[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":1766},["ShallowReactive",2],{"published-cities":3,"post-nsw-strata-law-reforms-2026-what-apartment-buyers-need-to-know-dev":87,"blog-posts-shared":922,"blog-data-nsw-strata-law-reforms-2026-what-apartment-buyers-need-to-know-dev":1611},[4,13,22,30,35,41,49,55,63,71,76,83],{"slug":5,"name":6,"state":7,"stateName":8,"vernacular":9,"agentCount":10,"averageRating":11,"totalReviews":12},"sydney","Sydney","NSW","New South Wales","buyers agent",64,4.89,6214,{"slug":14,"name":15,"state":16,"stateName":17,"vernacular":18,"agentCount":19,"averageRating":20,"totalReviews":21},"melbourne","Melbourne","VIC","Victoria","buyers advocate",44,4.96,6795,{"slug":23,"name":24,"state":25,"stateName":26,"vernacular":9,"agentCount":27,"averageRating":28,"totalReviews":29},"brisbane","Brisbane","QLD","Queensland",33,4.93,3722,{"slug":31,"name":32,"state":25,"stateName":26,"vernacular":9,"agentCount":33,"averageRating":20,"totalReviews":34},"gold-coast","Gold Coast",15,1105,{"slug":36,"name":37,"state":25,"stateName":26,"vernacular":9,"agentCount":38,"averageRating":39,"totalReviews":40},"sunshine-coast","Sunshine Coast",13,4.97,789,{"slug":42,"name":43,"state":44,"stateName":45,"vernacular":9,"agentCount":46,"averageRating":47,"totalReviews":48},"perth","Perth","WA","Western Australia",11,4.87,1475,{"slug":50,"name":51,"state":7,"stateName":8,"vernacular":9,"agentCount":52,"averageRating":53,"totalReviews":54},"newcastle","Newcastle",9,4.98,703,{"slug":56,"name":57,"state":58,"stateName":59,"vernacular":9,"agentCount":60,"averageRating":61,"totalReviews":62},"adelaide","Adelaide","SA","South Australia",8,4.47,586,{"slug":64,"name":65,"state":66,"stateName":67,"vernacular":9,"agentCount":68,"averageRating":69,"totalReviews":70},"canberra","Canberra","ACT","Australian Capital Territory",5,4.76,167,{"slug":72,"name":73,"state":7,"stateName":8,"vernacular":9,"agentCount":74,"averageRating":39,"totalReviews":75},"central-coast","Central Coast",4,362,{"slug":77,"name":78,"state":79,"stateName":80,"vernacular":9,"agentCount":81,"averageRating":68,"totalReviews":82},"hobart","Hobart","TAS","Tasmania",3,182,{"slug":84,"name":85,"state":16,"stateName":17,"vernacular":18,"agentCount":81,"averageRating":68,"totalReviews":86},"geelong","Geelong",53,{"_path":88,"_dir":89,"_draft":90,"_partial":90,"_locale":91,"title":92,"description":93,"image":94,"date":95,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":98,"category":105,"reading_time":106,"body":107,"_type":915,"_id":916,"_source":917,"_file":918,"_stem":919,"_extension":920,"sitemap":921},"/blog/nsw-strata-law-reforms-2026-what-apartment-buyers-need-to-know","blog",false,"","NSW Strata Law Reforms 2026: What Apartment Buyers Need to Know","Three reform tranches are in force, committee training starts 1 October 2026 and the 3% building bond slipped to 2028. How to read a NSW strata report now.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1718506836441-622a825d78a7?q=80&auto=format","2026-09-18","Anderson Aguiar","https://i.imgur.com/btHZbrU.jpeg",[99,100,101,102,103,104],"strata","nsw","apartments","due-diligence","policy","2026-market","Property Guides","13 min read",{"type":108,"children":109,"toc":898},"root",[110,118,123,130,135,330,335,340,346,357,367,377,387,397,407,417,423,428,468,482,488,498,508,518,544,554,560,565,664,677,682,688,695,700,706,711,717,722,728,733,739,744,765,769,775],{"type":111,"tag":112,"props":113,"children":114},"element","p",{},[115],{"type":116,"value":117},"text","On 5 July 2026 the NSW Government published the first-year scorecard for NSW Fair Trading's Strata and Property Taskforce: more than 175 unannounced inspections of unit blocks, almost 80 fines worth more than $125,000, disciplinary action against more than 70 licensees and more than 10 operators removed from the industry. One of them was a strata managing agent formerly operating in the Coffs Harbour area, permanently disqualified from the industry for serious fraudulent transactions affecting 66 separate strata buildings and close to 1,000 residents.",{"type":111,"tag":112,"props":119,"children":120},{},[121],{"type":116,"value":122},"For a buyer, the practical change is that the strata report on a NSW apartment says more than it did a year ago, and less of it is optional. Since 1 April 2026 the capital works fund plan comes on a standard form, a new building's first levy estimate must be certified by an independent quantity surveyor, and the strata information certificate has to disclose embedded networks and any Fair Trading action against the scheme. This article sets out which provisions are in force, which start on 1 October 2026, which slipped to 2028, and how to use each one before you exchange.",{"type":111,"tag":124,"props":125,"children":127},"h2",{"id":126},"the-timeline-what-is-law-what-is-next-what-slipped",[128],{"type":116,"value":129},"The timeline: what is law, what is next, what slipped",{"type":111,"tag":112,"props":131,"children":132},{},[133],{"type":116,"value":134},"NSW has passed three strata Acts since late 2024 and commenced them in stages. Fair Trading counts more than 85,000 strata schemes; Strata Community Association NSW put strata and community title schemes at 91,346, holding 1,073,277 lots, in its February 2026 submission.",{"type":111,"tag":136,"props":137,"children":138},"table",{},[139,163],{"type":111,"tag":140,"props":141,"children":142},"thead",{},[143],{"type":111,"tag":144,"props":145,"children":146},"tr",{},[147,153,158],{"type":111,"tag":148,"props":149,"children":150},"th",{},[151],{"type":116,"value":152},"Reform",{"type":111,"tag":148,"props":154,"children":155},{},[156],{"type":116,"value":157},"What it does for a buyer",{"type":111,"tag":148,"props":159,"children":160},{},[161],{"type":116,"value":162},"Status",{"type":111,"tag":164,"props":165,"children":166},"tbody",{},[167,186,204,222,240,258,276,294,312],{"type":111,"tag":144,"props":168,"children":169},{},[170,176,181],{"type":111,"tag":171,"props":172,"children":173},"td",{},[174],{"type":116,"value":175},"Strata Managing Agents Legislation Amendment Act 2024",{"type":111,"tag":171,"props":177,"children":178},{},[179],{"type":116,"value":180},"Manager conflict disclosure; itemised insurance quotes",{"type":111,"tag":171,"props":182,"children":183},{},[184],{"type":116,"value":185},"In force since 3 February 2025",{"type":111,"tag":144,"props":187,"children":188},{},[189,194,199],{"type":111,"tag":171,"props":190,"children":191},{},[192],{"type":116,"value":193},"Strata Schemes Legislation Amendment Act 2025, tranche 1",{"type":111,"tag":171,"props":195,"children":196},{},[197],{"type":116,"value":198},"Sustainability by-laws, unfair contract terms, 3-year cap on utility contracts, 6-monthly manager reports",{"type":111,"tag":171,"props":200,"children":201},{},[202],{"type":116,"value":203},"In force since 1 July 2025",{"type":111,"tag":144,"props":205,"children":206},{},[207,212,217],{"type":111,"tag":171,"props":208,"children":209},{},[210],{"type":116,"value":211},"Tranche 2",{"type":111,"tag":171,"props":213,"children":214},{},[215],{"type":116,"value":216},"Fair Trading enforcement powers; levy hardship statements and payment plans; building manager duties",{"type":111,"tag":171,"props":218,"children":219},{},[220],{"type":116,"value":221},"In force since 27 October 2025",{"type":111,"tag":144,"props":223,"children":224},{},[225,230,235],{"type":111,"tag":171,"props":226,"children":227},{},[228],{"type":116,"value":229},"Tranche 3",{"type":111,"tag":171,"props":231,"children":232},{},[233],{"type":116,"value":234},"Standard-form capital works plan; certified maintenance schedule and first levy for new buildings; embedded networks on the strata information certificate",{"type":111,"tag":171,"props":236,"children":237},{},[238],{"type":116,"value":239},"In force since 1 April 2026",{"type":111,"tag":144,"props":241,"children":242},{},[243,248,253],{"type":111,"tag":171,"props":244,"children":245},{},[246],{"type":116,"value":247},"Fair Trading and Building Legislation Amendment Act 2026",{"type":111,"tag":171,"props":249,"children":250},{},[251],{"type":116,"value":252},"Redefines decennial liability insurance cover; wider Building Commission NSW powers",{"type":111,"tag":171,"props":254,"children":255},{},[256],{"type":116,"value":257},"Assented 14 August 2026; DLI provisions commenced 20 August 2026; rest on proclamation",{"type":111,"tag":144,"props":259,"children":260},{},[261,266,271],{"type":111,"tag":171,"props":262,"children":263},{},[264],{"type":116,"value":265},"Committee training; two-lot Strata Hub exemption",{"type":111,"tag":171,"props":267,"children":268},{},[269],{"type":116,"value":270},"Train within 3 months of appointment or drop off; duplexes stop annual reporting",{"type":111,"tag":171,"props":272,"children":273},{},[274],{"type":116,"value":275},"Starts 1 October 2026",{"type":111,"tag":144,"props":277,"children":278},{},[279,284,289],{"type":111,"tag":171,"props":280,"children":281},{},[282],{"type":116,"value":283},"Embedded network disclosure in off-the-plan contracts",{"type":111,"tag":171,"props":285,"children":286},{},[287],{"type":116,"value":288},"Sale contracts must disclose exclusive supply deals",{"type":111,"tag":171,"props":290,"children":291},{},[292],{"type":116,"value":293},"Pending; Fair Trading says later in 2026",{"type":111,"tag":144,"props":295,"children":296},{},[297,302,307],{"type":111,"tag":171,"props":298,"children":299},{},[300],{"type":116,"value":301},"Building bond increase from 2% to 3%",{"type":111,"tag":171,"props":303,"children":304},{},[305],{"type":116,"value":306},"Larger developer bond on new apartment buildings over 3 storeys",{"type":111,"tag":171,"props":308,"children":309},{},[310],{"type":116,"value":311},"Deferred to 1 July 2028",{"type":111,"tag":144,"props":313,"children":314},{},[315,320,325],{"type":111,"tag":171,"props":316,"children":317},{},[318],{"type":116,"value":319},"Ban on strata manager commissions",{"type":111,"tag":171,"props":321,"children":322},{},[323],{"type":116,"value":324},"Productivity and Equality Commission review delivered 27 February 2026",{"type":111,"tag":171,"props":326,"children":327},{},[328],{"type":116,"value":329},"No decision published as at 24 March 2026",{"type":111,"tag":112,"props":331,"children":332},{},[333],{"type":116,"value":334},"Sources: NSW Fair Trading, updated 25 August 2026; Building Commission NSW, 26 June and 28 August 2026; assent and commencement dates as reported by Building Commission NSW and Holding Redlich, 19 August 2026.",{"type":111,"tag":112,"props":336,"children":337},{},[338],{"type":116,"value":339},"Two rows catch people out. Fair Trading's draft training guidelines, which SCA NSW responded to in February, said 1 July 2026; the final date is 1 October 2026, for members appointed from that day. And the bond increase, which the 2025 version of this guide put at 1 July 2026, was pushed to 1 July 2028 on 26 June 2026.",{"type":111,"tag":124,"props":341,"children":343},{"id":342},"reading-a-2026-strata-report-line-by-line",[344],{"type":116,"value":345},"Reading a 2026 strata report, line by line",{"type":111,"tag":112,"props":347,"children":348},{},[349,355],{"type":111,"tag":350,"props":351,"children":352},"strong",{},[353],{"type":116,"value":354},"The capital works fund.",{"type":116,"value":356}," Any scheme reviewing or replacing its 10-year plan after 1 April 2026 must use Fair Trading's prescribed form, so a lift overhaul in year 6 with no money against it is easier to spot. Compare today's balance with the next three years of scheduled works: $80,000 against $400,000 is a special levy in waiting.",{"type":111,"tag":112,"props":358,"children":359},{},[360,365],{"type":111,"tag":350,"props":361,"children":362},{},[363],{"type":116,"value":364},"Levies and arrears.",{"type":116,"value":366}," Since 27 October 2025 every levy notice must carry a Financial Hardship Information Statement, and an owner in arrears can request a standard-form payment plan of up to 12 months that the owners corporation must answer in writing within 28 days. Interest on overdue levies runs at 10% a year from one month after the due date unless waived. Ask how many plans