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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If online listings are any guide, the rental market in Sydney has been tightening lately, with fewer rentals being advertised across a high number of suburbs.
According to the REINSW inner Sydney vacancy rates were unchanged in August at 1.9 per cent, but middle ring Sydney tightened by 0.3 per cent to 1.6 percent, while outer Sydney's vacancy rate of 1.7 per cent was the lowest since November 2015.
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 <div>Smoothing the figures on a 4mMA basis to nip out a bit of the noise shows that Sydney vacancy rates have been fairly flat over the past year in the middle and outer ring, but are some way tighter in the inner suburbs.</div>
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<div>The vacancy rate in Newcastle has sneaked back up to 3 percent.</div>
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<div>The Tenants' Union (TU) Rent Tracker found that Sydney unit rents moved 5 percent higher over the past year, while house rents were 3 percent higher. </div>
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 <div>Rents have moved sharply higher in Randwick and Woollahra over the past year according to the TU, but regional areas have been found to be "much more stable".</div>
<div> </div>
<div>The TU believes that the CPI measures understate Sydney's rental price growth. Their long run data also shows Sydney rents rising much faster than inflation.</div>
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<div class="x_separator"> </div>
<div class="x_separator">According to the TU over the last 20 years new rents have generally increased at an average of around 8 per cent across Sydney and 5 per cent across the rest of New South Wales.</div>
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<div class="x_separator">
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>. 
His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.
</div>
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Sydney vacancy rates tighten again

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Residential vacancy rates across Sydney remained steady at 1.9 percent month on month, according to data released by the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales.
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REINSW Deputy President Brett Hunter said the July 2016 REINSW Vacancy Rate Survey saw little change from June. 
“Both Middle and Outer Sydney rental availability was stable at 1.9 per cent, while Outer Sydney rose 0.1 per cent to 1.9 per cent,” he said. 
“The Sydney market is experiencing conditions very similar to the previous month.” 
In the Hunter region, vacancy rates fell 0.3 percent at 2.4, Newcastle rose of 0.2 percent to 2.4 percent.
In the Illawarra region, vacancy rates rose 0.1 percent to 1.9 percent, with Wollongong up 0.1 percent to 1.6 percent. 
In the region areas Albury fell 0.6 percent to 3.7 percent, Central Coast dropped 0.4 percent to 2.8 percent and New England rose 0.8 percent to 4.7 percent. 
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Residential vacancy rates across Sydney remained steady: REINSW

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Sydney’s residential vacancy rates remained steady at 1.7 per cent, according to data released by the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales. The May 2016 REINSW Vacancy Rate Survey saw slight movements across all Sydney areas but Sydney as a whole remained the same.  Inner Sydney was up 0.2 per cent to 1.5 per cent, Middle Sydney rose 0.1 per cent to 1.7 per cent, while Outer Sydney fell 0.1 per cent at 1.8 per cent.  “Residential vacancy rates have continued the trend of the last 4 months and we expect this rate of supply to continue," REINSW President John Cunningham said.
"We have heard much debate over the possible abolition of negative gearing in recent times, something that we do not support.
"If this was to occur we would expect to see a decline in construction and a fall in vacancy rates. 
 “This in turn would result in landlords trying to increase rents and a fall in prices for new-builds coming into the market as investors are not happy to make a loss on their investments. We believe that existing owners won’t dump their investments but will make sacrifices elsewhere in their household budgets,” Mr Cunningham said.  In the Hunter, vacancy rates fell 0.1 per cent at 2.4 per cent despite a gain of 0.3 per cent to 2.1 per cent in Newcastle. In the Illawarra, vacancy rates fell 0.3 per cent at 1.4 per cent, led by Wollongong which was down 0.5 per cent at 1.2 per cent.  Across regional areas, New England rose 0.4 per cent to 4.0 per cent, Orana rose 0.2 per cent to 3.7 per cent and Coffs Harbour was up 0.7 per cent at 2.3 per cent. Albury fell 0.1 per cent at 2.8 per cent, Central Coast dropped 0.7 per cent at 2.3 per cent and South Coast fell 0.7 per cent at 1.8 per cent.  
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Sydney residential vacancy rate remains steady in May 

