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

Vacancy Rates

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Vacancy rates edged higher across most capital cities in April but still reflect a tight rental markets across Australia, according to data released by SQM Research.
The number of national residential vacancies rose to 76,959 rental homes, giving an overall vacancy rate of 2.4 percent, up modestly from 2.3 percent in March 2017.
In Melbourne and Sydney, vacancy rates sat at 1.6 percent and 1.8 percent, respectively, a slight retracement from March’s low levels.
Canberra edged off a five-year low with a rise from 0.8 percent to 1.0 percent, while the highest vacancy rate remained Perth with a jump to 4.9 percent. The vacancy rate only fell in Darwin to 3.4 percent while Hobart claimed the lowest rate at 0.6 percent.
“While the rise in vacancy rates may give tenants a slight reprieve, the trend is still up for asking rents in Sydney and Melbourne, to the point where they are unaffordable for many people,” commented Louis Christopher, managing director of SQM Research.
We are nowhere near to seeing any signs of an oversupply of units in either inner-city unit market,” Christopher said.
Asking rents
Despite a higher vacancy rate, asking rents edged higher in Melbourne over the month to May 12, up by 0.3 percent for units and 0.2 percent for houses, giving annual price rises of 4.7 percent and 6.4 percent, respectively. 
In Canberra too, growth in asking rents is high, at an annual pace of 9.3 percent for houses and 6.0 percent for units.
Annually, asking rents for houses has moderated in Sydney to 2.9 percent for houses and 3.2 percent for units, with asking rents for houses down by 0.6 percent over the month.
However, the asking rent for a three-bedroom house in Sydney now sits at a lofty $743 while for units it sits at $521, an unaffordable level for many of the city’s inhabitants on lower incomes.
In contrast, Darwin asking rents continued to fall, down 3.4 percent for houses over the month, while unit rents were down 1.1 percent. Perth has again posted the largest yearly declines, with unit asking rents down 9.4 percent and house rents down 7.5 percent.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

National vacancy rates rise modestly in April

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Vacancy rates dropped across all Australian capital cities in March, falling to just 1.5% in Melbourne and 1.7% in Sydney, with upward pressure likely to be maintained on rents in the two cities, according to the latest data from SQM Research.
Overall, the national vacancy rate fell to 2.3% in March from 2.4% the previous month, based on 73,554 vacancies. 
The numbers reflect a seasonal tightening in vacancy rates. Vacancies usually drop in the early months of the year as people return to their jobs after the summer break and students go back to universities in March, according to SQM Research managing director Louis Christopher.
Among the capital cities, Hobart’s vacancy rate was the lowest at just 0.6% while Canberra had the tightest vacancy rate of 0.8%, down from 0.9% in February. In Adelaide it was 1.8%, down from 2%.
Vacancies dropped in Perth and Darwin, as well as Hobart and Brisbane, which has the most listings at 11,028 of any of the capitals.
Christopher pointed out that the vacancy rate continued to fall in Melbourne despite much talk of an apartment oversupply. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/04/19/SQM-2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
 <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/2017/04/19/SQM-2.jpg" alt="">
“Even in the spots where we would have expected to see oversupply, such as Docklands and Southbank, we are not seeing it, where there are thousands of apartments, new and old,” he said.
Reflecting its lower vacancy rate, asking rents rose in Melbourne over the month to April 12, up by 1.6% for units and 0.7% for houses. 
Annually, asking rents for houses is growing fastest in Melbourne at 7.1%, reflecting tightening vacancy rates.
Sydney unit rents too jumped by 1.6% over the month, as well as a 1.5% rise for Canberra units, though housing rents fell in those two cities.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/04/19/SQM.jpg" target="_blank">In Sydney too, despite high levels of inner-city apartment construction, the vacancy rate is just 1.7% across the city and just 1.3% in the CBD. </a>
“We may, however, see a bounce in April across cities as demand for rental properties drops back,” Christopher said.
Perth recorded the highest vacancy rate at 4.7%, down marginally from 4.8% in February, followed by Darwin at 3.5%, a drop from 3.8%.
In Brisbane, the vacancy rate dipped slightly to 3.2%, and in Adelaide it fell to 1.8%. 
Darwin asking rents continued to fall, down 2.6% for houses over the month, while unit rents were down 1.1%.
Perth has again posted the largest yearly declines, with unit asking rents down 9.6% and house rents down 7.3%.
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Vacancy rates tumble across capital cities as Brisbane takes top spot: SQM Research