are running; each one is money not going to repairs.",{"type":111,"tag":112,"props":368,"children":369},{},[370,375],{"type":111,"tag":350,"props":371,"children":372},{},[373],{"type":116,"value":374},"Insurance.",{"type":116,"value":376}," Since 3 February 2025 any insurance quote a strata manager provides must be clearly itemised, setting out the base premium and GST, the commission and broker fee amounts, and who those are ultimately paid to. A manager is also banned from taking a commission on insurance the owners corporation quoted and paid for without their help. If the report attaches the policy but not the breakdown, ask for it; commissions have historically run at around 20% of the premium, according to industry reporting in November 2025. The Productivity and Equality Commission's review, delivered on 27 February 2026, found a move to fee-for-service could produce more than $300 million in net benefits over 15 years. The Owners Corporation Network backed a ban on 24 March 2026, but as of that date no government decision had been published, so the disclosure rules are what you can rely on.",{"type":111,"tag":112,"props":378,"children":379},{},[380,385],{"type":111,"tag":350,"props":381,"children":382},{},[383],{"type":116,"value":384},"Defects.",{"type":116,"value":386}," The report should show any building bond claim, Building Commission NSW orders and litigation. For buildings registered since 2018, the 2025 Strata Defects Survey by Building Commission NSW and SCA NSW gives you the base rate: 53% of the 520 buildings surveyed had a serious defect, consistent with 2023. Buildings registered from 2022 to 2024 had waterproofing defects in 22% of cases against 52% for 2018 to 2021 registrations, and fire safety defects in 16% against 32%. A 2019 building with a clean report deserves a second look at its minutes.",{"type":111,"tag":112,"props":388,"children":389},{},[390,395],{"type":111,"tag":350,"props":391,"children":392},{},[393],{"type":116,"value":394},"The strata information certificate.",{"type":116,"value":396}," The section 184 certificate your conveyancer orders must now include any exclusive supply network (an embedded network for electricity, hot water or internet), any Fair Trading orders or compliance actions against the owners corporation, and meetings held and upcoming. Since 1 July 2025 new utility contracts expire at the first AGM or after 3 years.",{"type":111,"tag":112,"props":398,"children":399},{},[400,405],{"type":111,"tag":350,"props":401,"children":402},{},[403],{"type":116,"value":404},"Manager and building manager agreements.",{"type":116,"value":406}," A strata management agreement is capped at 3 years, or 12 months if signed at the first AGM. Since 27 October 2025 building managers must act in the scheme's interest, flag repairs and safety issues, and disclose any benefit from a contract they recommend, and the Tribunal can terminate the agreement if they act unlawfully. A 10-year caretaker agreement inherited from the developer is still a red flag.",{"type":111,"tag":112,"props":408,"children":409},{},[410,415],{"type":111,"tag":350,"props":411,"children":412},{},[413],{"type":116,"value":414},"By-laws.",{"type":116,"value":416}," Check for a pet by-law (a blanket ban is invalid; see the FAQ), a by-law banning solar or EV charging on appearance grounds (unenforceable since 1 July 2025 outside heritage buildings), a short-stay by-law, and any common property rights by-law giving someone exclusive use of a courtyard or car space you assumed came with the lot.",{"type":111,"tag":124,"props":418,"children":420},{"id":419},"the-questions-to-ask-before-you-exchange",[421],{"type":116,"value":422},"The questions to ask before you exchange",{"type":111,"tag":112,"props":424,"children":425},{},[426],{"type":116,"value":427},"Each of these now has a documented answer.",{"type":111,"tag":429,"props":430,"children":431},"ol",{},[432,438,443,448,453,458,463],{"type":111,"tag":433,"props":434,"children":435},"li",{},[436],{"type":116,"value":437},"Has the capital works fund plan been reviewed on the standard form since 1 April 2026, and what does the fund hold against the next three years of works?",{"type":111,"tag":433,"props":439,"children":440},{},[441],{"type":116,"value":442},"How many owners are on payment plans?",{"type":111,"tag":433,"props":444,"children":445},{},[446],{"type":116,"value":447},"Can I see the insurance quote breakdown, and the sum insured against a recent valuation?",{"type":111,"tag":433,"props":449,"children":450},{},[451],{"type":116,"value":452},"Has Fair Trading issued any order or compliance notice to the owners corporation?",{"type":111,"tag":433,"props":454,"children":455},{},[456],{"type":116,"value":457},"Is there an embedded network, when does it end, and what does power or hot water cost per lot?",{"type":111,"tag":433,"props":459,"children":460},{},[461],{"type":116,"value":462},"For an apartment building over 3 storeys registered since 2018: was a bond lodged, and was any of it claimed?",{"type":111,"tag":433,"props":464,"children":465},{},[466],{"type":116,"value":467},"When did the scheme last complete Strata Hub reporting? A scheme more than 3 months past its AGM without reporting faces fines of up to $5,500.",{"type":111,"tag":112,"props":469,"children":470},{},[471,473,480],{"type":116,"value":472},"If you are weighing an apartment against a house, the ",{"type":111,"tag":474,"props":475,"children":477},"a",{"href":476},"/blog/houses-versus-units-australia-2026-price-gap-closing",[478],{"type":116,"value":479},"house-versus-unit price gap",{"type":116,"value":481}," has narrowed since May 2026; that changes the arithmetic, not the due diligence.",{"type":111,"tag":124,"props":483,"children":485},{"id":484},"buying-new-bonds-decennial-insurance-and-building-commission-nsw",[486],{"type":116,"value":487},"Buying new: bonds, decennial insurance and Building Commission NSW",{"type":111,"tag":112,"props":489,"children":490},{},[491,496],{"type":111,"tag":350,"props":492,"children":493},{},[494],{"type":116,"value":495},"The first levy is now certified.",{"type":116,"value":497}," For new schemes of 3 or more storeys, the developer must engage an independent quantity surveyor (accredited by the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors or the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, with no family, employment or financial link to the developer) to certify that the initial maintenance schedule uses the standard form and the first levy estimate matches expected spending, 14 days before the first AGM. Penalties run to $11,000 for an individual and $55,000 for a company. This targets the artificially low first-year levy that made an off-the-plan apartment look cheap until the second AGM.",{"type":111,"tag":112,"props":499,"children":500},{},[501,506],{"type":111,"tag":350,"props":502,"children":503},{},[504],{"type":116,"value":505},"The building bond stays at 2%.",{"type":116,"value":507}," A developer of a new apartment building that is not covered by home building compensation insurance, in practice a building over 3 storeys, lodges a bond of 2% of the contract price with the Secretary before the occupation certificate; an independent inspector reports on defects and the bond pays for what the developer does not fix. On 26 June 2026 Building Commission NSW deferred the planned increase to 3%, to 1 July 2028, by amending the Strata Schemes Management Regulation 2016.",{"type":111,"tag":112,"props":509,"children":510},{},[511,516],{"type":111,"tag":350,"props":512,"children":513},{},[514],{"type":116,"value":515},"Decennial liability insurance is real but thin.",{"type":116,"value":517}," DLI is a 10-year, first-resort policy on the structure, fire safety systems and waterproofing of a building over 3 storeys, taken out by the developer instead of the bond. The Act that commenced on 20 August 2026 widened what it must respond to, from a \"serious defect\" to a \"relevant defect\", which in summary means non-compliance with the Building Code of Australia, Australian Standards or the approved plans that causes, or is likely to cause, damage or a risk of death or serious injury. As at 28 August 2026, Building Commission NSW's list of acceptable policies held one product, from Resilience Insurance Pty Ltd; Holding Redlich reported on 19 August that two more insurers had products under review. A regulatory impact statement released in 2023 sought feedback on making DLI mandatory, but that is not law. If a developer says the building is \"insured for 10 years\", ask for the policy name and check it against the Commission's list.",{"type":111,"tag":112,"props":519,"children":520},{},[521,526,528,534,536,542],{"type":111,"tag":350,"props":522,"children":523},{},[524],{"type":116,"value":525},"Statutory warranties have not changed.",{"type":116,"value":527}," Under the Home Building Act 1989 you have 6 years from completion to claim for a major defect (structure, fire safety, waterproofing) and 2 years for anything else, with an extra 6 months if the defect surfaces in the last 6 months of the period. For a strata scheme, completion is the date of the occupation certificate, so a resale in a building completed in 2020 is at or past the end of its major-defect warranty. Our guide to ",{"type":111,"tag":474,"props":529,"children":531},{"href":530},"/blog/buying-off-the-plan-australia-2026-risks-rewards-tax-advantage",[532],{"type":116,"value":533},"buying off the plan in 2026",{"type":116,"value":535}," covers sunset clauses and tax, and the checks in our ",{"type":111,"tag":474,"props":537,"children":539},{"href":538},"/blog/builder-insolvency-2026-house-and-land-due-diligence",[540],{"type":116,"value":541},"builder insolvency guide",{"type":116,"value":543}," apply to an apartment developer's builder too.",{"type":111,"tag":112,"props":545,"children":546},{},[547,552],{"type":111,"tag":350,"props":548,"children":549},{},[550],{"type":116,"value":551},"Building Commission NSW's powers widened.",{"type":116,"value":553}," The same 2026 Act stops private certifiers escaping disciplinary action by surrendering their registration, and lets both regulators refuse applications or cancel licences obtained through misrepresentation, error or invalid qualifications. Most of the Act's provisions commence on proclamation.",{"type":111,"tag":124,"props":555,"children":557},{"id":556},"the-costs-in-2026-levies-insurance-and-fees",[558],{"type":116,"value":559},"The costs in 2026: levies, insurance and fees",{"type":111,"tag":112,"props":561,"children":562},{},[563],{"type":116,"value":564},"No agency publishes an average NSW strata levy, and the per-quarter ranges on strata company websites are marketing, so this guide does not quote one. Nor is there a published average strata insurance premium per lot that stands up to checking. These four are documented.",{"type":111,"tag":136,"props":566,"children":567},{},[568,589],{"type":111,"tag":140,"props":569,"children":570},{},[571],{"type":111,"tag":144,"props":572,"children":573},{},[574,579,584],{"type":111,"tag":148,"props":575,"children":576},{},[577],{"type":116,"value":578},"Cost",{"type":111,"tag":148,"props":580,"children":581},{},[582],{"type":116,"value":583},"Figure",{"type":111,"tag":148,"props":585,"children":586},{},[587],{"type":116,"value":588},"Source and date",{"type":111,"tag":164,"props":590,"children":591},{},[592,610,628,646],{"type":111,"tag":144,"props":593,"children":594},{},[595,600,605],{"type":111,"tag":171,"props":596,"children":597},{},[598],{"type":116,"value":599},"Emergency Services Levy on a household policy",{"type":111,"tag":171,"props":601,"children":602},{},[603],{"type":116,"value":604},"Up to 18% of the premium before GST and stamp duty; levy up 54% in six years",{"type":111,"tag":171,"props":606,"children":607},{},[608],{"type":116,"value":609},"ABC News citing the Insurance Council of Australia, 4 August 2026",{"type":111,"tag":144,"props":611,"children":612},{},[613,618,623],{"type":111,"tag":171,"props":614,"children":615},{},[616],{"type":116,"value":617},"Strata records inspection by a buyer's search agent",{"type":111,"tag":171,"props":619,"children":620},{},[621],{"type":116,"value":622},"$60 for the