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

Tim Lawless

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RP Data has released its quarterly Pain &amp; Gain Report for the March 2014 quarter.
Over the first quarter of the year, 9.8% of properties nationally sold for less than their previous purchase price meaning 91.8% of properties sold at or above their previous purchase price. This analysis doesn’t include expenses such as holding costs and purchase and selling costs so the proportion of actual loss making re-sales would be higher than this reported figure on a net basis.
The figures also showed that there was a big discrepancy between the proportion of loss making re-sales across the capital cities and regional markets. The data showed that loss making re-sales are much more prevalent in regional areas than across capital cities.
This is reflective of the fact that although values are higher over the year in all capital cities, it is not the case across many regional areas. Over the three months to March 2014, 6.5% of properties across the capital cities re-sold for less than their previous purchase price compared to 16.0% of re-sales in regional areas.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3375" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Chart-11.jpg" alt="% of loss making sales" width="500" height="180">
The above chart shows the long-term proportion of loss making re-sales across both the capital cities and regional markets. Outside of a recent period between the middle of 2004 and early 2009, capital city markets have consistently recorded a lower proportion of loss making re-sales than regional areas.
Recently the differential between capital city and regional markets has been significant which is reflective of the ongoing weaker capital growth conditions within major regional housing markets.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3376" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Chart-21.jpg" alt="% of loss making sales caps" width="500" height="180">
Across the major capital city markets the proportion of loss making re-sales is generally trending lower from a recent peak. This is reflective of the low interest rate environment and the rising home values which results in fewer vendors selling their home for less than what they purchased it for.
With mortgage rates touted to remain at low levels for some time we would anticipate that the proportion of loss making re-sales will continue to trend lower across most capital cities.
While we are seeing general improvement in capital cities, regional markets are experiencing a wide variety of performances. Markets that are coastal and linked to the lifestyle segment of the market are seeing a high proportion of loss making re-sales however, the proportion is now generally trending lower.
On the other hand, markets linked to the resources sector, some of which are coastal, are now seeing a much higher proportion on loss making sales. As many resource projects shift from construction to production demand for workers is much lower which in-turn impacts on the residential housing market, significantly in some instances.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3377" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Chart-31.jpg" alt="Major coastal lifestyle markets" width="500" height="179">
Across some of the major lifestyle markets depicted in the chart above you can see that the proportion of loss making re-sales remains high but is now clearly trending lower.
In the Bunbury region of Western Australia, the proportion of loss making re-sales peaked over the three months May 2012 at 22.3% and have since trended lower and over the most recent quarter were recorded at 16.5% of total sales.
In Cairns the recent peak saw 42.6% of re-sales at a loss over the three months to June 2012 and the proportion has since fallen to 28.2%.
Loss making resales on the Gold Coast peaked at 38.6% of all sales over the three months to December 2012 and have since fallen to 25.6% of all sales.
Within the Richmond-Tweed region 22.3% of re-sales were at a loss over the March 2014 quarter, down from a peak of 28.9% over the three months to October 2012.
On the Sunshine Coast loss making re-sales peaked at 36.0% of re-sales in October 2012 and have fallen to their current 23.2%.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3378" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Chart-41.jpg" alt="Major resource areas" width="500" height="181">
While the proportion of loss making re-sales is trending lower in coastal markets we’re seeing a rise in other markets, particularly those linked to the resources sector.
Over the first quarter of 2014, 16.3% of re-sales were at a loss in the Fitzroy region of Queensland up from 10.0% a year ago. In the Mackay region, 23.3% of re-sales over the first quarter of 2014 were at a loss compared to 14.4% a year earlier.
In the Outback region of Western Australia (which includes many resource areas) loss making re-sales have risen from 12.0% of sales in the first quarter of 2013 to 17.3% in the first quarter of 2014.
There are some clear trends emerging with regard to loss making re-sales. As home values and sales activity rise across the capital cities the proportion of loss making re-sales is trending lower (as you’d expect).
Certainly the capital city markets are experiencing far fewer loss making sales than regional markets. In many coastal lifestyle markets we are starting to see some low-levels of value growth returning and sales volumes lifting. As a result, loss making re-sales are still relatively high but are beginning to trend lower.
In those areas linked to the resources sector we are seeing the proportion of loss making re-sales trend higher. This is occurring on the back of many mining projects shifting from construction to production phase. In these areas we are generally seeing falling home values, sales volumes and rental rates while discounting levels and time on market increase.
With mortgage rates set to remain low over the coming months we would anticipate that these broad trends will continue.
Look for the capital cities and lifestyle markets to see continuing falls in loss making re-sales, whilst markets linked to the resources sector to experience tougher conditions with losses becoming more prevalent.
</body></html>