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Residential vacancy rates in the Sydney metropolitan market have fallen 0.2 percent to 1.9 percent, according to the REINSW.
The February 2017 REINSW Vacancy Rate Survey from REINSW found Inner Sydney led the fall in rental listings with a 0.2 percent decline at 1.7 percent, similar to levels of 9 months ago.
John Cunningham, president, REINSW said Middle Sydney fell 0.3 percent at 1.8 percent while Outer Sydney remained steady at 2.2 percent.
"The Hunter slipped 0.2 percent with a 0.7 percent rise in Newcastle to 2.7 percent offset by a fall of 0.9 percent at 1.6 percent in the rest of the region," he said.
"In the Illawarra, vacancy rates fell 0.3 percent at 1.1 percent with Wollongong falling from 2.1 percent to 1.1 percent.
"Across regional areas, Albury was down 0.8 percent at 3.2 percent, the South Coast fell 0.2 percent at 2.1 percent and Northern Rivers slipped 0.5 percent at 1.1 percent.
"Coffs Harbour rose 1.1 percent to 3.7 percent and Central Coast gained 0.3 percent to 2.8 percent."
 
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Residential vacancy rates fall across NSW: REINSW

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Residential vacancies fell nationally in January for a national vacancy rate of 2.4 percent, down from December's 2.8 percent according to SQM Research.
According to SQM Research all capital cities recorded falls in January.
Louis Christopher, SQM research managing director said Sydney's vacancy rate fell to 2.0 percent from 2.4 percent in December, while Melbourne's vacancy rate fell to 2.0 percent from 2.5 percent, which could pressure rents higher in both cities.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/22/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-22%20at%2011.16.38%20am.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<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/2017/02/22/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-22%20at%2011.16.38%20am.jpg" alt="">
"Perth continues to record the highest vacancy rates for any capital city at 4.8 percent and asking rents are still falling there," he said.
"Hobart now has the lowest vacancy rate of just 0.7 percent, reflecting very tight rental conditions which are also been experienced in other parts of Tasmania (Launceston is at 1.6 percent).
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Vacancy rates fall while rent rises: SQM Research

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Vacancy rates declined in January, after December's seasonal spike, according to SQM Research.
All of the capital cities recorded a drop in January, not unusually for the time of year. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/17/SQM.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<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/2017/02/17/SQM.jpg" alt="">
Nationally the vacancy rate of 2.4 percent was the same as one year previously.
The tightest market was Hobart at 0.7 percent, the Tasmanian capital recording strong gains in median asking rents, while the highest vacancy rate was in Perth at 4.8 percent. 
Although the figures aren't seasonally adjusted, below I've smoothed them on a 4mMA basis to give some kind of feel for the trend. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/17/SQM2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<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/2017/02/17/SQM2.jpg" alt="">
Perth and Darwin have continued to record declining rents, while SQM noted that inner city apartments in Brisbane have seen declines of 2.5 to 5 per cent in asking rents, something I can confirm from having witnessed it first-hand. 
To date the Sydney and Melbourne apartment markets appear to be holding up better, with the reported vacancy rate in Melbourne actually lower than a year ago, and median asking rents higher in both of the most populous capital cities.  
After some truly diabolical declines in dwelling prices ranging anywhere from 50 to 90 per cent in some cases, SQM notes that the bust in some mining towns may now finally be bottoming out.  
Vacancy rates are down in a range of resources towns from a year previously.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/17/SQM-1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<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/2017/02/17/SQM-1.jpg" alt="">
Source: SQM Research
No, still not a buy, before you ask! 
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/">blogger</a>. 
 