first hour, $30 each half hour after",{"type":111,"tag":171,"props":624,"children":625},{},[626],{"type":116,"value":627},"NSW Fair Trading, from 1 July 2025",{"type":111,"tag":144,"props":629,"children":630},{},[631,636,641],{"type":111,"tag":171,"props":632,"children":633},{},[634],{"type":116,"value":635},"Strata Hub annual reporting",{"type":111,"tag":171,"props":637,"children":638},{},[639],{"type":116,"value":640},"$3 per lot, due within 3 months of the AGM",{"type":111,"tag":171,"props":642,"children":643},{},[644],{"type":116,"value":645},"NSW Fair Trading, updated 25 August 2026",{"type":111,"tag":144,"props":647,"children":648},{},[649,654,659],{"type":111,"tag":171,"props":650,"children":651},{},[652],{"type":116,"value":653},"Interest on overdue levies",{"type":111,"tag":171,"props":655,"children":656},{},[657],{"type":116,"value":658},"10% a year from one month after the due date",{"type":111,"tag":171,"props":660,"children":661},{},[662],{"type":116,"value":663},"NSW Fair Trading, updated 27 October 2025",{"type":111,"tag":112,"props":665,"children":666},{},[667,669,675],{"type":116,"value":668},"The insurance picture is two-speed: broker outlooks in 2026 describe claim-free, well-maintained buildings getting relief while schemes with unresolved defects, cladding or stale valuations do not, so an average would tell you little about the building in front of you. The Emergency Services Levy is the variable to watch. The Premier has committed since 2023 to replacing it with a property-based levy, a parliamentary select committee reports later in 2026, the election is in March 2027, and Treasury modelling reported by the ABC puts the saving for an average insured household at $308 a year. Until then it sits inside every strata premium, and our guide to the ",{"type":111,"tag":474,"props":670,"children":672},{"href":671},"/blog/home-insurance-affordability-crisis-australia-2026-what-buyers-need-to-know",[673],{"type":116,"value":674},"home insurance affordability crisis",{"type":116,"value":676}," explains why standalone houses are moving faster.",{"type":111,"tag":112,"props":678,"children":679},{},[680],{"type":116,"value":681},"On levies, a suspiciously low first-year levy on a 2026 registration is now a compliance question rather than a sales tactic. If the capital works plan and the fund balance do not reconcile, the levy you are quoted is not the levy you will pay.",{"type":111,"tag":124,"props":683,"children":685},{"id":684},"frequently-asked-questions",[686],{"type":116,"value":687},"Frequently asked questions",{"type":111,"tag":689,"props":690,"children":692},"h3",{"id":691},"can-i-get-out-of-the-contract-if-the-strata-report-is-bad",[693],{"type":116,"value":694},"Can I get out of the contract if the strata report is bad?",{"type":111,"tag":112,"props":696,"children":697},{},[698],{"type":116,"value":699},"Only within the cooling-off period, or if the contract gives you a condition. For a private treaty sale in NSW you have 5 business days from exchange (10 business days for an off-the-plan contract), ending at 5pm on the last day, and withdrawing costs 0.25% of the purchase price ($2,500 on a $1 million apartment). There is no cooling-off period at auction or on auction day after a pass-in, and a section 66W certificate waives it at a private sale. So order the strata report before exchange.",{"type":111,"tag":689,"props":701,"children":703},{"id":702},"are-pets-allowed-in-nsw-strata-by-default",[704],{"type":116,"value":705},"Are pets allowed in NSW strata by default?",{"type":111,"tag":112,"props":707,"children":708},{},[709],{"type":116,"value":710},"Effectively yes. A by-law that bans all pets is invalid, and Fair Trading's guidance (updated 22 June 2026) says bans based on size, type or number will not be valid in most circumstances. An owners corporation can only refuse an animal that causes unreasonable interference: persistent noise, attacks, damage, a health risk or odour, or a dog declared dangerous or restricted under the Companion Animals Act 1998.",{"type":111,"tag":689,"props":712,"children":714},{"id":713},"does-the-new-committee-training-affect-me-as-a-buyer",[715],{"type":116,"value":716},"Does the new committee training affect me as a buyer?",{"type":111,"tag":112,"props":718,"children":719},{},[720],{"type":116,"value":721},"Indirectly. From 1 October 2026 anyone appointed or re-elected to a strata committee must complete Fair Trading's free one-hour online course within 3 months or automatically cease to be a member. Members appointed before that date are not caught until their next appointment. Over a year or two it should raise the floor on decisions about budgets and repairs.",{"type":111,"tag":689,"props":723,"children":725},{"id":724},"does-the-3-building-bond-apply-to-a-building-i-buy-in-2026",[726],{"type":116,"value":727},"Does the 3% building bond apply to a building I buy in 2026?",{"type":111,"tag":112,"props":729,"children":730},{},[731],{"type":116,"value":732},"No. The bond is 2% for any building whose bond is lodged before 1 July 2028. Nor does decennial liability insurance cover a building unless the developer chose it instead of the bond, and only one policy was on Building Commission NSW's list at 28 August 2026.",{"type":111,"tag":124,"props":734,"children":736},{"id":735},"what-to-do-now",[737],{"type":116,"value":738},"What to do now",{"type":111,"tag":112,"props":740,"children":741},{},[742],{"type":116,"value":743},"Order the strata report before you exchange and read it against the April 2026 changes, not the pre-reform template. Check the capital works plan is on the standard form. Ask for the insurance quote breakdown. Search the scheme on the public Strata Hub and note the AGM and reporting dates. For a building registered since 2018, ask about the bond and the inspection reports. If the building is older, three years of AGM minutes will tell you more than the report's summary page: search them for waterproofing, cladding, rectification, bond and special levy.",{"type":111,"tag":112,"props":745,"children":746},{},[747,749,755,757,763],{"type":116,"value":748},"Buyers who want that work done professionally can use ",{"type":111,"tag":474,"props":750,"children":752},{"href":751},"/buyer-agent-match",[753],{"type":116,"value":754},"GoMatch",{"type":116,"value":756}," to find a buyer's agent who reads strata records for a living; our ",{"type":111,"tag":474,"props":758,"children":760},{"href":759},"/blog/find-buyer-agent-sydney-guide",[761],{"type":116,"value":762},"guide to finding a buyer's agent in Sydney",{"type":116,"value":764}," explains what to look for. The reforms have made the paperwork more honest. They have not made reading it optional.",{"type":111,"tag":766,"props":767,"children":768},"hr",{},[],{"type":111,"tag":689,"props":770,"children":772},{"id":771},"sources",[773],{"type":116,"value":774},"Sources",{"type":111,"tag":429,"props":776,"children":777},{},[778,783,788,793,798,803,808,813,818,823,828,833,838,843,848,853,858,863,868,873,878,883,888,893],{"type":111,"tag":433,"props":779,"children":780},{},[781],{"type":116,"value":782},"NSW Fair Trading, \"Changes to strata laws\", updated 25 August 2026.",{"type":111,"tag":433,"props":784,"children":785},{},[786],{"type":116,"value":787},"NSW Fair Trading, \"Guide to strata law changes for strata committees and owners\", updated 25 August 2026.",{"type":111,"tag":433,"props":789,"children":790},{},[791],{"type":116,"value":792},"NSW Fair Trading, \"Strata committee training\", accessed 7 September 2026.",{"type":111,"tag":433,"props":794,"children":795},{},[796],{"type":116,"value":797},"NSW Fair Trading, \"Strata annual reporting\" (updated 25 August 2026) and \"Strata Hub\" (updated 10 August 2026).",{"type":111,"tag":433,"props":799,"children":800},{},[801],{"type":116,"value":802},"NSW Fair Trading, \"Help if you can't pay your strata levies\", updated 27 October 2025.",{"type":111,"tag":433,"props":804,"children":805},{},[806],{"type":116,"value":807},"NSW Fair Trading, \"Pets\" (strata living), updated 22 June 2026.",{"type":111,"tag":433,"props":809,"children":810},{},[811],{"type":116,"value":812},"NSW Fair Trading, \"Contracts and deposits when buying property in NSW\" and \"Buying property off the plan\", accessed 7 September 2026.",{"type":111,"tag":433,"props":814,"children":815},{},[816],{"type":116,"value":817},"Building Commission NSW, \"Ten-year defect insurance for apartment buildings\", updated 28 August 2026.",{"type":111,"tag":433,"props":819,"children":820},{},[821],{"type":116,"value":822},"Building Commission NSW, \"Update on amendments to building regulations\", 26 June 2026.",{"type":111,"tag":433,"props":824,"children":825},{},[826],{"type":116,"value":827},"Building Commission NSW, \"Strata Building Bond and Inspections Scheme\", accessed 7 September 2026.",{"type":111,"tag":433,"props":829,"children":830},{},[831],{"type":116,"value":832},"Building Commission NSW and Strata Community Association NSW, \"Strata Defects Research Report 2025\", including the 2025 Strata Defects Survey infographic, published 1 November 2025.",{"type":111,"tag":433,"props":834,"children":835},{},[836],{"type":116,"value":837},"NSW legislation, Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 No 50, sections 50 and 85 and Part 11, current version, accessed 7 September 2026.",{"type":111,"tag":433,"props":839,"children":840},{},[841],{"type":116,"value":842},"NSW legislation, Home Building Act 1989 No 147, sections 3C and 18E, current version, accessed 7 September 2026.",{"type":111,"tag":433,"props":844,"children":845},{},[846],{"type":116,"value":847},"NSW legislation, Strata Managing Agents Legislation Amendment Act 2024 No 65 and Strata Schemes Legislation Amendment Act 2025 No 14, accessed 7 September 2026.",{"type":111,"tag":433,"props":849,"children":850},{},[851],{"type":116,"value":852},"NSW Government, ministerial release, \"Strata and Property Taskforce delivers 'high-rise' in compliance during first year\", 5 July 2026.",{"type":111,"tag":433,"props":854,"children":855},{},[856],{"type":116,"value":857},"NSW Government, ministerial release, \"Minns Labor Government lays final legislative groundwork for 10-year defects insurance for apartment buildings\", 6 August 2026.",{"type":111,"tag":433,"props":859,"children":860},{},[861],{"type":116,"value":862},"NSW Government, ministerial release, \"New legislation to improve confidence in building, property and conveyancing sector\", 5 February 2026.",{"type":111,"tag":433,"props":864,"children":865},{},[866],{"type":116,"value":867},"NSW Productivity and Equality Commission, \"Review of market impacts of prohibiting strata managers from accepting commissions and other conflicted remuneration\", report delivered 27 February 2026, page updated 24 March 2026.",{"type":111,"tag":433,"props":869,"children":870},{},[871],{"type":116,"value":872},"Strata Community Association NSW, \"Submission on draft guidelines for mandatory strata committee member training\", 23 February 2026.",{"type":111,"tag":433,"props":874,"children":875},{},[876],{"type":116,"value":877},"Owners Corporation Network, \"Strata owners back call to ban conflicted payments following landmark report\", 24 March 2026.",{"type":111,"tag":433,"props":879,"children":880},{},[881],{"type":116,"value":882},"Holding Redlich, \"A step closer to decennial liability insurance\", 19 August 2026.",{"type":111,"tag":433,"props":884,"children":885},{},[886],{"type":116,"value":887},"Kreisson, \"The Pulse\", 20 August 2026.",{"type":111,"tag":433,"props":889,"children":890},{},[891],{"type":116,"value":892},"ABC News, \"Calls to scrap NSW emergency services levy as insurance costs rise\", 4 August 2026.",{"type":111,"tag":433,"props":894,"children":895},{},[896],{"type":116,"value":897},"LookUpStrata, \"NSW review of strata insurance commissions\", 24 November 2025.",{"title":91,"searchDepth":899,"depth":899,"links":900},2,[901,902,903,904,905,906,912],{"id":126,"depth":899,"text":129},{"id":342,"depth":899,"text":345},{"id":419,"depth":899,"text":422},{"id":484,"depth":899,"text":487},{"id":556,"depth":899,"text":559},{"id":684,"depth":899,"text":687,"children":907},[908,909,910,911],{"id":691,"depth":81,"text":694},{"id":702,"depth":81,"text":705},{"id":713,"depth":81,"text":716},{"id":724,"depth":81,"text":727},{"id":735,"depth":899,"text":738,"children":913},[914],{"id":771,"depth":81,"text":774},"markdown","content:blog:84.nsw-strata-law-reforms-2026-what-apartment-buyers-need-to-know.md","content","blog/84.nsw-strata-law-reforms-2026-what-apartment-buyers-need-to-know.md","blog/84.nsw-strata-law-reforms-2026-what-apartment-buyers-need-to-know","md",{"loc":88},[923,925,938,949,958,970,978,986,995,1001,1010,1016,1023,1033,1040,1049,1056,1065,1072,1079,1086,1093,1100,1110,1117,1126,1135,1143,1152,1161,1170,1178,1185,1194,1203,1211,1219,1229,1239,1248,1255,1263,1269,1275,1282,1290,1297,1304,1311,1318,1327,1340,1348,1355,1363,1371,1378,1387,1402,1409,1419,1431,1439,1446,1454,1461,1469,1477,1484,1491,1499,1506,1513,1521,1528,1535,1542,1549,1556,1563,1570,1577,1584,1591,1598,1605],{"_path":88,"title":92,"description":93,"image":94,"date":95,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":924,"category":105,"reading_time":106},[99,100,101,102,103,104],{"_path":926,"title":927,"description":928,"image":929,"date":930,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":931,"category":936,"reading_time":937},"/blog/rentvesting-in-2026-buy-where-you-can-afford-live-where-you-want","Rentvesting in 2026: Buy Where You Can Afford, Live Where You Want","Rentvesting in 2026 meets a 1 July 2027 tax reform, an owner-occupier-only 5% deposit scheme and 6.4% investor rates. A worked $650,000 example does the sums.