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Residential vacancy rates for Sydney are staying at 1.7 percent, according to the REINSW, with vacancy rates for Inner Sydney staying unchanged at 1.3 percent through March.
REINSW's Vacancy Rate Survey found Middle Sydney was at up 0.3 percent to 1.9 percent, while Outer Sydney was down 0.3 percent at 1.8 percent. 
REINSW President John Cunningham said the last time Inner Sydney had a vacancy rate of 1.3 per cent was March 2014 and the market is tight and is expected to remain tight for some time. 
“Rises in Middle Sydney and falls in Outer Sydney balanced out to see the vacancy rates for Sydney steady overall,” Mr Cunningham said.
Vacancy rates slid 0.3 percent at 2.6 percent in the Hunter region. In the Illawarra vacancy rates were up 0.1 per cent at 1.3 per cent. Wollongong slipped 0.2 per cent to 1.0 per cent. Albury fell 0.1 percent at 3.6 percent, New England rose 0.8 per ent at 3.6 percent and Orana dropped 0.4 percent to 3.3 percent. Coffs Harbour fell 0.8 percent to 1.5 percent and Northern Rivers rose 0.1 percent at 1.5 percent. 
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mick.cee-iDmgDDAmu8

Sydney vacancy rates remain stable: REINSW

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Car manufacturing job losses and oversupply of houses and apartments are expected to hit property prices in Melbourne from 2017, according to new research.
The study, by property market researcher Propertyology, found that Melbourne is on the cusp of a market downturn. The report says the slump will be caused by the untimely collision of thousands of job losses in manufacturing with entrenched oversupply issues.
"Propertyology believes that the 2016 supply-demand fundamentals for Greater Melbourne resemble those of Perth’s in 2014," said Propertyology market analyst Simon Pressley.
"The housing supply pipeline exceeds population demand in Melbourne to the tune of approximately 12,000 dwellings per year.
"Of even bigger concern is the impact on as much as six per cent of the city’s households from car manufacturing plant closures from late-2016 and continuing through 2017. One would have to anticipate there’d be a significant knock-on effect to consumer and business confidence across the entire city."
The report says the main factor in the market downturn will be the loss of jobs from 2014 to 2017 in the manufacturing plants of Ford, Holden and Toyota.
And it is not just the apartment sector that is burdened by oversupply. Sixteen of Greater Melbourne’s 31 local government areas (LGAs) have approved 50 per cent more dwellings than normal, even though the population growth rate has remained the same. The apartment sector also remains bloated by oversupply, the report says.
"Melbourne City is on track to approving 19,000 CBD apartments over the past three years; this is an increase of 158 per cent on the annual average from the previous five years," Pressley says.
"The Melbourne LGA population growth is just shy of 6,000 people per annum and equates to demand for 3,000 extra dwellings compared to the recent average annual supply of 6,300 CBD dwellings."
Pressley says a University of Adelaide study into the impact of the closures on Australia predicted huge job losses, with Victoria being the worst hit.
"The study states that 'Australia is expected to suffer a fall in national employment of around 200,000 as a result of the planned closure to motor vehicle manufacturing between (mid-2014) and 2017'," he says.
"The greatest impact in terms of projected job losses will be in Victoria, with an estimated decline of close to 100,000 jobs. Victoria’s Gross Regional Product is also forecast to decline by $13 billion per year."
Pressley says Victoria may have the highest unemployment rate in the country by the end of 2017, which will further negatively impact its property market from 2017 to 2018.
"Sales volumes will fall, days on market will increase, as will vacancy rates," Pressley says.
Property prices across Melbourne, and not just inner-city apartments, are likely to reduce as will rents, he said.
"I believe there is a stark resemblance between Melbourne’s current fundamentals and those of Perth’s in 2014. Propertyology correctly forecast the resultant easing of demand in Perth and rising housing supply that left the legacy of a five per cent decline in Perth property values during 2015 – and we feel more of the same is likely there in 2016."
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Job losses, oversupply to hurt Melbourne property prices from 2017: research