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Vacancy rates ease after seasonal spike: Pete Wargent

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Residential vacancy rates in Inner Sydney fell 0.2 percent to hold at 1.8 percent over the Christmas period, according to the December 2016 REINSW Vacancy Rate Survey.
REINSW President John Cunningham said the December 2016 REINSW Vacancy Rate Survey was at 2.0 percent, up 0.2 percent for Sydney.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/18/Screen%20Shot%202017-01-18%20at%209.22.01%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/01/18/Screen%20Shot%202017-01-18%20at%209.22.01%20AM.png" alt="">
 
“Middle Sydney and Outer Sydney saw rises of 0.6 percent and 0.2 percent to 2.1 percent and 2.0 percent respectively, while Inner Sydney bucked the trend to fall 0.2 percent at 1.8 percent," he said.
“The changes seen to vacancy rates in Sydney and right across the state reflect the holiday period, we anticipate a flurry of activity as the year progresses,” Mr Cunningham said.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/18/Screen%20Shot%202017-01-18%20at%209.26.14%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/01/18/Screen%20Shot%202017-01-18%20at%209.26.14%20AM.png" alt="">
 
"The Hunter rose 0.2 percent to 2.2 percent led by an increase in Newcastle of 0.7 percent to 2.4 percent. 
"In the Illawarra, vacancy rates fell 0.3 percent at 1.3 percent with Wollongong down 0.5 percent at 1.5 percent. 
"Across regional areas, Albury fell 0.1 percent at 3.3 percent, New England fell 0.5 percent at 3.7 percent and South Coast slipped 0.2 percent at 1.2 percent."
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Inner Sydney Christmas vacancy rates slide

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The REIQ's quarterly vacancy rate reveals that Brisbane’s middle ring experienced a sharp rise in vacancies, while the inner ring remained relatively consistent with the June quarter.
The tightest rental markets in Queensland are Caloundra and Noosa, both 1.2 percent.
The weakest market surveyed is the Burdekin Shire with 9.6 percent. 
Regional Queensland yielded positive news, with consistent falls in vacancy rates for Bundaberg, Gladstone, Mackay and Rockhampton. 
Brisbane’s inner city (0-5km) vacancy rate for the September quarter has risen from 3.4 percent, to 3.7 percent. The middle ring (5-20km) has risen from 2.3 percent to 4.5 percent.
REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said the surprising result in Brisbane’s middle ring was likely due to a combination of factors.
“Inner-city property managers and landlords are particularly sensitive to the oversupply question at the moment and rents have become extremely competitive, luring tenants from the middle ring into the inner ring,” she said.
“Also, a significant level of development has come online in the middle ring and some agents have reported that without being able sell, many of those properties have been put into the rental pool.
“Another contributing factor is that interest rates are very low and with the State Government’s recent boost to the first-home buyer grant from $15,000 to $20,000, that is influencing people’s decision to own rather than rent,” she said.
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Greater Brisbane’s vacancy rate remained in the healthy range of 3.3 percent.
Brisbane LGA reached 4.1 percent in the September quarter.
Ipswich has eased, lifting from 1.1 percent in June to 2.1 percent in September. This is still classed as a tight market.
Logan has tightened, moving from 2.8 percent to 2.0 percent.
Moreton Bay has eased slightly, going from 1.7 percent in the June quarter to 2.2 percent in the September quarter.
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Middle ring Brisbane vacancy rate rising