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1585698756692-51ad97f03a4a?q=80&auto=format","2026-09-17",[932,933,934,104,935],"rentvesting","property-investment","first-home-buyer","affordability","Property Investment","12 min read",{"_path":939,"title":940,"description":941,"image":942,"date":943,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":944,"category":948,"reading_time":937},"/blog/should-you-buy-now-or-wait-2026-market-trends-explained","Should You Buy Now or Wait? The 2026 Market Explained","National values are 3.6% below peak, but a couple's borrowing power fell $71,600. A decision framework for buying in 2026, with the cost of waiting worked out.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1772325482422-55bc8dd65662?q=80&auto=format","2026-09-16",[945,946,104,947,934],"market-analysis","buying-guide","interest-rates","Market Analysis",{"_path":950,"title":951,"description":952,"image":953,"date":954,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":955,"category":948,"reading_time":957},"/blog/top-10-suburbs-to-buy-property-australia-2026","Top 10 Suburbs to Buy Property in Australia in 2026, by the Data","Ten suburbs that pass a repeatable screen of sales depth, yield, five-year growth, rail access and bushfire exposure while national values fell 0.9% in August.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1772326281137-b617cbf77c5f?q=80&auto=format","2026-09-15",[956,945,946,104,933],"suburbs","14 min read",{"_path":959,"title":960,"description":961,"image":962,"date":963,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":964,"category":969,"reading_time":937},"/blog/top-10-buyers-agents-qld-2026","Top 10 Most Reviewed Buyer's Agents in Queensland (2026)","Queensland's ten most-reviewed buyer's agents, ranked by Google review count on their PropertyGo profiles as at 7 September 2026, from 565 reviews down to 184.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1548661625-a30d197ce439?q=80&auto=format","2026-09-14",[965,966,967,968,104],"buyer-agents","qld","reviews","property-professionals","Buyer Agent Reviews",{"_path":971,"title":972,"description":973,"image":974,"date":975,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":976,"category":969,"reading_time":937},"/blog/top-10-buyers-agents-vic-2026","Top 10 Most Reviewed Buyer's Agents in Victoria (2026)","Victoria's ten most reviewed buyer's agents on PropertyGo as at 7 September 2026, from 506 Google reviews down, plus how to check a licence and compare fees.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1624324969215-7ddb79ad73c9?q=80&auto=format","2026-09-13",[965,977,967,968,104],"vic",{"_path":979,"title":980,"description":981,"image":982,"date":983,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":984,"category":969,"reading_time":985},"/blog/top-10-buyers-agents-nsw-2026","Top 10 Most Reviewed Buyer's Agents in NSW (2026)","The ten NSW buyer's agencies with the most Google reviews on PropertyGo as at 7 September 2026, 2,840 between them, plus fee, licence and conflict checks.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1772325935870-55c544250ad6?q=80&auto=format","2026-09-12",[965,100,967,968,104],"11 min read",{"_path":987,"title":988,"description":989,"image":990,"date":991,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":992,"category":993,"reading_time":994},"/blog/where-first-home-buyers-can-still-afford-to-buy-nsw-2026","Where First Home Buyers Can Still Afford to Buy in NSW in 2026","Sydney's median house is $1,494,878, yet 24 Sydney suburbs, 68 coastal and 54 regional NSW suburbs still sit under first home buyer price lines. Mapped for 2026","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1720175356041-6b1c963e0075?q=80&auto=format","2026-09-11",[934,100,956,935,104],"First Home Buyers","19 min read",{"_path":996,"title":997,"description":998,"image":999,"date":991,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1000,"category":948,"reading_time":957},"/blog/newcastle-property-hotspots-2026-suburbs-to-watch","Newcastle Property in 2026: Five Suburbs the Data Says to Watch","28 of 90 Newcastle and Hunter suburbs now have a $1 million median house price, and values fell 2.8% over winter. Five suburbs under $850,000 pass the screen.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1729581203722-e728a5ccf5d5?q=80&auto=format",[50,100,956,945,933,104],{"_path":1002,"title":1003,"description":1004,"image":1005,"date":1006,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1007,"category":105,"reading_time":1009},"/blog/flood-risk-property-due-diligence-australia-2026","How to Check Flood Risk Before Buying a House in Australia","Insurers rate your address for flood risk before you ever see the house. How to check flood risk before you buy, plus what sellers must disclose in each state.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1700527904677-e344ee9fbe05?q=80&auto=format","2026-09-10",[102,946,1008,103,104],"property-guides","16 min read",{"_path":476,"title":1011,"description":1012,"image":1013,"date":1014,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1015,"category":948,"reading_time":106},"Houses Versus Units 2026: The Price Gap Peaked in May","The capital city house premium hit 53.5% in May 2026 and fell to 50.2% by August. What that $34,256 shift changes about your next buying decision.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1661322566204-61dc5b2955ad?q=80&auto=format","2026-09-09",[945,946,935,102,104],{"_path":1017,"title":1018,"description":1019,"image":1020,"date":1021,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1022,"category":105,"reading_time":957},"/blog/payment-redirection-scams-property-settlement-australia-2026","Payment Redirection Scams at Settlement: 2026 Buyer Guide","Payment redirection scams cost Australians $166.8 million in 2025. The verification steps that protect your deposit at settlement, and who pays when nobody runs them.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1614064548237-096f735f344f?q=80&auto=format","2026-09-08",[102,946,1008,934,104],{"_path":1024,"title":1025,"description":1026,"image":1027,"date":1028,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1029,"category":1032,"reading_time":106},"/blog/apra-debt-to-income-cap-2026-what-it-means-for-buyers","APRA's 6x Debt-to-Income Cap: It Limits Your Bank, Not You","10.8% of new investor loans are already at 6x income or more. What counts in your debt-to-income ratio under APRA's 2026 cap, and the fastest ways to cut it.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1599617490130-e178539d4f4f?q=80&auto=format","2026-09-07",[103,1030,933,1031,104],"home-loans","finance","Policy Analysis",{"_path":1034,"title":1035,"description":1036,"image":1037,"date":1038,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1039,"category":993,"reading_time":1009},"/blog/negative-equity-2026-five-percent-deposit-buyers-australia","Negative Equity in Australia 2026: The 5% Deposit Risk","How far can prices fall before a 5% deposit buyer is underwater? On paper 6.1%, in practice 2.6%. The negative equity arithmetic for Australia's scheme buyers.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1758523418820-a492bf647c63?q=80&auto=format","2026-09-06",[934,1030,945,104,935],{"_path":1041,"title":1042,"description":1043,"image":1044,"date":1045,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1046,"category":936,"reading_time":1048},"/blog/land-tax-australia-2026-state-by-state-holding-costs","The Holding Cost Nobody Budgets For: Land Tax by State in 2026","Land tax thresholds run from $50,000 in Victoria to $1,075,000 in NSW, and the Northern Territory has none. A state-by-state guide for Australian property buyers.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1631557777232-a2632ae3c67d?q=80&auto=format","2026-09-05",[933,103,1047,104,102],"investment-strategies","10 min read",{"_path":538,"title":1050,"description":1051,"image":1052,"date":1053,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1054,"category":105,"reading_time":985},"If Your Builder Goes Under: Due Diligence Before You Sign a Build Contract in 2026","A record 3,490 construction firms failed in one year and costs are rising again. What home warranty insurance covers, what it does not, and how to vet a builder.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1785585508606-36e0b82f4887?q=80&auto=format","2026-09-04",[1008,102,1055,946,104],"new-builds",{"_path":1057,"title":1058,"description":1059,"image":1060,"date":1061,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1062,"category":105,"reading_time":985},"/blog/buying-withdrawn-passed-in-stale-listings-australia-2026","The Homes Nobody Bought: How to Buy Withdrawn, Passed-In and Stale Listings","One in five auctions was withdrawn in June 2026 and clearance sits in the forties. The unsold stock is where buyer leverage lives, if you know how to find it.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1579678929710-862f8e01c0b2?q=80&auto=format","2026-09-03",[1008,946,1063,1064,104],"negotiation","auction-clearance",{"_path":1066,"title":1067,"description":1068,"image":1069,"date":1070,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1071,"category":105,"reading_time":985},"/blog/trading-up-falling-market-2026-bridging-loans-low-valuations","Trading Up in a Falling Market: Bridging Loans, Low Valuations and the Order You Do It In","Upper quartile values fell 3.2% in three months while entry-level homes rose. For upgraders that is a discount, if you survive the bridging finance and the valuation.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1600725935160-f67ee4f6084a?q=80&auto=format","2026-09-02",[1008,946,1030,104,102],{"_path":1073,"title":1074,"description":1075,"image":1076,"date":1077,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1078,"category":1032,"reading_time":1048},"/blog/underquoting-laws-2026-nsw-victoria-what-buyers-need-to-know","The Underquoting Crackdown: What the 2026 Laws Change for Property Buyers","NSW lifts underquoting penalties to $110,000 and Victoria forces reserve prices into the open a week before auction. What the 2026 reforms mean for buyers.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1725379448168-e33c5e09d47e?q=80&auto=format","2026-09-01",[103,1064,946,102,1008],{"_path":1080,"title":1081,"description":1082,"image":1083,"date":1084,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1085,"category":948,"reading_time":985},"/blog/borrowing-capacity-2026-rate-hikes-what-you-can-borrow","Borrowing Capacity in 2026: Why Cheaper Houses Are Not Making Buying Easier","Three RBA hikes took the cash rate to 4.35% and stripped tens of thousands from buyer budgets. What Australians can actually borrow in 2026, and how to protect it.