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Melbourne recorded the largest monthly residential vacancy fall nationwide over February, down 0.5 percentage points with a vacancy rate of 2.3 percent, according to SQM Research.
Canberra, Sydney and Darwin fell 0.2 percentage points over February. 
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SQM Research managing director Louis Christopher said overall there was a noticeable fall in vacancies for the month driven by Melbourne and Sydney.
"However, year on year vacancies are still edging up for the country and we think this will still be the trend going forward," he said.
"The cities and townships most exposed to the commodities downturn are causing this yearly rise. On the flip side Melbourne, Hobart and Canberra are all recording downward trends in vacancies now and this is resulting in upward pressure in rents for these three cities.
"Perth has recorded ongoing falls in asking rents of 10.5% for houses and 9.1% for units over the past 12 months. Yearly falls have also been recorded in Darwin, with asking rents down 10.3% for houses and a considerable 11.2% for units. 
"Hobart continues to record the most affordable rental accommodation with rents for houses at just $337 a week, while units on average rent for $286 a week."
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Melbourne takes largest monthly residential vacancy fall in February: SQM Research

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Sydneyï¿½s residential vacancy rates in the inner ring of Sydney have remained tight, according to data released by the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales.
The December 2015ï¿½REINSWï¿½Vacancy Rate Surveyï¿½saw the number of properties for rent remain steady at 1.8 percent.
But REINSWï¿½President John Cunningham noted a large number of developments were waiting to be competed.ï¿½ ï¿½Stock levels remain low in some of Sydneyï¿½s most popular areas and this is set to continue until the completion of many large developments which are underway,ï¿½ Mr Cunningham said.ï¿½ Vacancy rates in outer Sydney rose 0.2 percent to 1.9 percent, while middle Sydney rose 0.7 percent at 2.4 percent due in large part to lower response rates in this area caused by the holiday period.ï¿½
ï¿½Innerï¿½ includes suburbs in the following LGAs: Ashfield, Botany Bay, Lane Cove, Leichhardt, Marrickville, Mosman, North Sydney, Randwick, Sydney, Waverley and Woollahra.
ï¿½Middleï¿½ includes suburbs in the following LGAs: Auburn, Bankstown, Burwood, Canterbury, Canada Bay, Hunters Hill, Hurstville, Kogarah, Ku-ring-gai, Manly, Parramatta, Rockdale, Ryde, Strathfield and Willoughby.
ï¿½Outerï¿½ includes suburbs in the following LGAs: Baulkham Hills, Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Camden, Campbelltown, Fairfield, Gosford, Hawkesbury, Holroyd, Hornsby, Liverpool, Penrith, Pittwater, Sutherland, Warringah, Wollondilly and Wyong.
Northern beaches realtor John Cunningham was electedï¿½president of industry bodyï¿½Real Estate Institute of New South Walesï¿½for a two-year term in late 2015.
Cunninghamï¿½started his real estate career in 1977 and opened his own business, Cunninghams, with his wife Ann in 1991. He opened a second branch of Cunninghams earlier last year.ï¿½ He replaced Malcolm Gunning, who remains on the REINSW board.
Elsewhere, rental availability in the Hunter region continued its decline with a fall of 0.2 percent at 2.3 percent. Newcastle was down 0.3 percent at 1.8 percent.ï¿½ In the Illawarra the overall vacancy rate fell 0.1 percent to 0.9 percent despite a rise of 0.4 percent in Wollongong to 1.5 percent.ï¿½ 
In the regional areas New England rose 0.2 percent to 3.3 percent, Albury added 0.8 percent to 3.2 percent and the South Coast was up 0.3 percent to 1.7 percent. Northern Rivers dropped 0.6 percent at 0.9 percent and Coffs Harbour was down 0.8 percent at 1.7 percent.
<a href="/images/2016/01/27/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-27%20at%209.04.39%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/01/27/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-27%20at%209.04.39%20AM.png" alt="" width="822" height="251">ï¿½
<a href="/images/2016/01/27/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-27%20at%209.04.50%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/01/27/Screen%20Shot%202016-01-27%20at%209.04.50%20AM.png" alt="">
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Inner Sydney landlords face looming competition from higher stock levels: REINSW

