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

Watsons Bay

<html><body>
The former swimwear model turned fashion designer Jodhi Meares has secured a Watsons Bay charmer for $2.75 million.
The timber Victorian Georgian-style fisherman's cottage with baby blue exterior will be her bolthole as she divides her time between Sydney and the United States.
Having separated from her photographer husband Nick Tsindos, she looked to have cut ties with Sydney all together when recently selling her Point Piper and Paddington properties.
But she's bought back, quietly securing a quaint cottage with harbour glimpses near the popular Watsons Bay hotel.
The heritage listed 1880s cottage - one of nine remaining in the so-called fishermans cottage group of the original Camp Cove village - was passed in on a $2.7 million vendor bid in its May auction through Goodyer Real Estate agents Pauline Goodyer and Rosalia Marasco.
It allowed the US-based Meares to swoop some two weeks later according to the settlement paperwork lodged this week by her well-connected lawyer, Natasha Goulden.
The compact rectangular boxlike home - with picturesque 12 pane windows - sold with approvals to extend the two bedroom dwelling with plans by Cracknell &amp; Lonergan Architects. 
It last traded for $2.06 million in 2010, just $10,000 more than it traded for in 2006.
A formal lounge and combined kitchen and dining area flow to a garden on the 250 sq m block.
A Jack &amp; Jill bathroom services the two upstairs bedrooms that features a versatile study space.
Meares secured $2.6 million for her Point Piper apartment in May just days into its auction marketing campaign through Raine &amp; Horne Double Bay agents Ric and Christophe Serrao.
Buyers were initially being told there was a $2.2 million price guide, which was quickly increased to $2.4 million.
The model turned luxury athletic wear entrepreneur paid $1.23 million for the apartment in 2004, shortly after her brief marriage to casino tycoon James Packer.
The two bedroom, two bathroom Point Piper apartment in the historic 1907 Danmark building was briefly listed in 2013 with $2 million hopes. It was withdrawn from the market as the fashion designer took up residence with her then beau, former Noiseworks frontman Jon Stevens.
The apartment sits an Edwardian era Wolseley Road mansion which was converted to a suite of individual apartments in the 1930s. 
The Tigerlily label founder moved out of the apartment early last year having married photographer Nick Tsindos. 
It then became a $1,600 a week rental when the couple headed to a Paddington terrace which Meares sold last month for around $2.5 million.
She co-owned the two bedroom Underwood Street property with her mother Denise Macpherson having bought the two-storey, Victorian-style terrace for $900,000 in 2004.
It was reported Meares, who is mostly Hawaii based, and Nick split earlier in the year.
The former model married casino mogul James Packer in a lavish wedding in 1999 at the Packer family’s compound Cairnton in Bellevue Hill at which Elton John sang. 
Soon after the Packer marriage secured a St Thomas Street Bronte home for her mother at a $2.4 million cost in 2000.
The Bronte home was offloaded for $3.41 million in 2003.
This article first appeared in the Daily Telegraph.
</body></html>

firstname1-iYD4UYzvBa

Jodhi Meares buys Watsons Bay charmer

<html><body>
Oscar Done, son of the iconic Sydney artist Ken Done, is tipped to be trading up Watsons Bay homes.
He's reputedly spent $5.8 million on a 1995-built, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/sold/property-house-nsw-watsons+bay-123857246" target="_blank">but still contemporary designer home</a> sold late last year through Bradfield Cleary agent Georgia Cleary.
Done and his sister Camilla runs the family’s property development business Cadmium Property Group.
He has been at Watsons Bay since 2006 having purchased a Pacific Street cottage on 320 sqm for $2.5 million, which doesn't appear to have been yet offered for sale.
Camilla bought at Watsons Bay in 2008 for $2.4 million.
<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/2017/01/29/3%20Salisbury%20Place-2.jpg" alt="">
The siblings $40 million Surry Hills project will be launched next month.
It is an amalgamated 432-442 Elizabeth Street site with 27 aparments for sale through CBRE agent Ben Stewart in the block to be known as The Surry.
The preliminary prices will range from $875,000 for a one-bedroom aparment up to $2.1 million for a three-bedroom.
The Done family secured the site for $9.25 million in 2015.
</body></html>

Oscar Done tipped to trade up to $5.8 million Watsons Bay home

<html><body>
Justin and Dom Hind, co-founders of WiTH Collective digital advertising agency, have emerged as the $9 million buyers of the Watsons Bay home of Collette Dinnigan and Bradley Cocks.
It sold just hours before its first open inspection in October.
Ben Collier and Will Manning at McGrath Estate Agents had suggested an $8 million price guidance, so the revealed figure was certainly worth taking before hitting the wider market.
And think of the savings in filling every open for inspection with the freshest flowers from Grandiflora.
The mostly white four bedroom, five bathroom home has parquetry floors from an 18th century chateaux in France's Loire Valley.
Dinnigan gained $2.75 million during her 18 months ownership of the refurbished 1920s Masonic lodge which she'd bought from James Packer's right hand man, Matthew 'Ched' Csidei and his lawyer wife Lauren Roscoe.
Since their snappy acquisition, without any registered mortgage, the Hinds have sold their modernised P&amp;O-style 1930s Mosman home.
It fetched $5.9 million when sold last month to property developer Anthony Andreatta through McGrath agent Priscilla Schonell having been bought for $5.55 million 14 months earlier. 
<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/2016/12/12/8%20Gap%20Road.jpg" alt="">
Their digital consultancy, WiTH Collective, which was started six years ago and secured clients including Qantas, Fairfax Media and Optus, was sold in September to Dentsu Aegis Network, the second largest marketing communications agency group by billings in Asia-Pacific.
They have committed to remain for at least five years.
The fashion designer Collette Dinnigan and her hotelier husband Bradley Cocks quit the classic Beaux-Arts style contemporary home for life in Italy.
After selling their Careel Bay, Palm Beach retreat for $3.2 million to actor Sophie Lee and adman Anthony Freedman, Dinnigan still retains a South Coast retreat and commercial space in Paddington.
This article first appeared in the Sunday Telegraph
</body></html>

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Collette Dinnigan's Watsons Bay home bought by digital advertising agency co-founders

<html><body>
The fashion designer Collette Dinnigan and her hotelier husband Bradley Cocks have sold their Watsons Bay home only four days after it was listed and just 18 months after buying it.
Ben Collier at McGrath Estate Agents had offered $8 million price guidance for the classic Beaux-Arts style contemporary home.
He was out the front of Saturday's cancelled open for inspection telling intending inspectees of the overnight sale at an undisclosed higher price.
It last traded at $6.25 million price in 2015 when sold by James Packer's right hand man, Matthew 'Ched' Csidei and his lawyer wife Lauren Roscoe, who are now based in Europe with their two children. 
They had sought $8 million too.
It is the former Masonic Temple which Dinnigan renovated to replace some of Ched's more masculine interiors which had been installed by the interior designer, Blainey North.
Its parquetry floors from an 18th century chateaux in France's Loire Valley were certainly retained at the four bedroom, five bathroom home.
Dinnigan recently suggested its European aesthetic always appealed to her.
But these days the A-list couple are living in Rome.
During their absence it was occupied by hotelier Fraser Short as a rental before it was listed for sale last week with Ben Collier inconjunction with Will Manning.
After selling their Careel Bay, Palm Beach retreat for $3.2 million to actor Sophie Lee and adman Anthony Freedman, Dinnigan still retains a South Coast retreat.
This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph.
</body></html>

Watsons Bay

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Watsons Bay

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News