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1554224155-6726b3ff858f?q=80&auto=format","2026-08-31",[945,1030,934,104,946],{"_path":1087,"title":1088,"description":1089,"image":1090,"date":1091,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1092,"category":1032,"reading_time":1048},"/blog/aml-id-checks-property-buyers-australia-2026","New ID Checks on Every Property Purchase: What Australia's 2026 AML Rules Mean for Buyers","From 1 July 2026, agents, conveyancers and buyer's agents must verify your identity and source of funds on every property purchase. Here is what buyers need.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1454496406107-dc34337da8d6?q=80&auto=format","2026-08-30",[103,102,946,1008,104],{"_path":1094,"title":1095,"description":1096,"image":1097,"date":1098,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1099,"category":105,"reading_time":985},"/blog/five-market-signals-every-property-buyer-should-read","Five Market Signals Every Property Buyer Should Learn to Read","Property market signals explained for Australian buyers: how to read auction clearance rates, listings, days on market, vendor discounts and yields.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1551288049-bebda4e38f71?q=80&auto=format","2026-08-12",[1008,945,946,102,1064],{"_path":1101,"title":1102,"description":1103,"image":1104,"date":1105,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1106,"category":1032,"reading_time":985},"/blog/short-stay-rules-australia-2026-airbnb-levy-property-investors","Short-Stay Rules in 2026: What the Airbnb Crackdown Means for Property Investors","Short-stay rules in 2026, state by state: Victoria's 7.5% levy, NSW's 180-day cap, WA's register, Hobart's crackdown, and the investor maths compared.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1763382737724-74f4a01ca817?q=80&auto=format","2026-08-11",[1107,1108,933,103,1109],"short-term-rental","short-stay-levy","rental-income",{"_path":1111,"title":1112,"description":1113,"image":1114,"date":1115,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1116,"category":948,"reading_time":985},"/blog/melbourne-best-value-capital-city-2026","Is Melbourne Australia's Best-Value Capital City in 2026?","Is Melbourne Australia's best-value capital city in 2026? We weigh the Sydney price gap, investor exit, land tax, concessions and forecasts for buyers.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1758382850717-8dcb01bd1fc0?q=80&auto=format","2026-08-10",[14,104,935,933,945],{"_path":1118,"title":1119,"description":1120,"image":1121,"date":1122,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1123,"category":936,"reading_time":985},"/blog/investor-exodus-2026-what-landlords-selling-means-buyers-renters","Landlords Are Selling: What the 2026 Investor Exodus Means for Buyers and Renters","Investor exodus 2026: why landlords are selling, what ex-rental stock means for buyers, and what 1.3% vacancy and 5.9% rent growth mean for renters.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1643804926339-e94f0a655185?q=80&auto=format","2026-08-09",[933,1124,1125,104,934],"rental-market","negative-gearing",{"_path":1127,"title":1128,"description":1129,"image":1130,"date":1131,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1132,"category":948,"reading_time":985},"/blog/regional-property-boom-splitting-2026-where-values-still-rising","The Regional Property Boom Is Splitting: Where Values Are Still Rising in 2026","The regional property boom is splitting in 2026: Cotality data shows regional NSW, VIC and QLD cooling while regional SA and WA values are still rising.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1783427118514-38389319a8ee?q=80&auto=format","2026-08-08",[1133,104,945,1134,933],"regional-property","lifestyle-buyers",{"_path":1136,"title":1137,"description":1138,"image":1139,"date":1140,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1141,"category":993,"reading_time":985},"/blog/two-speed-property-market-australia-2026-entry-level-rising","Australia's Two-Speed Property Market: Why Entry-Level Homes Keep Rising in 2026","Australia's two-speed property market explained: why entry-level homes keep rising in 2026 while the top end falls, and how first home buyers can respond.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1772326530280-55f4ded4e23c?q=80&auto=format","2026-08-07",[104,934,1142,935,945],"first-home-guarantee",{"_path":1144,"title":1145,"description":1146,"image":1147,"date":1148,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1149,"category":948,"reading_time":985},"/blog/buying-in-a-falling-market-australia-2026-buyers-guide","Buying in a Falling Market: How to Use Australia's 2026 Downturn to Your Advantage","Buying in a falling market in 2026: what Cotality's July data shows, how to price off recent sales, negotiate conditions back in and win passed-in homes.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1760129745103-91c4022ed5fb?q=80&auto=format","2026-08-06",[104,1150,946,1063,1151],"market-downturn","buyers-agent",{"_path":1153,"title":1154,"description":1155,"image":1156,"date":1157,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1158,"category":936,"reading_time":985},"/blog/granny-flats-second-dwellings-australia-2026-add-value-income","Granny Flat Rules in 2026: How to Add Value or Rental Income","Granny flat rules explained for 2026: what a secondary dwelling is, NSW size and lot limits, CDC vs DA approval, renting it out, and why rules vary by state.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1763303251296-feb1a07a7dd0?q=80&auto=format","2026-07-06",[1159,1160,933,1109,104],"granny-flat","secondary-dwelling",{"_path":1162,"title":1163,"description":1164,"image":1165,"date":1166,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1167,"category":993,"reading_time":937},"/blog/stamp-duty-explained-australia-2026-state-by-state-first-home-buyer","Stamp Duty in Australia 2026: A State-by-State Guide for Buyers","Stamp duty Australia 2026: a clear state-by-state guide. How transfer duty works, NSW, VIC and QLD first home buyer concessions, and how to estimate yours.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1734328819658-0c3ceef27c46?q=80&auto=format","2026-07-05",[1168,934,1169,1008,104],"stamp-duty","property-costs",{"_path":1171,"title":1172,"description":1173,"image":1174,"date":1175,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1176,"category":105,"reading_time":1048},"/blog/how-to-buy-at-auction-australia-buyers-playbook","How to Buy at Auction in Australia: A Buyer's Playbook","How to buy at auction in Australia: the no cooling-off rule, your 10% deposit, pre-auction homework, what passed in means, and when to use a buyer's agent.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1610165437422-16d6f9b9d063?q=80&auto=format","2026-07-04",[1177,946,1008,1151,934],"property-auction",{"_path":530,"title":1179,"description":1180,"image":1181,"date":1182,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1183,"category":105,"reading_time":1048},"Buying Off the Plan in Australia, 2026: Risks, Rewards and the New-Build Tax Advantage","Buying off the plan in Australia in 2026: the real risks, rewards, Victoria's stamp duty concession and the 2027 new-build negative gearing edge explained.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1485083269755-a7b559a4fe5e?q=80&auto=format","2026-07-03",[1184,1008,1055,933,104],"off-the-plan",{"_path":1186,"title":1187,"description":1188,"image":1189,"date":1190,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1191,"category":993,"reading_time":1048},"/blog/first-home-guarantee-2026-5-percent-deposit-scheme-explained","First Home Guarantee 2026: How to Buy With a 5% Deposit and No LMI","First Home Guarantee 2026 explained: buy with a 5% deposit and no LMI, plus the new no-income-cap and unlimited-places rules, price caps and eligibility.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1580709430621-697349bd4bb9?q=80&auto=format","2026-07-02",[934,1142,1192,1193,104,1008],"5-percent-deposit","government-schemes",{"_path":1195,"title":1196,"description":1197,"image":1198,"date":1199,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1200,"category":993,"reading_time":985},"/blog/co-buying-property-australia-2026-teaming-up-to-beat-affordability","Co-Buying Property in Australia: How to Team Up to Beat Affordability (Without Risking the Friendship)","Co-buying property in Australia is rising fast. Compare ownership structures, the joint liability trap, co-ownership agreements and exit planning first.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1758523671071-4e3c43d055e6?q=80&auto=format","2026-07-01",[1201,935,934,1008,1202],"co-buying","ownership-structures",{"_path":671,"title":1204,"description":1205,"image":1206,"date":1207,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1208,"category":105,"reading_time":1048},"The Home Insurance Affordability Crisis: What Australian Property Buyers Need to Know in 2026","Home insurance affordability in Australia is in crisis in 2026. Premiums up 51%, flood and bushfire risk biting. Check risk and get a quote before you buy.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1657069343999-39722b95f1d8?q=80&auto=format","2026-06-30",[1209,1210,1008,934,102],"home-insurance","climate-risk",{"_path":1212,"title":1213,"description":1214,"image":1215,"date":1216,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1217,"category":936,"reading_time":985},"/blog/build-to-rent-boom-australia-2026-renters-and-buyers","Build-to-Rent Australia Hits $40 Billion: What the 2026 Boom Means for Renters and Buyers","Build-to-rent Australia just passed $40 billion and 51,000 apartments. See what the 2026 BTR boom means for renters chasing security and buyers watching supply.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1534655610770-dd69616f05ff?q=80&auto=format","2026-06-29",[1218,1124,933,101,104],"build-to-rent",{"_path":1220,"title":1221,"description":1222,"image":1223,"date":1224,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1225,"category":948,"reading_time":1048},"/blog/foreign-buyer-ban-extended-2029-what-it-means-for-australian-buyers","Australia's Foreign Buyer Ban Extended to 2029: What It Means for Local Buyers","Australia's foreign buyer ban is now extended to 2029, blocking established-home purchases. See who's captured, who's exempt and what it means for buyers.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1666000346172-8e7e87547d2a?q=80&auto=format","2026-06-28",[1226,1227,1228,934,104],"foreign-investment","policy-analysis","property-market",{"_path":1230,"title":1231,"description":1232,"image":1233,"date":1234,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1235,"category":1032,"reading_time":937},"/blog/negative-gearing-cgt-changes-2026-budget-what-it-means-for-property-buyers","Negative Gearing Changes 2026: What the Budget CGT Reforms Mean for Australian Property Buyers","Negative gearing changes 2026 explained: who's grandfathered, the new CGT discount and 30% minimum tax, and what the 2027 reforms mean for property buyers.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1672886974518-2549f2f98e5a?q=80&auto=format","2026-06-27",[1125,1236,933,1237,1238,945],"capital-gains-tax","tax-reform","2026-budget",{"_path":1240,"title":1241,"description":1242,"image":1243,"date":1244,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1245,"category":105,"reading_time":1247},"/blog/what-does-a-buyers-agent-do-in-australia","What Does a Buyer's Agent Do? A Complete Guide for Australian Property Buyers","Learn exactly what a buyer's agent does in Australia, how they help you purchase property, what services they provide, and why thousands of Australians use them to buy homes and investment properties.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1560518883-ce09059eeffa?q=80&auto=format","2026-04-16",[965,1246,934,968],"property-buying","8 min read",{"_path":1249,"title":1250,"description":1251,"image":1083,"date":1244,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1252,"category":105,"reading_time":1254},"/blog/how-much-does-a-buyers-agent-cost-in-australia","How Much Does a Buyer's Agent Cost in Australia? 