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Sydney residential vacancy rates were largely stable in for the first month of Spring, according to data released by the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales.
The number of properties for rent across Sydney rose 0.1% to 1.9% in September. 
REINSW President Malcolm Gunning said middle Sydney gained 0.4% to 1.9%, outer Sydney rose 0.1% and inner Sydney fell 0.2% at 2.0%.
“The market is stable,” Mr Gunning said.
“Supply is meeting the demand due to large volumes of new property on the market. 
“Sydney is the job destination for Australia and there is strong migration. This is why we are seeing low vacancy rates,” Mr Gunning said. 
The Hunter region saw a rise of 0.2% after a 1% increase in Newcastle to 4.0%.
In the Illawarra the overall vacancy rate retreated 0.1% to 1.5%, despite a rise of 0.6% in Wollongong.
The regional areas Northern Rivers has the lowest availability with a vacancy rate of 1.1%, down 0.2%.
The Mid-North Coast was up 0.1% at 1.5%, while Albury and Murrumbidgee had a vacancy rate of 2.3% with a gain of 0.4% and 0.9% respectively.
  
* Suburbs included in ‘inner’, ‘middle’ and ‘outer’ Sydney are those falling within the Sydney Statistical Division as per the Australian Standard Geographic Classification of the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
‘Inner’ includes suburbs in the following LGAs: Ashfield, Botany Bay, Lane Cove, Leichhardt, Marrickville, Mosman, North Sydney, Randwick, Sydney, Waverley and Woollahra. 
‘Middle’ includes suburbs in the following LGAs: Auburn, Bankstown, Burwood, Canterbury, Canada Bay, Hunters Hill, Hurstville, Kogarah, Ku-ring-gai, Manly, Parramatta, Rockdale, Ryde, Strathfield and Willoughby.
‘Outer’ includes suburbs in the following LGAs: Baulkham Hills, Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Camden, Campbelltown, Fairfield, Gosford, Hawkesbury, Holroyd, Hornsby, Liverpool, Penrith, Pittwater, Sutherland, Warringah, Wollondilly and Wyong.
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Sydney's stable rental market in September

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Queensland's property market continued to operate at two speeds in September, with vacancy rates tight in the southeast corner while holding steady, albeit weaker, in the regions, REIQ data suggests.
The rental markets from Gympie south to the Gold Coast and west to Toowoomba are near historically tight levels, with vacancy at less than 1% in some parts of the Sunshine Coast.
REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said demand was rising and limited inventory meant the market was very tight, particularly in Caloundra and Noosa, with both areas registering a vacancy rate of 0.9% – the lowest in the state.
“We’re seeing strong demand for rental properties in these areas and while a small level of this demand is seasonal, it does mean good news for investors who have certainty around finding tenants for their properties,” she said.
Brisbane continued its long-term trend with a vacancy rate of 2.8%, still in the healthy range.
“We continue to see strong demand for dwellings in the Brisbane market and despite some commentators who suggest that we are facing a glut the data tells a different story,” Mercorella said.
“New apartments in Brisbane are reportedly being snapped up by investors and owner-occupiers, although the vacancy rate softened slightly to 3.3% from 3%.
“Local agents are telling us that in order to secure a tenant, rental incentives are being offered,” she said.
“Asking rental prices are also said to be softening in response to the level of supply, however, it is evident that tenant demand is still there.”
<a href="/images/2015/10/28/Screen%20Shot%202015-10-29%20at%208.14.35%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2015/10/28/Screen%20Shot%202015-10-29%20at%208.14.35%20AM.png" alt="">
 
