantial new project into a Campbelltown market where new apartment supply remains limited.

Plans have been filed over the 3,092 sqm corner site at Moore-Oxley Street, around 600 metres from Campbelltown Railway Station and the city-centre retail core.

The site already carries a mixed-use residential approval dating to 2016. Doroch Architects has now been engaged on a larger replacement scheme, which is progressing as a State Significant Development Application following a Housing Delivery Authority determination in August 2025.

The apartment mix comprises 39 one-bedroom, 72 two-bedroom and 28 three-bedroom residences. Two-bedroom apartments make up just over half of the project, while three-bedroom homes account for 20 per cent.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="136dd5b9-3791-4da6-9e31-76f533f5b4de" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da2.png?VersionId=LgOSy9nwf5u.MGswBBwaGGxuX8QpHSl_" />

Of the 139 apartments, 23 will be delivered as affordable housing under the in-fill affordable housing provisions of the Housing SEPP. The affordable component represents 15 per cent of the residential gross floor area and will be managed by a registered Community Housing Provider.

Doroch has sought to break the scale of the building into two distinct elements, with a masonry podium of around four storeys establishing the street edge before the residential tower steps back above.

The corner position has shaped that approach. Cordeaux Street faces toward the commercial and civic centre, while Moore-Oxley Street leads into the lower-scale residential neighbourhood to the south, and the design verification report describes the site as "bridging the commercial core to the north and established residential areas to the south."

The podium will be expressed predominantly in face brick, while the upper levels shift to brushed and grooved concrete cladding with darker metal detailing. Recessed sections, deep balcony edges and landscaping break down the upper form, with an approximately 11.8-metre setback to the northern boundary addressing the adjoining St Peters Anglican School.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c8b3d2d3-c561-4bfc-a5d9-a68c0c10dac1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da1.png?VersionId=AeAEyJU02Gk2k5noUj2StziCvdQ7fW4B" />

Campbelltown has been starved of new residential developments in the last decade.

The only other notable development set to come to market this year is ALAND's Queen Square, a mixed-use precinct on over two hectares that will comprise apartments above a vibrant ground-level retail and hospitality dining precinct.

First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site

First Look: Sherlock Construction pitches apartments for low-rise Deception Bay

Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

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Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

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<h3 data-end="3697" data-section-id="q3n5ak" data-start="3672">&nbsp;</h3>
</main>

Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

Strata

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GUEST OBSERVER
Misinformation and scare tactics are clouding the debate around incoming strata reform.
The strata laws under which we operate are the oldest in the world so the system is in desperate need of an upgrade. The exponential growth in the popularity of strata ownership means that reform is urgently needed to bring it in line with modern life.
Bills do not apply to existing strata schemes, only future strata schemes with current strata owners having the option to opt in, so it will take time to see material change in the NSW system.
If 75% of residents agree to redevelop a strata development the remaining 25% will not be thrown out onto the streets.
The facts have been lost along the way here. One thing people need to be aware of is this strata reform is not retrospective. It will apply only to existing strata committees if they chose to sign on to it, and it will apply to strata committees that are established post the introduction of the reforms.
And in reality any collective sale of the strata development is complex and will take up to two years to achieve. The sale would have to go through courts and those in opposition will have the opportunity to argue their case.
Further facts are:
<ul>
<li>Old strata buildings are expensive to maintain. The upkeep of a dilapidated building is not only a burden to residents but also owners who wish to sell their apartments. </li>
<li>Strata unit owners stand to benefit. The majority of residents will make more profit from the collective sale of a strata development then if they were to go it alone. </li>
</ul>
Stephen Albin is chief executive of the Urban Development Institute of Australia and can be contacted <a href="https://www.udiansw.com.au/" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Dispelling the myths around strata reform: UDIA

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Brisbane’s western fringe strata office and retail market has remained strong despite the period of economic uncertainty which has had a negative impact on the CBD market, according to Ray White Commercial research.
Vanessa Rader, Head of Research for Ray White Commercial, said the strata office market has experienced improvement in investment turnover since 2014 with significant investment in the retail side.
“Activity in the strata office market in the western fringe has shown a pickup in activity due to increased interest by opportunistic investors capitalising on historical low interest rates,” she said in the Between the lines Milton &amp; Toowong strata market report August 2015.
“Quality or premium type assets have been sought after by investors, achieving capital values in the region of $17,000 per sqm.
“These properties are typically those well located on Park Road, Milton, and have secure long term restaurant leases.
“These highs exceed those capital values achievable within the CBD, highlighting the confidence in this location.
“Prime retail assets are more reasonably priced in the $8,000 per sqm to $12,000 per sqm range and are also strongly food or convenience driven tenancies in locations such as Sherwood Rd, Toowong.”
Ms Rader said rents achievable vary depending on the quality of the assets.
“Premium assets in terms of location, size and access demand rents up in the $800 per sqm to $1,050 per sqm gross face range,” she said.
Ms Rader said while some areas in the western fringe have a high vacancy rate, it’s a different story for a number of quality assets in Milton.
“The sought after Camford Square development in Milton as well as the historic terraces at 249 Coronation Drive, Milton, and 15 Lang Parade, Auchenflower, are indicative of successful strata properties which consistently have close to full occupation,” she said.
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Brisbane western fringe strata market remains strong‏