2026 Fee Guide","Complete breakdown of buyer's agent fees in Australia for 2026. Understand fixed fees, percentage-based pricing, what's included, and whether the cost is worth it for your property purchase.",[965,1246,1253,968],"fees","7 min read",{"_path":1256,"title":1257,"description":1258,"image":1259,"date":1244,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1260,"category":105,"reading_time":1262},"/blog/do-i-need-a-buyers-agent-to-buy-property-in-australia","Do I Need a Buyer's Agent? When It's Worth It (and When It's Not)","Honest assessment of whether you need a buyer's agent in Australia. We break down the scenarios where a buyer's advocate adds real value and when you can confidently go it alone.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1582407947304-fd86f028f716?q=80&auto=format",[965,1246,934,1261],"advice","6 min read",{"_path":759,"title":1264,"description":1265,"image":1266,"date":1267,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1268,"category":105,"reading_time":1048},"How to Find a Buyer Agent in Sydney: Your Complete 2026 Guide","Find the right buyer agent in Sydney with our comprehensive guide. Compare verified buyers advocates, understand fees, and get matched with local experts across Sydney's competitive property market.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1506973035872-a4ec16b8e8d9?q=80&auto=format&fit=clip","2026-03-20",[965,100,968,934],{"_path":1270,"title":1271,"description":1272,"image":1273,"date":1267,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1274,"category":105,"reading_time":1048},"/blog/find-buyer-agent-melbourne-guide","How to Find a Buyer Agent in Melbourne: Your Complete 2026 Guide","Find the right buyer agent in Melbourne with our comprehensive guide. Compare verified buyers advocates, understand fees, and get expert help navigating Melbourne's auction-heavy property market.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1514395462725-fb4566210144?q=80&auto=format&fit=clip",[965,977,968,934],{"_path":1276,"title":1277,"description":1278,"image":1279,"date":1267,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1280,"category":105,"reading_time":1048},"/blog/find-buyer-agent-brisbane-guide","How to Find a Buyer Agent in Brisbane: Your Complete 2026 Guide","Find the right buyer agent in Brisbane. Compare verified buyers advocates, understand fees, and get expert help navigating Brisbane's fast-growing property market in 2026.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1711080222192-cab50dc56ff6?q=80&auto=format&fit=clip",[965,966,968,1281],"investment",{"_path":1283,"title":1284,"description":1285,"image":1286,"date":1267,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1287,"category":105,"reading_time":1289},"/blog/find-buyer-agent-perth-guide","How to Find a Buyer Agent in Perth: Your Complete 2026 Guide","Find the right buyer agent in Perth. Compare verified buyers advocates and get expert help navigating Western Australia's resurging property market with confidence.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1629522244811-97becb53a9c4?q=80&auto=format&fit=clip",[965,1288,968,1281],"wa","9 min read",{"_path":1291,"title":1292,"description":1293,"image":1294,"date":1267,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1295,"category":105,"reading_time":1289},"/blog/find-buyer-agent-adelaide-guide","How to Find a Buyer Agent in Adelaide: Your Complete 2026 Guide","Find the right buyer agent in Adelaide. Compare verified buyers advocates and get expert help buying property in South Australia's affordable and growing market.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1659624192447-1a7ece00ff52?q=80&auto=format&fit=clip",[965,1296,968,934],"sa",{"_path":1298,"title":1299,"description":1300,"image":1301,"date":1267,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1302,"category":105,"reading_time":1289},"/blog/find-buyer-agent-canberra-guide","How to Find a Buyer Agent in Canberra: Your Complete 2026 Guide","Find the right buyer agent in Canberra. Compare verified buyers advocates and get expert help buying property in the ACT's unique leasehold market.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1672264597620-d792bb6de88d?q=80&auto=format&fit=clip",[965,1303,968,934],"act",{"_path":1305,"title":1306,"description":1307,"image":1308,"date":1267,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1309,"category":105,"reading_time":1247},"/blog/find-buyer-agent-hobart-guide","How to Find a Buyer Agent in Hobart: Your Complete 2026 Guide","Find the right buyer agent in Hobart. Compare verified buyers advocates and get expert help buying property in Tasmania's growing capital city.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1582539934730-cdf1770948d2?q=80&auto=format&fit=clip",[965,1310,968,1281],"tas",{"_path":1312,"title":1313,"description":1314,"image":1315,"date":1267,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1316,"category":105,"reading_time":1247},"/blog/find-buyer-agent-darwin-guide","How to Find a Buyer Agent in Darwin: Your Complete 2026 Guide","Find the right buyer agent in Darwin. Compare verified buyers advocates and get expert help buying property in the Northern Territory's unique tropical market.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1637245057059-bc7c9df9e333?q=80&auto=format&fit=clip",[965,1317,968,1281],"nt",{"_path":1319,"title":1320,"description":1321,"image":1322,"date":1323,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1324,"category":948,"reading_time":1048},"/blog/how-ai-and-proptech-are-changing-the-way-australians-buy-property","How AI and PropTech Are Changing the Way Australians Buy Property in 2026","Discover how AI valuations, virtual inspections, and PropTech tools are transforming Australian property buying. Learn which tools deliver real results and why human expertise still matters.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1671417722838-3fbaa7f66203?q=80&auto=format","2026-03-04",[1325,933,965,1326,945,934],"technology","gomatch",{"_path":1328,"title":1329,"description":1330,"image":1331,"date":1332,"author_name":1333,"author_avatar":1334,"tags":1335,"category":1339,"reading_time":1247},"/blog/wealth-creation-through-property-investment-and-passive-income","Wealth Creation Through Property Investment and Passive Income","Discover how diversified income streams alongside property investment strategies can secure sustainable financial success. Brisbane professionals share insights on debt recycling, negative gearing, SMSFs, and retirement planning for Australian investors.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1622996965411-3ba635423d49?q=80&auto=format","2026-03-02","Lauren Jones Buyers Agency","https://i.imgur.com/DN7klm6.png",[933,1336,1031,966,1337,1338],"investment-strategy","property-strategy","planning","Investment Strategies",{"_path":1341,"title":1342,"description":1343,"image":1060,"date":1344,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1345,"category":948,"reading_time":937},"/blog/australia-12-trillion-property-milestone-house-unit-price-gap-2025","The $12 Trillion Milestone: Understanding Australia's Record Property Wealth Divide Between Houses and Units","Australia's residential real estate has hit a historic $12 trillion valuation, but the gap between house and unit prices has widened to a record $363,000. Discover what's driving this divide, where units offer better value, and how to make strategic property decisions in 2025.","2025-12-05",[945,933,934,935,1346,1347,101],"2025-market","units",{"_path":1349,"title":1350,"description":1351,"image":1352,"date":1353,"author_name":1333,"author_avatar":1334,"tags":1354,"category":948,"reading_time":1254},"/blog/australias-housing-crisis-brisbane-vacancy-rates-warning-sign","Australia's Housing Crisis: Brisbane's Vacancy Rates Are the Warning Sign","Brisbane's ultra-low vacancy rates reveal the depth of Australia's housing crisis. Learn how vacancy rates impact renters and buyers, and strategies to navigate the competitive market with expert insights.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1608094920984-5b54ce1bb792?q=80&w=2670&auto=format&fit=crop&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&ixid=M3wxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8fA%3D%3D","2025-10-04",[945,1124,934,933,966,935,1346,965],{"_path":1356,"title":1357,"description":1358,"image":1359,"date":1360,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1361,"category":948,"reading_time":1048},"/blog/mortgage-delinquency-hotspots-understanding-australias-payment-stress-map","Mortgage Delinquency Hotspots: Understanding Australia's Payment Stress Map","Navigate Australia's mortgage stress landscape with our comprehensive suburb analysis. Discover which areas face the highest delinquency rates, understand the economic factors driving payment stress, and learn strategies to assess mortgage risk before buying.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1670154843956-c583b8bb984b?q=80&auto=format","2025-09-16",[945,933,934,1362],"mortgage",{"_path":1364,"title":1365,"description":1366,"image":1367,"date":1368,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1369,"category":936,"reading_time":937},"/blog/7-star-energy-revolution-nathers-changes-transform-australian-home-values","7-Star Energy Revolution: How NatHERS Changes in 2025 Will Transform Australian Home Values","Discover how Australia's new 7-star energy rating requirements and the expansion of NatHERS to existing homes in 2025 are reshaping property values, creating green loan opportunities, and saving homeowners thousands in energy costs.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1603093879014-7a64a851033b?q=80&auto=format","2025-09-09",[933,1370,945,934],"sustainability",{"_path":1372,"title":1373,"description":1374,"image":1375,"date":1376,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1377,"category":993,"reading_time":106},"/blog/help-to-buy-vs-going-solo-navigating-australias-shared-equity-landscape-2025","Help to Buy vs Going Solo: Navigating Australia's New Shared Equity Landscape in 2025","With the federal Help to Buy scheme launching late 2025, discover how shared equity could help you buy with just 2% deposit, the pros and cons of government co-ownership, and whether it's better than traditional home buying paths.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1695686566301-ec088e031128?q=80&auto=format","2025-09-08",[934,1193,1031,933],{"_path":1379,"title":1380,"description":1381,"image":1382,"date":1383,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1384,"category":993,"reading_time":1048},"/blog/the-168000-deposit-reality-mortgage-brokers-helping-first-home-buyers-5-percent-down","The $168,000 Deposit Reality: How Mortgage Brokers Are Helping First-Home Buyers Break In With 5% Down","With median house prices requiring $168,000 deposits, discover how mortgage brokers are leveraging government schemes, low deposit loans, and strategic financing to help first-home buyers enter the property market with as little as 5% down in 2025.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1626178793926-22b28830aa30?q=80&auto=format","2025-09-04",[934,1385,1386,1031],"mortgage-broker","mortgages",{"_path":1388,"title":1389,"description":1390,"image":1391,"date":1392,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1393,"category":1401,"reading_time":106},"/blog/tiktok-vs-rea-group-social-media-disrupting-4000-property-ads","TikTok vs REA Group: How Social Media is Disrupting $4,000 Property Ads","Agents like Luke Saville are bypassing expensive traditional advertising ($4,000 REA, $1,500-$3,000 Domain) by using free TikTok and Instagram. His Hawthorn apartment achieved 325,000 views and sold above asking price in just 5 days.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1723705027411-9bfc3c99c2e9?