tlawless-5VLUrbAk9s

Loss making re-sales are much more prevalent in regional areas than across capital cities

<html><body>
After two years of strong values growth across Australia’s property market, symptoms are emerging that the market has moved through its peak growth phase.
An analysis of recently released housing finance data by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) confirmed that the value of investment finance commitments was at a record high and revealed a 2.3% increase for the month of April, while year-on-year it increased by 29.8%.
The ABS data shows that investors committed to $11 billion worth of housing finance over the month, accounting for 39.4% of all housing finance or 47.8% when refinances are excluded.
<img src="/images/2014/06/19/lawless-june-19-opne.jpg" alt="">
With the proportion of lending to investors at near-to record highs, banking sector regulators may now start to show signs of being uncomfortable with the level of housing market investment.
Compared with this time last year, investors may now find it harder to secure a property with changes to solid investment fundamentals, particularly in the cities where capital gains have been significant and yields are low.
As a proportion of total lending, investor mortgage commitments were recorded at 39.4% in April 2014; when refinances are removed from this figure, this then increases to 47.8%.
Both figures are currently sitting close to their highest levels since late 2003 which was the tail-end of the boom in home values from 2001 to early 2004. Historically, the level of investment activity is well above average levels.
Tracking the change in home values on an annualised six-month basis, the proportion of total lending to investors continued to escalate following the peak in value growth. Across the most recent growth phase, investment lending continued to rise following the peak in value growth.
<img src="/images/2014/06/19/lawless-june-19-two.jpg" alt="">
Over the current growth phase, six-month annualised value growth peaked in November 2013 at 14.3%. At that time, investors accounted for 38.5% of all lending which has since risen to 39.4%. Based on this, investment lending outpaced growth in capital city home values. Since values reached their recent trough in May 2012, home values increased by 16.1% to April 2014 compared to a 59.2% rise in the value of investment lending.
While growth in values peaked, there has also been a compression of gross rental yields.
At the low point in values at May 2012, gross rental yields across the combined capital cities were recorded at 4.3%; currently yields are 4.0%. A net figure calculation will deliver a much lower result.
Sydney and Melbourne are the two capital cities currently seeing the highest levels of investment activity. In Sydney, gross rental yields are at 4.0% while in Melbourne they are at 3.6%. In May 2012 these were 4.5% and 3.8% respectively.
<img src="/images/2014/06/19/lawless-june-19-three.jpg" alt="">
Current investment activity in both cities is heavily focussed on the inner city unit market with the approvals for new units at high levels. Over the 12 months to April 2014, the number of units being approved in Sydney is at near-to record high levels. Although Melbourne approvals have fallen recently, they remain elevated and are 59% above their decade average.
With a high volume of investment grade unit stock is in the pipeline, it will be interesting to see if these approvals convert to construction and what impact a large supply may have on values, rents and vacancy rates.
The value of diligent research and a carefully considered purchase decision is all the more important when values aren’t rising as fast.
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Property market passes peak growth phase

<html><body>
After a surge in values over the first quarter of this year, April's housing market results have shown a marked slowdown in capital gains with dwelling values only 0.3% higher over the month.
{qtube vid:=PUKNMNdvuhc}
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Tim Lawless

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