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The number of individual dwellings  – or lots –  under strata management sits at around 2,588,000.
NSW, with 775,000 lots is the biggest, followed by Victoria on 750,000.
Then follows Queensland (410,000), WA (285,000), SA (270,000), ACT (46,000), Tasmania (34,000) and NT (18,000), figures show from industry body Strata Community Australia (SCA). 
Between 2015 and 2020, greater Sydney will have around 160,000 new strata apartments and townhouses.
Melbourne will complete 182,100 and southeast Queensland 113,600, consultancy MacroPlan Dimasi estimates. 
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Strata lot dwelling numbers across the country: Melbourne set to overtake Sydney

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There were some 90 plus proposed changes to strata laws announced by the NSW Government Fair Trading Minister Victor Dominello​ last week that will affect how strata operates for owner occupiers, landlords and tenants.
It is the first major reform of strata laws since the Strata Titles Act was made in 1973. 
NSW has around 75,000 strata schemes worth $350 billion in assets. 
The draft Strata Schemes Development Bill 2015 and Strata Schemes Management Bill 2015 have been released for public consultation.
Here are what Property Observer senses are the key reforms. 
<h3>OVER CROWDED APARTMENTS</h3>
The reform will allow owners' corporations to create bylaws limiting the number of adults who can actually live in an apartment with fines for over-crowding to be raised to $5500 for the first offence and $11,000 on the second offence. The reforms allow owners corporations to make a by-law limiting the number of people who can reside in a lot (but schemes must still allow no fewer than two adults per bedroom), so that strata schemes are able to better manage overcrowding. Schemes wanting to impose such a limit could introduce a by-law by passing a special resolution. Larger families would not be discriminated against because the by-law would not apply to children and an overcrowding by-law cannot be inconsistent with the planning approval for the building.
<h3>COMPULSORY SALES AND DEMOLITION </h3>
The reform will allow 75 per cent of residents of older buildings to agree to their sale to a developer for redevelopment, regardless of the wishes of the 25% minority. Currently there is a requirement of a 100 per cent vote in favour of abandoning a strata scheme. The new process will apply only to existing schemes if the owners corporation agrees to opt in. If the majority of owners (50% or more) don’t support the decision, no further action can be taken.
<h3>RENOVATION</h3>
The reform will create a three-tier regime that allows certain minor work to be done without permission, some significant renovations to be carried out just with a simple majority vote of the owners' corporation and then for major renovations the need for special resolutions, bylaws and restrictions. The reforms aim to provide clearer, common-sense approvals for owner renovations. They would waive restrictions for minor, cosmetic changes to lots such as inserting a picture hook. Renovations with a lasting impact, such as installing floorboards, would still require approval but only a general resolution (50% of the vote). Renovations like those that affect the structure or external appearance of the building would still require a special resolution (75% of the vote).
<h3>PROXY FARMING FOR MEETING VOTES</h3>
The reform sees a cap on number of proxies held by owners in larger buildings with a limit of 20 per cent of the vote or five votes, whichever is less.
<h3>ILLEGAL PARKING</h3>
The reform will allow owners' corporations and local councils to let council parking inspectors patrol strata car parks and issue fines to people who have parked where they shouldn't. As part of proposed changes, owners corporations would be able to enter into an agreement with the local council to manage unauthorised parking on the common property. Current options already available to owners corporations to address unauthorised parking include by-law enforcement, signage and barriers and calling the police if an individual is thought to be trespassing.
<h3>DEVELOPER DEFECTS BOND</h3>
The reform will see property developers having to place a bond of 2 per cent of the value of the building to cover potential defects after completion. A building bond for the construction of high rise strata buildings (those over 3 stories in height) would maintain developer and builder accountability for their work. A process for the early identification and rectification of defects would be implemented, requiring developers to engage an independent building inspector to carry out a defect inspection report, at their cost, between 12 and 18 months after the completion of the building.
<h3>PETS</h3>
The reform will change the standard or default bylaw to state that pets are allowed, provided that the strata committee approves, although that approval can't unreasonably be withheld. During consultation on the reforms it was highlighted that, in some cases, people can be forced to choose between their pet and living in a strata building. Reforms would amend model by-laws to make it easier to keep pets as opposed to automatically prohibiting pet ownership in a scheme. The strata reforms would remove any reference to a ban in the model by-laws. Schemes would also be actively encouraged to review their by-laws and to consider whether their existing ban should be lifted. The strata reforms would not remove a scheme’s ability to make its own rules about pets. Schemes could place reasonable conditions on keeping pets (eg. its access to common property). If the model by-law were adopted, the request to keep a pet could not be unreasonably refused. For example, schemes could not unreasonably refuse the keeping of small animals, such as fish, or a cat, but could reasonably refuse rodents or venomous snakes. Each case would be considered on its merits.  Guide dogs would continue to be allowed regardless of a scheme’s by-laws and the reforms expand the category of guide dog to include hearing dogs and other assistance animals.
<h3>SMOKING</h3>
The reform identifies balcony smoke drift as a potential "nuisance" under the legal meaning of the word. The owners corporation would be able to prosecute offenders rather than leaving this to individual owners.
<h3> </h3>
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Overcrowded strata apartments, illegal parking and other NSW strata reforms

