Sunkin Property Group will welcome buyers later this year to the latest stage of its Bayside masterplanned precinct, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/highett-common-37-graham-road-highett-vic-3190">Highett Common</a>.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/builders/sk-construction">SK Constructions</a>, the building arm of <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/sunkin-property-group">Sunkin Property Group</a>, recently topped out the North Lane building, one of several planned for the unrepeatable 9.3-hectare site next door to Highett Station and its accompanying amenity.

Sunkin held a topping out ceremony in early April to honour the milestone.

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SK Constructions is now nearing completion of early civil works, with minor final touches underway to support the delivery of the first stage of buildings.&nbsp;

The team is also progressing on the community’s first one-hectare park, with drainage works, cut and fill operations, retaining walls, and new footpaths taking shape.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=300064]

The second stage of Highett Common, the Highett Common Townhomes Collection,&nbsp;is progressing through the detailed design phase. Construction is scheduled to begin later this year.&nbsp;

The third stage, the Mews Collection, which will deliver six levels of contemporary residences, is preparing for early basement works and piling.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=331186]

Highett Common’s first residents are expected to move in within the next six months.&nbsp;

Upon arrival, they’ll enjoy access not just to their new homes, but also to the community’s first park and playground, part of a broader vision that places open space and walkability at the heart of the precinct.

Select residences are currently available with stamp duty savings and a $12,000 furniture and styling package by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/interior-designers/coco-republic-interior-design">Coco Republic</a>, offering added value for early buyers.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=108019]

Joel Robinson

Sunkin tops out next Highett Common building as move-in date approaches

Buyers are preparing to move into their new homes in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/lane-cove-north-nsw-2066">Lane Cove North</a>, with construction now complete on Sterling, the latest development by builder-developer Scion Group.

The five-level project, located at 2 Merinda Street, comprises just 50 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments to an area starved of new apartments.

Designed by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/design-corp-architects">Design Corp Architects</a>, Sterling’s architecture draws on Lane Cove’s natural surroundings, with a neutral palette, generous balconies, and integrated landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136108 project_image_fid=303417]

The family-run Scion took over the build that had already commenced construction, the first time the company had done so since it was founded by Sam Jabbour in the early 1990s.

Their minds were set at ease instantly when they were told the development had Latent Defects Insurance and had undergone the technical inspection service program by reputable industry experts since commencement.

Sebastian Jabbour, Director of Operations at Scion, says it gave the team confidence to take on the project.

“Because we weren’t the developer who had brought on Latent Defects Insurance, we weren’t fully aware of all the benefits that came with LDI,” Jabbour says.

“It was remarkable how thorough the building inspections by the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/expert-insights/latent-defects-insurance-101-what-is-the-technical-inspection-service-tis-program">Technical Inspection Service</a> were. It meant we had a third party ratifying the part of the build process we weren’t a part of - which was really the driver in us getting involved in the project.”

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136108 project_image_fid=303415]

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/resilience-latent-defects-insurance">Latent Defects Insurance</a>, an insurance only offered in Australia by Resilience Insurance and taken out on the building rather than by each individual owner, protects apartment buyers from any structural,&nbsp;

LDI offers 10 years of protection against structural or design defects post-completion, providing a level of assurance that is proving to be a game-changer in the off the plan apartment market.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136108 project_image_fid=303420]

Ray White Projects Western Sydney Managing Director Mark Bernberg, who is handling the sales, says there have been purchasers who are buying because the development has LDI.

"LDI is a true game-changer for the new and off the plan apartment market," Bernberg says.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/sterling-lane-cove-north-2-merinda-street-lane-cove-north-nsw-2066">Sterling</a> has attracted a diverse mix of buyers, including first homebuyers, downsizers, and investors drawn to the area’s lifestyle offering and connectivity.&nbsp;

There are just a handful of apartments remaining in Sterling.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=136108]

Sterling has attracted a diverse mix of buyers, including first homebuyers, downsizers, and investors drawn to the area’s lifestyle offering and connectivity. 



Buyers to move into Lane Cove North's first LDI-protected apartment development as Scion wraps up Sterling construction

Latent Defects Insurance (LDI) is a game-changer for anyone looking to purchase a brand-new or off-the-plan apartment in Australia. This insurance policy, which can only be taken out by developers or builders (not individual apartment owners), offers a 10-year warranty on new apartments. It covers the cost of fixing any structural defects that may arise in the building. So far, LDI has seen strong adoption from developers, with companies like <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/deicorp">Deicorp</a>, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/dasco">DASCO</a>, and <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> using it to provide their buyers with added peace of mind when purchasing off-the-plan properties.