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The number of national residential vacancies rose in September, with 75,412 rental homes available, giving a national vacancy rate of 2.4 percent, up from 2.3 percent in August 2016, according to SQM Research.
The biggest capital cities Sydney and Melbourne recorded vacancies rates of 1.8 percent and 2.0 percent, respectively, up marginally from August 2016, while Brisbane’s vacancy rate rose to 2.9 percent, up from 2.7 percent.
Perth reported the highest vacancy rate at 5 percent, though it was steady from the previous month.
Hobart had the tightest rate at just 0.6 percent. Year-on-year results demonstrate that the national vacancy rate is up slightly.
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Reflecting its high vacancy rate, Perth has again recorded big falls in asking rents of 9.5 percent for houses and 11.1 percent for units over the past 12 months.
Yearly falls have also been posted in Darwin, with asking rents down 4.8 percent for houses and 3.5 percent for units, though Darwin remains the second most expensive city for rents in Australia, following Sydney, where asking rents for houses sit at $725 a week and $511 for units.
Asking rents have also jumped in Canberra, up 12.3 percent for houses and 9.3 percent for units from a year earlier. Despite a tight vacancy rate, Hobart continues to offer the most affordable rental accommodation, with houses costing just $359 a week and units averaging $287 a week.
Managing Director of SQM Research, Louis Christopher, said: "Asking rents have slipped back in Brisbane as vacancy rates have continued to rise this year.
At 2.9 percent, the rental market is favouring tenants and given the ongoing new apartment surge, I think rents in Brisbane will continue to fall from here, particularly in the inner city.
“Looking forward, vacancies are likely to rise in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney over 2017 as more new high-rise apartment developments come onto the market. However, we maintain that the oversupply issue appears to be constrained to concentrated areas such as the inner-city regions. We are not as confident we will see a contagion affect where the whole capital city market is affected.”
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SQM’s calculations of vacancies are based on online rental listings that have been advertised for three weeks or more compared to the total number of established rental properties.
SQM considers this to be a superior methodology compared to using a potentially incomplete sample of agency surveys or merely relying on raw online listings advertised.
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Vacancy rates rise in September: SQM Research

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Darwin has the highest residential rental vacancy rates with Perth following closely behind, according to QBE’s latest housing report.
The vacancy rate is calculated as the number of unoccupied rental dwellings as a percentage of the total rental stock and is sourced from a survey of state Real Estate Institute members.
The vacancy rate in each city is a measure of the balance of rental demand and rental supply. A vacancy rate of 3% in a market is considered balanced, where rents on average will rise broadly in line with inflation.
• In Sydney, since 2006 there has been a considerable deficiency of residential dwelling stock after an extended period of low new dwelling construction. Given the extent of the dwelling shortage, vacancy rates have remained tight at 1.8% in June quarter 2016, and the return to a balanced rental vacancy rate is unlikely to occur until beyond 2018/19.
• In Melbourne, vacancy rates were below the balanced market level of 3% in 2013/14 and 2014/15. However, with record dwelling completions vacancy levels are now closer to balance at 2.7% in June quarter 2016. With dwelling completions on track to increase further in 2016/17, vacancy rates in Melbourne are expected to move above 3% over the year.
• Brisbane vacancy rates increased marginally to 2.8% at June 2016; still close to the balanced market rate. In Adelaide, vacancy rates have risen to 3.3% in the same period. Vacancy rates in both cities are anticipated to continue to trend upwards. In Brisbane, the forecast is due to upcoming dwelling completions outpacing demand, and in Adelaide the excess of dwelling stock may rise further due to weak population growth.
• Perth (6.0%) and Darwin (6.4%) recorded the highest vacancy rates among all capital cities at June 2016. Rising new dwelling completions, rapidly slowing net overseas migration inflows and falling interstate migration levels, as a result of the collapse in mining investment are causing an exit from rental properties. As a result, the pace of new rental tenants coming to the market is failing to keep up with the pace of new additions to the rental stock.
• In Hobart, vacancy rates remain at the upper end of the 2–3% band. Elevated dwelling completions relative to population growth are keeping the market around balance.
• In the Australian Capital Territory, declines in rents appear to be attracting new tenants with its vacancy rate falling to 2.5% in June 2016.
With both states estimated to experience a rising dwelling surplus, the downward trend in vacancy rates is not expected to continue.
Rental growth, as calculated from the rental component of the Consumer Price Index, was strong in the latter half of the 2000s after a period of underperformance in the first half of the decade. In recent years, rental growth has generally been moderate, despite vacancy rates remaining tight in all capital cities up to 2013. This suggests there may be some rental affordability constraints preventing stronger rises.
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• With a deficiency of dwellings in place and low vacancy rates, New South Wales had the highest level of rental growth of 2.2% in 2015/16. In Hobart, a lower vacancy rate of 2.8% assisted the second highest level of rental growth of 2% in 2015/16. Melbourne and Adelaide, with rental growth of 1.4% and 1% respectively, experienced minimal rental growth as their respective vacancy rates rose above the balanced market rate over the year.
• Brisbane and Canberra rents stayed fairly static in 2015/16, despite a low vacancy rate in Canberra. Canberra recorded a 0.5% decline in rents, which is an improvement on its 2.7% decline in 2014/15.
• In Darwin and Perth, rents declined by 6.4% and 5.2% respectively in 2015/16.This reflects the high level of vacancy rates in each capital city. In both states, while new dwelling supply continues to rise, falling resource investment spending is leading to significant reductions in migration and subsequent weaker tenant demand.
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Darwin has the highest vacancy rates while NSW records highest rental growth: QBE Housing Outlook