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GUEST OBSERVER
The Urban Development Institute of Australia NSW welcomes the release of the state government’s Strata reform Bills following more than three years of stakeholder consultation.
The Bills introduce a number of measures that reflect the complexity of modern strata developments, and have the capacity to continue to change as more home buyers prefer to live in apartments. The strata laws under which we operate are the oldest in the world so the system is in desperate need of an upgrade.
Under current strata schemes it is difficult to renew dilapidated buildings because of outdated processes and procedures.
These Bills pave the way for Strata schemes to opt to modernise buildings that have reached the end of their economic life. 
The Bills do not apply to existing strata schemes, only future strata schemes with current strata schemes having the option to opt in, so it will take time to see material change in the NSW system. The introduction of the legislation will also be telling. 
We won’t see an impact from the draft Bills overnight, the true impact will be realised when the legislation is introduced, and we see the effect on existing strata schemes.
Numerous protections have been introduced for owners under the new schemes including a 2% bond to guard against building defects and major protections for elderly and disadvantaged residents through just-terms compensation and legal assistance. 
The UDIA NSW has minor concerns with aspects of the draft bills, particularly the proposal to include a non-voting tenant representative on strata executive committees – which may not be effective for a number of reasons including the often transient nature of tenants.  
While we will be working through the details over the coming weeks, we can’t lose site of the fact that the reforms are an improvement on the antiquated system that presently exists.
The Institute will be making a submission to the draft Bills and it looks forward to continuing to work with government on strata reform.
Stephen Albin is chief executive of the Urban Development Institute of Australia NSW. He can be contacted <a href="https://www.udiansw.com.au/pages/contact">here</a>.
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Minor concerns surround NSW Strata reform bills

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GUEST OBSERVATION
The draft Strata Act released by Minister Victor Dominello will underpin the dramatic growth in apartment living in Sydney, says the Urban Taskforce.
The release of the draft Strata Schemes Development Bill 2015 and the Strata Schemes Management Bill 2015 by the NSW Government is an important step forward in shaping the future form of Sydney.
With around a third of Sydneysiders currently living in apartments and the likelihood of this increasing to 50% in the next 25 years the changes to NSW strata legislation are timely and necessary to give confidence to the development industry and to owners corporations.
The two most significant changes are the reduction from 100% to 75% of the owners in a strata scheme required to collectively terminate or renew a strata scheme and the introduction of a 2% retention bond after construction of an apartment building to cover any defects.
The reduction from the current requirement of 100% of owners to 75% is an important step forward to allowing the renewal of thousands of substandard walk up flats constructed prior to 1990. Previously a single owner could hold a body corporate to ransom by demanding an exorbitant price for their apartment. The reduction to 75% is in line with models that operate in New Zealand, Singapore, the United Kingdom and North America.
The process for collective sale or renewal involves checks and balances to ensure that owners receive adequate compensation for their lot and a free advocacy program will be established to assist vulnerable owners.
A recent report by the University of NSW identified thousands of ageing pre-1990s walk up apartment blocks located close to transport and services throughout metropolitan Sydney which are costly to maintain and run and many do not conform to modern building standards. The proposed new strata laws will assist in ensuring these buildings are renewed.
The 2% defects bond is similar to the retention sum that most building contracts already have to cover defects that can arise during occupation of a building. The bond has been formalised in the Draft Bill to give all parties confidence that funds are available to repair defects.
The Urban Taskforce has developed designs with Turner Architects that demonstrate how 40 year old walk up flats can be renewed with modern apartments. You can view the publication <a href="https://www.urbantaskforce.com.au/urbanideas/december2014/" target="_blank">here</a>. 
Chris Johnson is chief executive officer of Urban Taskforce Australia and can be contacted <a href="https://www.urbantaskforce.com.au" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Strata Act will underpin Sydney’s urban future