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Corey Nugent, CEO of Resilience Insurance—Australia’s only provider of LDI policies—to discuss the ins and outs of the important coverage.

<h2>How has Latent Defects Insurance (LDI) been received since its introduction in Australia?</h2>

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/resilience-latent-defects-insurance">Latent Defects Insurance</a> is a crucial component for the future of Australia’s built environment. Also known as Decennial Liability Insurance, LDI has been part of the <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/expert-insights/buying/the-evolution-of-latent-defects-insurance-worldwide-and-its-nationwide-availability-in-australia">new development landscape in Europe and other regions</a> for over seven decades. In countries like France, Italy, Spain, and Finland, it is mandatory for all new buildings—whether residential or commercial—to carry LDI coverage.

Since its rollout in Australia, LDI has been very well received by developers, lenders providing financing to those developers, and most importantly, by buyers. It has quickly become an essential tool in building trust and ensuring long-term security for all parties involved.

<h2>In a nutshell, how exactly does Latent Defects Insurance work?</h2>

While Latent Defects Insurance (LDI) involves several components, the overall process is quite straightforward once the policy is in place.

The LDI process begins even before construction starts. As part of the policy, a <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/expert-insights/latent-defects-insurance-101-what-is-the-technical-inspection-service-tis-program">Technical Inspection Service</a> (TIS) assesses the site before work begins. Throughout the construction phase, the TIS regularly visits the site to ensure everything is progressing as planned. If any issues are found, the TIS provides a detailed report outlining the necessary corrections. By having the TIS involved from the outset, the risk of structural defects in the finished building is significantly reduced, addressing potential problems before they arise.

<h2>What happens when the building is completed?</h2>

Once the building is complete, buyers move in, and LDI is applied to their apartment, as well as the entire building structure, for a period of 10 years.

This coverage not only offers peace of mind but can also increase the resale value of the property. Importantly, the policy stays with the apartment, not the owner. So, if an off the plan buyer <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/expert-insights/resilience-latent-defects-insurance-a-catalyst-for-higher-property-valuations-and-resale-confidence">decides to sell within the first 10 years</a>, the remaining coverage is transferred to the new owner.

<h2>How does LDI benefit developers?</h2>

Developers see several key benefits from Latent Defects Insurance. The most obvious is that it makes their project more attractive compared to others that don’t offer LDI. Many buyers are willing to pay more for the assurance that comes with LDI, and developers often see faster sales as a result. Research, including studies by Urban, shows that over 60% of buyers are willing to pay an additional 1.5% for LDI coverage. This premium often more than covers the cost of the policy for the developer. Typically, developers pay about 1.5% of the build cost for the policy. However, if they can secure a higher sale price on their apartments due to the added value of LDI, they end up profiting.

Another benefit is the added appeal LDI gives to a development, positioning it as a more secure investment for potential buyers.

Finally, LDI provides developers with an extra layer of protection through the Technical Inspection Service (TIS). This third-party oversight ensures quality control throughout the build, which could otherwise cost developers hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional personnel.

The TIS helps catch potential issues early, preventing future liabilities.

While the insurance is designed to protect the buyer, it also safeguards the developer. Should any structural, waterproofing, weatherproofing or MEPS (mechanical, electrical or plumbing systems) issues arise, the developer is covered for out-of-pocket costs. Developers understand the importance of completing projects smoothly and moving on to the next one without lingering problems. Given the large number of trades involved in constructing new buildings, LDI offers significant peace of mind.

<h2>How does LDI benefit buyers?</h2>

In Sydney, past incidents like the Mascot and Opal Towers issues have left many buyers wary of off the plan purchases. While these events occurred over six years ago, they still impact buyer confidence today. However, the new development market is much stronger now, with stricter checks and regulations in place.

Ultimately, Latent Defects Insurance provides protection for all parties. In rare extreme cases, where residents may need to vacate due to major defects, LDI offers first-right protection, ensuring buyers are financially covered. Thanks to the continuous inspections carried out by TIS throughout the construction process, such situations are unlikely to occur, but LDI is there as a safety net if they do.