The Gold Coast dropped to 1.7% from 2.3%, while the greater Sunshine Coast area edged lower to 1.3% from 1.6%.
Fraser Coast recorded a small dip to 3.7% from 3.8%, reflecting a trend towards a healthier investor market.
In Toowoomba, the rate dropped to 2.7% from 3.1%.
This reflects the strength of the region and the diversity of its local economy. Improving employment prospects are adding to local confidence with the second range crossing scheduled to begin construction in 2016.
Regular international freight flights out of the Brisbane West airport are also expected in the not so distant future.
Further north, the market is softer, with Gladstone's vacancy rate weakening to 7.1% from 5.2%.
Mercorella said the market in Gladstone was facing challenges, but with promised infrastructure projects emerging on the horizon a recovery was likely.
“With potential projects slated to go ahead, such as the Eden Bann Weir scheduled for next year and the Gladstone to Fitzroy River pipeline, employment should improve and with that, the property market.”
Further north, Rockhampton revealed a steadily improving picture as the vacancy rate improved to to 4.5% from 6%.
Mackay held steady at 9.1% for a second consecutive quarter.
According to local agents, despite the somewhat high vacancy levels, optimism was returning as employment prospects firmed.
“We are hearing that tenants are taking longer leases in response to better employment certainty and while it would be premature to suggest a turnaround was imminent we are confident in our position that the bottom has been reached,” Mercorella said.
In the state’s north, Townsville rose marginally to 5.6% from 5.3 percent.
Cairns was one of the best performing regional centres, with a drop to 2.6 percent from 2.7 percent, reflecting continued employment and improvements in the tourism market.
Mercorella said that overall, Queensland’s market was relatively solid compared with other states.
“The southeast corner is driving growth and this will eventually cascade throughout the rest of the state,” she said.
“We’re hearing that business confidence is improving in some regional centres as those economies diversify and manage the resources downturn impact.
“In Brisbane, consistently strong capital growth for the past two years gives us reason to be optimistic that equilibrium will be restored in the rest of the state,” she said.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Queensland's rental property market operating at two speeds

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Vacant residential space in Melbourne and regional Victoria has been relatively flat over the past four months, with vacancy rates stable at 2.9% and 2.4% respectively.
The median rent for houses in metropolitan Melbourne also remained flat over the month at $400 while rents in regional Victoria were up 1.7% to $295 a week, <a href="/news">according to the REIV</a>.
 
<table dir="ltr" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td> </td>
<td rowspan="1" colspan="2" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Vacancy Rate"]'>Vacancy Rate</td>
<td rowspan="1" colspan="2" data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Median Rent"]'>Median Rent</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> </td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"July 2015",null,null,null,1]'>Sep 2015</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"June 2015",null,null,null,1]'>Aug 2015</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"July 2015",null,null,null,1]'>Sep 2015</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"June 2015",null,null,null,1]'>Aug 2015</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"METRO"]'>METRO</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,2.9]">2.9</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,2,"0.0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,3]">2.9</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,400]">$400</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,400]">$400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"REGIONAL"]'>REGIONAL</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,2.4]">2.4</td>
<td data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,2.3]">2.4</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,290]">$295</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,290]">$290</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
 
The following table provides a summary of median prices and rents for the 12 months ending June 2015.
<table dir="ltr" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<colgroup>
<col width="152">
<col width="152">
<col width="156">
<col width="159">
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Region "]'>Region</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Gross Rental Yield"]'>Gross Rental Yield</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Median Rent"]'>Median Rent</td>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Median Price"]'>Median Price</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Inner"]'>Inner</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.032]">3.1%</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,490]">$490</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,804000]">$825,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Middle"]'>Middle</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.029]">2.9%</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,345]">$350</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,627500]">$633,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Outer"]'>Outer</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.039]">3.8%</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,300]">$300</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,400000]">$410,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Metro"]'>Metro</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.03]">3.0%</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,410]">$410</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,700550]">$710,750</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td data-sheets-value='[null,2,"Regional"]'>Regional</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,3,"0.0%",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,0.053]">5.3%</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,250]">$250</td>
<td data-sheets-numberformat='[null,4,"\"$\"#,##0",1]' data-sheets-value="[null,3,null,245500]">$247,500</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
 
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