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Higher office vacancy rates and growing settlement risk from a potential oversupply of newly built residential apartments in Australia's commercial real estate (CRE) sector is posing risks to the country's Big Four banks because of their growing exposure to them, according to Moody's Investors Service.
The big four — Australia and New Zealand Banking Group, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, National Australia Bank Limited and Westpac Banking Corporation — are all rated Aa2/Aa2 negative, a1 by the credit rating agency.
According to the report titled, Banks -- Australia: Risks from Commercial Real Estate Are Rising but Remain Manageable, office vacancy rates have been rising in Perth and Brisbane as tenants from the resource industry and public sectors scale back their office space requirements, and as new supply in both areas grows. While demand in Brisbane is showing signs of recovery as the economy improves, Perth remains weak due to the contraction in resource-related service industries.
Meanwhile, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane have a potential oversupply of residential apartments due to expected new supply amid falling migration and tighter lending rules, particularly for foreign buyers who make up a large percentage of residential property investors.
"Australia's major banks have been growing their CRE exposures modestly in recent years, and are thus vulnerable to the risks from higher office vacancy rates in Brisbane and Perth and settlement risks from a potential residential apartment oversupply in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane," says Maadhavi Ramanayake, a Moody's Associate Analyst.
"These credit negative developments are somewhat mitigated by the banks' limited direct exposure to the higher risk CRE segments and by their tightened lending criteria.” 
According to the Moody's report, the combination of increased supply and tighter lending raises the risk of non-settlement, and could expose residential property developers to higher risk. Furthermore, it could depress overall market sentiment and put downward pressure on general house prices.
These developments are credit negative for Australian banks, which have increased their lending to the CRE sector by 1 percent to 4 percent each year between 2012 and September 2013, and by around 5 percent or more annually since December 2013 onwards.
Nevertheless, Moody's expects the risks from their CRE exposures will remain manageable for the banks.
First, the major banks' share of CRE loans -- as a percentage of total committed exposures -- was moderate at 6 percent to 8 percent as of 30 March 2016 for ANZ, NAB and WBC and 30 June 2016 for CBA, below the pre-crisis level of around 10%. Also, the current weakness in the office market remains limited to select regions.
Second, Australia's major banks have tightened their lending criteria to the CRE sector after losses in the aftermath of the global financial crisis. As a result, Moody's sees foreign bank branches as more exposed to the current headwinds in the segment, and expects the major banks' CRE impairments to remain at low levels.
Moody's stress tests show that, even in a scenario of isolated severe stress on the commercial property property and related loans, the major banks will only suffer a mild deterioration in their Common Equity Tier 1 ratios.
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