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3w3Njg5ODR8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw4fHxUaWtUb2slMjBwaG9uZSUyMHJlYWwlMjBlc3RhdGUlMjBwcm9wZXJ0eSUyMG1hcmtldGluZyUyMHNvY2lhbCUyMG1lZGlhfGVufDB8MHx8fDE3NTY2Njg5NDh8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=1080","2025-09-01",[1394,1395,1396,1397,1398,1399,1400],"social-media","property-marketing","tiktok","real-estate-innovation","marketing-strategy","cost-effective","digital-disruption","Marketing Innovation",{"_path":1403,"title":1404,"description":1405,"image":1406,"date":1407,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1408,"category":936,"reading_time":957},"/blog/newcastle-million-dollar-suburb-surge-5-investment-hotspots-2025","Newcastle's Million-Dollar Suburb Surge: 5 Investment Hotspots for 2025","Newcastle's property market delivers impressive 5.37% growth with record 1.4% population increase. Discover Mayfield's 9.3% growth, Waratah's 12.2% surge, and why experts predict 5-7% gains in premium Merewether.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1607420116175-7fcc2100f14a?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3w3Njg5ODR8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyfHxOZXdjYXN0bGUlMjBBdXN0cmFsaWElMjBjaXR5JTIwc2t5bGluZSUyMHByb3BlcnR5JTIwaW52ZXN0bWVudHxlbnwwfHx8fDE3NTUzOTgzMTF8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=1080","2025-08-31",[50,933,945,100,1336,1133,1346],{"_path":1410,"title":1411,"description":1412,"image":1413,"date":1414,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1415,"category":1032,"reading_time":937},"/blog/australia-housing-tax-reform-policy-debate-growing-calls-for-change","Australia's Housing Tax Reform Debate: Growing Calls for Policy Change in 2025","Leading economists argue Australia has become a 'home owners' welfare state' as calls grow for housing tax reform. Explore the debate over negative gearing, capital gains discounts, and their $190 billion cost over the next decade.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1672264597620-d792bb6de88d?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3w3Njg5ODR8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxhdXN0cmFsaWElMjBwYXJsaWFtZW50JTIwaG91c2UlMjBnb3Zlcm5tZW50JTIwcG9saWN5JTIwdGF4JTIwcmVmb3JtfGVufDB8fHx8MTc1NTM1MjUyMHww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=1080","2025-08-19",[1237,103,1125,1416,1417,945,1418],"capital-gains","housing-affordability","government-policy",{"_path":1420,"title":1421,"description":1422,"image":1423,"date":1424,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1425,"category":105,"reading_time":937},"/blog/australia-11-major-real-estate-associations-comprehensive-guide-2025","Australia's 11 Major Real Estate Associations: Your Complete Guide to Professional Standards in 2025","Discover Australia's 11 leading real estate associations from REINSW to REBAA. Learn about membership benefits, professional standards, and how these associations protect your property interests.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1613155961736-d0782a58f170?q=80&auto=format","2025-08-18",[1426,965,1427,1428,1429,968,1430],"professional-standards","real-estate-associations","licensing","accreditation","industry-standards",{"_path":1432,"title":1433,"description":1434,"image":1435,"date":1436,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1437,"category":993,"reading_time":1247},"/blog/first-home-buyer-exodus-q1-2025-why-government-schemes-arent-working","The First Home Buyer Exodus: Why Government Schemes Aren't Stopping the Q1 2025 Decline","First home buyer lending drops to 29.0% in Q1 2025, the lowest since 2022 despite government support. Discover why investors are winning the battle for entry-level properties and what this means for aspiring homeowners.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1736319666684-a0f1f6b679cc?q=80&auto=format","2025-08-16",[934,945,935,1193,1346,933,1438],"lending",{"_path":1440,"title":1441,"description":1442,"image":1443,"date":1444,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1445,"category":936,"reading_time":937},"/blog/climate-resilient-property-investment-energy-efficiency-as-the-new-value-driver","Climate-Resilient Property Investment: Energy Efficiency as the New Value Driver","Discover how energy-efficient properties are commanding 14.5% premiums in 2025. Learn about climate risks, NatHERS ratings, and government incentives shaping Australia's sustainable property market.","https://images.unsplash.com/flagged/photo-1566838803980-56bfa5300e8c?q=80&w=2070&auto=format","2025-07-22",[933,1370,1346,1336,945,1031],{"_path":1447,"title":1448,"description":1449,"image":1450,"date":1451,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1452,"category":936,"reading_time":1453},"/blog/the-regional-renaissance-work-from-home-property-goldmines-beyond-capital-cities","The Regional Renaissance: How Work-From-Home Is Creating Property Goldmines Beyond Capital Cities","Discover how remote work is driving unprecedented property growth in regional Australia. Explore investment opportunities, market trends, and strategic insights for capitalising on Australia's regional property renaissance in 2025.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1606989254570-02aa0d7ea083?q=80&w=2070&auto=format&fit=crop&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&ixid=M3w3Njg5ODR8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxzdWJ1cmJhbiUyMGhvdXNlcyUyMHJlZ2lvbmFsJTIwdG93bnxlbnwwfDB8fHwxNzUyNzE4NTcxfDA","2025-07-17",[1133,933,945,1336,1346,1124],"15 min read",{"_path":1455,"title":1456,"description":1457,"image":1458,"date":1459,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1460,"category":105,"reading_time":937},"/blog/nsw-strata-law-reforms-2025-what-apartment-buyers-need-to-know","NSW Strata Law Reforms 2025: What Apartment Buyers Need to Know Before Purchasing","Comprehensive guide to the significant NSW strata law changes effective 1 July 2025, explaining how these reforms impact apartment buyers, investors, and owners in terms of transparency, governance, and financial obligations.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1545324418-cc1a3fa10c00?q=80&w=2070&auto=format","2025-07-12",[100,968,934,1281,935,1338],{"_path":1462,"title":1463,"description":1464,"image":1465,"date":1466,"author_name":1333,"author_avatar":1334,"tags":1467,"category":993,"reading_time":1262},"/blog/understanding-your-home-loan-options-before-you-borrow","Understanding Your Home Loan Options Before You Borrow","Expert insights into home loan structures, from basic vs package loans to variable vs fixed rates. Learn what you need to know before borrowing with tips from industry professionals.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1559067096-d109b66fd5af?q=80&w=2531&auto=format&fit=crop&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&ixid=M3wxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8fA%3D%3D","2025-07-10",[1030,1386,934,1031,933,1468,947],"borrowing",{"_path":1470,"title":1471,"description":1472,"image":1473,"date":1474,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1475,"category":948,"reading_time":1247},"/blog/baby-boomers-hidden-opportunities-first-time-buyers","How Baby Boomers Are Creating Hidden Opportunities for First-Time Buyers","Discover how Baby Boomers' downsizing trends are creating unprecedented opportunities for first-time buyers in Australia's property market, and how buyer's agents can help you capitalise on these emerging trends.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1728022161206-ac10882e94f3?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=1080","2025-06-29",[934,945,965,1337,1476],"downsizing",{"_path":1478,"title":1479,"description":1480,"image":1481,"date":1482,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1483,"category":936,"reading_time":1453},"/blog/rentvesting-in-2025-buy-where-you-can-afford-live-where-you-want","Rentvesting in 2025: Buy Where You Can Afford, Live Where You Want","Discover how rentvesting lets you enter the property market while maintaining your lifestyle. Learn strategies, tax benefits, and 2025 market opportunities for smart property investment.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1724482606633-fa74fe4f5de1?q=80&w=2070&auto=format&fit=crop&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&ixid=M3wxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8fA%3D%3D","2025-06-23",[932,933,934,1336,1124,965],{"_path":1485,"title":1486,"description":1487,"image":1488,"date":1489,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"reading_time":1247,"tags":1490,"category":993},"/blog/from-sydney-to-regional-affordable-first-home-buyer-areas-2025","From Sydney to Regional: Where First Home Buyers Can Still Afford to Buy in 2025","With Sydney deposits taking 8 years to save and Melbourne 5.5 years, discover the affordable regional towns and commuter areas where first home buyers can still enter the market in 2025.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1687586370709-9aec4143d89a?q=80&w=2070&auto=format&fit=crop&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&ixid=M3wxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8fA%3D%3D","2025-06-21",[934,1133,935,1346,100],{"_path":1492,"title":1493,"description":1494,"image":1495,"date":1496,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1497,"category":993,"reading_time":937},"/blog/why-now-is-the-sweet-spot-for-first-home-buyers-before-interest-rates-drop","Why NOW is the Sweet Spot for First Home Buyers (Before Interest Rates Drop)","Discover why first home buyers should act now before interest rates drop. Learn about current market opportunities, reduced competition, and strategic advantages in Australia's property market.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1456574808786-d2ba7a6aa654?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=1080","2025-06-15",[934,947,1498,1337,100,977,966,965],"market-timing",{"_path":1500,"title":1501,"description":1502,"image":1503,"date":1504,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1505,"category":948,"reading_time":1453},"/blog/should-you-buy-now-or-wait-2025-market-trends-explained","Should You Buy Now or Wait? 2025 Market Trends Explained","Navigate Australia's property market with confidence. Expert analysis of 2025 trends for Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth buyers. Make informed decisions with real data and professional insights.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1609126808708-17b84d5a61c1?q=80&auto=format","2025-06-04",[945,100,977,966,934,1281,965],{"_path":1507,"title":1508,"description":1509,"image":1510,"tags":1511,"category":105,"reading_time":1262,"date":1512,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97},"/blog/introducing-gomatch-propertygo-revolutionary-buyer-agent-matching-system","Introducing GoMatch: PropertyGo's Revolutionary Buyer Agent Matching System","How GoMatch works: tell us what and where you're buying, see up to three buyer's agencies that service your state, and choose who to talk to. Free for buyers, and no agency can pay to be on your shortlist.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1547190027-9156686aa2f0?q=80&auto=format",[965,968,1325,1326],"2025-05-24",{"_path":1514,"title":1515,"description":1516,"image":1382,"tags":1517,"category":1519,"reading_time":1048,"date":1520,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97},"/blog/how-to-use-loan-repayment-calculator-to-plan-your-mortgage","How to Use a Loan Repayment Calculator to Plan Your Mortgage","Learn how to use a loan repayment calculator to understand your mortgage costs, compare scenarios, and plan your finances effectively. Estimate your monthly home loan repayments with PropertyGo's calculator.",[1362,1031,1518,1338,1030],"calculators","Calculators","2025-05-23",{"_path":1522,"title":1523,"description":1524,"image":1525,"date":1526,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1527,"category":105,"reading_time":106},"/blog/finding-the-right-buyer-agent-how-propertygo-simplifies-your-search","Finding the Right Buyer Agent: How PropertyGo Simplifies Your Search","Discover how PropertyGo's innovative matching service eliminates the frustration of finding the perfect buyer agent. Learn about common challenges in the search process and how our data-driven approach connects you with agents who match your specific property requirements.