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The redevelopment of Sydney's choicest strata apartment buildings has moved closer.
The NSW government has released draft legislation proposing that ageing blocks can be demolished, if just 75% of the apartment owners approve the sale to developers.
Based on one vote per unit, not on different unit entitlements, it is a big change on the 100% agreement currently required.
Older residents in prime, under capitalised older blocks will be increasingly discomforted that their building could be sold from under them – even with supposed safeguards on the fairness and transparency of the new process. The new process will apply only to existing strata schemes if the owners corporation agrees to opt in. If the majority of owners (50% or more) don’t support the decision, no further action can be taken.
<a href="https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/ftw/About_us/Have_your_say/Reform_of_strata_laws.page" target="_blank">However draft bills by the Minister responsible for Fair Trading, Victor Dominello</a> aim to pave the way for reforms that reinvigorate increased housing supply and a stronger construction industry.
"By 2040, about half of Sydneysiders will be living in strata," he said.
"The proposed reforms are reflective of present needs and future demands."
The initial strata legislation was introduced in 1961.
The consultation started in 2011 advances the most controversial ability of strata owners to terminate the scheme – and sell or redevelop the building – if 75 per cent of the strata owners agree.
The draft Strata Schemes Management and Strata Schemes Development Bills are open for feedback until August, 12 2015. Final bills will be introduced to Parliament later this year.
Similar models already operate in New Zealand, most states of North America, and the United Kingdom.
Protections would be in place for elderly and vulnerable owner-occupiers of strata units. Fair Trading would establish a Strata Renewal Advice and Advocacy Program to provide free advice for residents.
This would include an assistance hotline and a free advocacy service for vulnerable residents.
The proposed reforms are designed to ensure that owners receive at least the market value of their lot plus an extra amount to cover costs like those associated with moving, as required by the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991.
Any plans for renewal would be referred to the Land and Environment Court for final consideration. The Court would consider whether the process has been properly followed. It would initially seek to resolve disputes through conciliation or mediation.
The Court would be able to reject a renewal plan if:
<ul>
<li>it has not followed proper processes or been developed in ‘good faith’ or</li>
<li>the amount to be paid to a dissenting owner was less than the compensation value of the lot or</li>
<li>the terms of settlement were not just and equitable.</li>
</ul>
There are several stages that strata schemes would need to follow as part of the collective sale and renewal process.
Vote to opt into the process
The new process will apply only to existing schemes if the owners corporation agrees to opt in. If the majority of owners (50% or more) don’t support the decision, no further action can be taken.
Initiate the collective sale/renewal process
A proposal to sell or redevelop a scheme must first be considered by the strata committee (currently known as the ‘executive committee’). A general meeting of all owners is then called to consider the proposal.
Form a strata renewal committee
If the majority of the owners (50% or more) agree to pursue a proposal, a committee is elected to investigate and develop the proposal. The committee can appoint professionals such as valuers, lawyers, and tax experts to assist them.
Develop a collective sale/renewal plan
The strata renewal committee develops a plan that must set out certain information to help lot owners make informed decisions. The strata renewal committee, and the owners corporation will hold meetings to discuss and further develop the plan. The plan will need to address certain areas such as the amount that each lot owner will receive under a collective sale as well as the costs and liabilities that will be faced by the owners corporation, the proposed settlement date and arrangements for moving out of the building. Guidance material will be made available on how to prepare a sale and renewal plan.
Consider the plan
Owners will have a minimum of 60 days to consider the plan and seek independent advice. Owners in favour of the plan will sign a support notice, which will be given to the secretary of the owners corporation. The plan lapses if it is not supported by 75% of owners within 12 months. The plan will list the compensation that is to be paid to each lot owner in dollar terms, as a formula (e.g. a percentage of the sale price) or in kind (e.g. a lot in the new building).
Approval of the plan
Plans for renewal would be referred to the Land &amp; Environment Court for final consideration.
 
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