Since its rollout in Australia, LDI has been very well received by developers, lenders providing financing to those developers, and most importantly, by buyers

Latent Defects Insurance 101: Five minutes with Resilience Insurance CEO Corey Nugent on Australia's most comprehensive new apartment development insurance

National apartment developer Abadeen Group is bringing its expertise from decades of developing luxury apartments in Sydney, and more recently Melbourne, to the Gold Coast.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/abadeen-group">Abadeen</a>, founded in 1995 by industry veteran Justin Brown, chose one of the Gold Coast's most popular suburbs for its debut project, Villea, located just 400m away from the sand in<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221"> Palm Beach</a>.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/villea-palm-beach">Villea</a>, already well under construction and expected to welcome buyers by the end of 2025, will consist of just 69 apartments across an eight-level building designed by BDA Architecture. It presents a rare opportunity to purchase a two-bedroom apartment for under $1 million in a suburb dominated by luxury beachfront projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106840 project_image_fid=336441]

The apartments have been designed to evoke beachside living. They feature a neutral, coastal colour palette, and have been configured to open to the outdoors through large sliding glass doors, to capture views to either the Pacific Ocean, Tallebudgera Creek, Burleigh Headland, and Snapper Rocks.

Villea residents will be well catered for Villea includes private resort-style amenities such as a resort-style pool enveloped in lush landscaping, a fully equipped gym, and a recreational BBQ area.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106840 project_image_fid=336442]

The Mawarra Street building, one of only a handful under development on the western side of the Gold Coast Highway where prices are much more affordable than the eastern side, sits in a quiet pocket that is dominated by established houses.

While just a short walk to beachside amenity, Abadeen will bring further convenience by activating the ground plane of Villea with a boutique retail precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=106840 project_image_fid=336445]

Villea residents will also benefit from the extended G:Link light rail that will be extended all the way down to Coolangatta. One of the proposed stops in Palm Beach is just 650m away.

SRQ Projects Director, Nick Clydsdale says Villea residents will be able to embrace a lifestyle unlike any other.

“Villea embraces the essence of Palm Beach living, where mornings begin with a great coffee just steps from home, and the beach is the back yard. From sunrise strolls on the sand to paddleboarding at Tally Creek, Villea places you at the heart of Palm Beach’s natural beauty.”

Villea is already well under construction and is expected to complete by the end of 2025, with buyers moving in shortly after.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=106840]

SRQ Projects Director, Nick Clydsdale says Villea residents will be able to embrace a lifestyle unlike any other.

Abadeen’s Gold Coast debut brings affordable coastal luxury to Palm Beach

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/arena-property-group">Arena Property</a> has been given the green light to proceed with its new <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/main-beach-qld-4217">Main Beach</a> apartment tower, Belle Vie.

The 28-level tower, on an amalgamated 1,010 sqm on Pacific Street, one row back from Main Beach parade, will comprise 72 apartments. It will replace an original walk-up unit block.

Bella Vie—a French term that translates to beautiful life—is Arena’s most ambitious project to date and represents a significant shift from their previous low-rise luxury offerings, including their recently completed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/lana-bilinga-295-golden-four-drive-bilinga">Lana Bilinga development</a>.

Belle Vie features two distinct vertical sections, elegantly separated by a full-floor amenities level on Level 18. This central amenity floor will offer residents a curated collection of luxury lifestyle spaces, including a residents’ lounge, games room, wine cellar, library, private dining space, and a sunset-viewing outdoor dining terrace.&nbsp;

<img alt="Belle Vie" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="324e8fb5-8e23-481f-8a07-fbd902215abc" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-04-09%20at%2012.26.38%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=98xo9EPxdpRCXSbW6BQmEm2wQehdxWgs" />

It will also house a dedicated co-working zone with a boardroom, and a wellness hub complete with a 91 sqm gym, Pilates studio, sunrise yoga deck, and functional training room.

Levels 5 to 17 will host 56 two-bedroom residences, each boasting a study or multi-purpose room.&nbsp;

Above the amenities level, Levels 19 to 27 are reserved for 14 expansive half-floor, three-bedroom apartments, further enhancing Bella Vie’s appeal to the owner-occupier market.&nbsp;

Crowning the tower are two ultra-luxurious penthouses spanning three levels, each featuring four bedrooms, a home office, and a private 120 sqm-plus rooftop with a pool, spa, outdoor kitchen, fire pit, and lawn area.

<img alt="Belle" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2dd52c65-24ea-44da-9f99-292450a4e3f6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-04-09%20at%2012.26.41%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=7h9EAbSgQynB4L5mK9bHwVgrVdY1yvCW" />

Complementing the vertical lifestyle offering is a resort-style podium-level amenity deck, which will include a swimming pool with spa and wet deck, hot and cold plunges, and a rejuvenating sauna.&nbsp;

The three-level podium and basement structure will provide parking for 100 vehicles.

Apartment price declines extend across many capital cities: HTW property clock

Joel Robinson

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