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1660165458059-57cfb6cc87e5?q=80&auto=format","2025-05-07",[965,968],{"_path":1529,"title":1530,"description":1531,"image":1532,"date":1533,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1534,"category":948,"reading_time":1289},"/blog/foreign-investment-trends-return-of-chinese-buyers","Foreign Investment Trends: The Return of Chinese Buyers","Explore the resurgence of Chinese buyers in Australia's property market in 2025. Learn what's driving renewed interest, how local markets are responding, and what this means for investors and homebuyers.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1554623515-3b2f224b92f2?q=80&auto=format","2025-05-05",[1281,945,100,977,966],{"_path":1536,"title":1537,"description":1538,"image":1539,"date":1540,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1541,"category":948,"reading_time":1247},"/blog/the-great-housing-shortfall-australia-1-2-million-homes-target","The Great Housing Shortfall: Can Australia Meet Its 1.2 Million Homes Target?","With Australia facing a projected shortfall of 300,000 homes by 2029, this article explores the causes, government strategies, and the implications for investors, developers, and homebuyers.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1491357492920-d2979986a84e?q=80&auto=format","2025-05-02",[945,935,1281,934],{"_path":1543,"title":1544,"description":1545,"image":1546,"date":1547,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1548,"category":105,"reading_time":937},"/blog/navigating-australias-housing-affordability-crisis-in-2025-strategies-for-first-home-buyers","Navigating Australia's Housing Affordability Crisis in 2025: Strategies for First-Home Buyers","Explore the challenges of housing affordability in Australia for 2025 and discover practical strategies, government schemes, and expert tips to help first-home buyers enter the property market.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1516503424803-708327384b90?q=80&auto=format","2025-04-26",[935,934,965,945],{"_path":1550,"title":1551,"description":1552,"image":1553,"date":1554,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1555,"category":1339,"reading_time":1453},"/blog/the-rise-of-sustainable-housing-in-australia-investment-opportunities-and-market-trends-for-2025","The Rise of Sustainable Housing in Australia: Investment Opportunities and Market Trends for 2025","Explore how sustainable housing is reshaping Australia's property market in 2025, with insights into green building trends, investment opportunities, government incentives, and how eco-friendly features are driving property values across major cities and regional areas.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1542601906990-b4d3fb778b09?q=80&auto=format","2025-04-21",[1370,1281,945,100,977,966],{"_path":1557,"title":1558,"description":1559,"image":1560,"date":1561,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1562,"category":105,"reading_time":957},"/blog/do-i-really-need-a-buyers-agent-answering-the-big-questions-before-you-commit","Do I Really Need a Buyer Agent? Answering the Big Questions Before You Commit","Explore whether you truly need a buyer agent for your property purchase. Get expert answers to common questions about buyer agents, their value, and when they're worth the investment in today's competitive real estate market.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1609643242070-c69786a76c30?q=80&auto=format&fit=clip","2025-04-13",[965,968,934],{"_path":1564,"title":1565,"description":1566,"image":1567,"date":1568,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1569,"category":105,"reading_time":1048},"/blog/property-buying-in-australia-exploring-different-types-and-their-pros-and-cons","Property Buying in Australia: Exploring Different Types and Their Pros and Cons","A comprehensive guide to the different property types available in the Australian market, including commercial, owner-occupier, investment, and rural properties. Discover the advantages and disadvantages of each to make an informed decision for your next property purchase.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1625432808071-25f649c4a0b0?q=80&auto=format&fit=crop","2025-04-12",[1281,934,968],{"_path":1571,"title":1572,"description":1573,"image":1574,"date":1575,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1576,"category":948,"reading_time":1453},"/blog/top-10-suburbs-to-buy-property-in-australia-in-2025-expert-predictions-and-tips","Top 10 Suburbs to Buy Property in Australia in 2025: Expert Predictions and Tips","Discover the top 10 suburbs across Australia predicted to experience significant growth in 2025, with expert insights on median prices, growth rates, and rental yields to help you make informed property investment decisions.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1515861461225-1488dfdaf0a8?q=80&auto=format","2025-04-09",[1281,945,100,977,966,934],{"_path":1578,"title":1579,"description":1580,"image":1581,"date":1582,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1583,"category":105,"reading_time":937},"/blog/top-5-things-to-look-before-deciding-the-best-buyer-agent","Top 5 Things to Look for Before Deciding on the Best Buyer Agent","Discover the essential factors to consider when choosing a buyer agent. Learn about experience, local knowledge, communication style, fee structures, and track record to ensure you select the best buyer agent for your property purchase.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1560518883-ce09059eeffa?q=80&auto=format&fit=clip","2025-04-01",[965,968],{"_path":1585,"title":1586,"description":1587,"image":1588,"date":1589,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1590,"category":105,"reading_time":937},"/blog/should-you-hire-a-buyer-agent-in-2025-expert-insights-and-benefits","Should You Hire a Buyer Agent in 2025? Expert Insights and Benefits","Discover whether hiring a buyer agent in 2025 is worth the investment. Learn about the key benefits, potential cost savings, and expert insights to help you make an informed decision in today's competitive property market.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1732717566587-f5a155bd8dea?q=80&auto=format&fit=clip","2025-03-06",[965,968,934,1281],{"_path":1592,"title":1593,"description":1594,"image":1595,"date":1596,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1597,"category":969,"reading_time":1247},"/blog/top-10-best-property-buyer-agents-in-nsw-august-2024","Top 10 Best Property Buyer Agents in NSW (August, 2024)","A comprehensive guide to the most trusted and highly reviewed property buyer agents in New South Wales, offering expert advice and services to help you navigate the property market with ease.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1523482580672-f109ba8cb9be?q=80&auto=format","2024-08-10",[965,100,967,968],{"_path":1599,"title":1600,"description":1601,"image":1602,"date":1603,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1604,"category":969,"reading_time":1247},"/blog/top-10-best-property-buyer-agents-in-qld-august-2024","Top 10 Best Property Buyer Agents in QLD (August, 2024)","A curated list of the top property buyer agents in Queensland, recognized for their expertise, professionalism, and client satisfaction. These agents are the best in the industry, offering comprehensive services to help you navigate the property market with ease.","https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1607309843659-f4ad95cf3277?q=80&auto=format&fit=clip","2024-08-09",[965,966,967,968],{"_path":1606,"title":1607,"description":1608,"image":1273,"date":1609,"author_name":96,"author_avatar":97,"tags":1610,"category":969,"reading_time":1247},"/blog/top-10-best-property-buyer-agents-in-vic-august-2024","Top 10 Best Property Buyer Agents in VIC (August, 2024)","An in-depth look at the top property buyer agents in Victoria, known for their expertise, client satisfaction, and exceptional service. These agents provide valuable insights and support, helping you navigate the Victorian property market with confidence.","2024-08-08",[965,977,967,968],{"navigation":1612,"agents":1614},{"previousPost":1613,"nextPost":1613},null,[1615,1678,1710],{"_id":1616,"name":1617,"logo":1618,"contactInformation":1619,"slug":1623,"status":1624,"createdAt":1625,"googleInfo":1626,"propertyTypes":1662,"servicedStates":1664,"updatedAt":1665,"services":1666,"serviceOfferings":1672,"reviewStats":1673,"experience":1676,"numberOfCustomers":1677,"hasActiveSubscription":90,"isClaimed":90,"isSelfSubmitted":90},"669bb4e28036080639673c95","Longview","/images/logos/longview_logo.png",{"email":1620,"phoneNumbers":1621},"w*************s@l******w.com.au",[1622],"1800931784","longview","active","2024-07-20T12:31:56.441Z",{"address_components":1627,"geometry":1658},[1628,1632,1637,1642,1646,1649,1654],{"long_name":1629,"short_name":1629,"types":1630},"31",[1631],"street_number",{"long_name":1633,"short_name":1634,"types":1635},"Hardner Road","Hardner Rd",[1636],"route",{"long_name":1638,"short_name":1638,"types":1639},"Mount Waverley",[1640,1641],"locality","political",{"long_name":1643,"short_name":1643,"types":1644},"City of Monash",[1645,1641],"administrative_area_level_2",{"long_name":17,"short_name":16,"types":1647},[1648,1641],"administrative_area_level_1",{"long_name":1650,"short_name":1651,"types":1652},"Australia","AU",[1653,1641],"country",{"long_name":1655,"short_name":1655,"types":1656},"3149",[1657],"postal_code",{"location":1659},{"lat":1660,"lng":1661},-37.89475300000001,145.1296198,[1281,1663],"owner-occupier",[7,25,16],"2026-08-01T12:01:41.388Z",[1667,1668,1669,1670,1671],"Property Management","Buying Boost","HomeFlex","Buyer Advocacy","Funds Management",[],{"rating":1674,"total":1675},4.6,1445,2010,10000,{"_id":1679,"name":1680,"address":1681,"contactInformation":1685,"googleInfo":1689,"status":1624,"createdAt":1690,"slug":1691,"logo":1692,"propertyTypes":1693,"servicedStates":1694,"updatedAt":1695,"services":1696,"serviceOfferings":1705,"reviewStats":1706,"experience":1708,"numberOfCustomers":1709,"hasActiveSubscription":90,"isClaimed":90,"isSelfSubmitted":90},"66a3c9594f3edfa10d7e70eb","Momentum Wealth",{"street":1682,"city":1683,"state":44,"postalCode":1684},"Level 1/38 Station Street","Subiaco","6008",{"email":1686,"phoneNumbers":1687},"i**o@m************h.com.au",[1688],"0892216399",{},"2024-07-26T13:42:33.007Z","momentum-wealth","/images/logos/momentum-wealth_logo.jpeg",[],[44],"2026-08-01T12:09:07.483Z",[1697,1698,1699,1667,1700,1701,1702,1703,1704],"Property Investment Strategy","Property Finance","Property Acquisition & Advisory","Executive Property Leasing","Property Development","Seller’s Advocacy","Residential Development Funds","Commercial Property Funds",[],{"rating":1674,"total":1707},713,2006,3000,{"_id":1711,"name":1712,"logo":1713,"contactInformation":1714,"slug":1719,"status":1624,"createdAt":1720,"googleInfo":1721,"propertyTypes":1751,"servicedStates":1753,"updatedAt":1754,"services":1755,"serviceOfferings":1760,"reviewStats":1761,"experience":1763,"numberOfCustomers":1764,"hasActiveSubscription":90,"isClaimed":1765,"isSelfSubmitted":90},"669bb4e28036080639673cd9","PMC Property Buyers","/images/logos/pmc-property_logo.jpeg",{"email":1715,"phoneNumbers":1716},"h****y@p*********y.com.au",[1717,1718],"0289669454","0733670126","pmc-property","2024-07-20T12:33:58.164Z",{"address_components":1722,"geometry":1747},[1723,1727,1730,1734,1737,1740,1742,1744],{"long_name":1724,"short_name":1724,"types":1725},"Level 2",[1726],"subpremise",{"long_name":1728,"short_name":1728,"types":1729},"2b 16",[1631],{"long_name":1731,"short_name":1732,"types":1733},"Marie Street","Marie St",[1636],{"long_name":1735,"short_name":1735,"types":1736},"Milton",[1640,1641],{"long_name":1738,"short_name":24,"types":1739},"Brisbane City",[1645,1641],{"long_name":26,"short_name":25,"types":1741},[1648,1641],{"long_name":1650,"short_name":1651,"types":1743},[1653,1641],{"long_name":1745,"short_name":1745,"types":1746},"4064",[1657],{"location":1748},{"lat":1749,"lng":1750},-27.4725564,153.0044267,[1752,1281,1663],"commercial",[7,25],"2026-08-01T12:05:34.948Z",[1756,1757,1758,1667,1759],"Home Buyers","Residential Investment","Commercial Investment","Advisory Services",[],{"rating":68,"total":1762},565,2014,0,true,1789720885411]