Consumers in firing line as state building insurer looks to fix battered budget

Consumers in firing line as state building insurer looks to fix battered budget

The agency in charge of domestic building insurance has been canvassing premium hikes and ways to cut claims in an effort mend its finances.

  • byKieran Rooney

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‘We’re glad to see the back of him’:Embattled Nicheliving director steps down from diplomat role
Exclusive
Construction

‘We’re glad to see the back of him’:Embattled Nicheliving director steps down from diplomat role

One of two directors of embattled building company Nicheliving has resigned from his second role – a position highly involved with the state’s political elite.

  • byConnor McGoverne
Ex-builder Nicheliving denies stealing materials from half-built houses

Ex-builder Nicheliving denies stealing materials from half-built houses

At least three people have accused the deregistered builder of removing items from their houses after striking a deal to get the homes finished on the taxpayers’ dime.

  • byHeather McNeill
Leaky pipe saga goes back decades,traumatised WA home owners warn

Leaky pipe saga goes back decades,traumatised WA home owners warn

Families traumatised by decades of what they describe as “ticking time-bomb” plumbing pipes are pleading for compassion after being excluded from a deal to remediate newer homes.

  • byClaire Ottaviano
How I cut my home insurance premium by $879 in just 48 minutes
Opinion
Opinion

How I cut my home insurance premium by $879 in just 48 minutes

Insurance premiums are rising,and while getting on the phone to your insurer can be a drag,the savings are worth it.

  • byNicole Pedersen-McKinnon
Victoria considers new building insurance checks – but at a cost

Victoria considers new building insurance checks – but at a cost

Prospective home buyers could be charged to check if a house has domestic building insurance under a proposal from Victoria’s state-managed insurance agency.

  • byKieran Rooney andAnnika Smethurst
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The real estate regulatory void that’s left a 71-year-old homeless

The real estate regulatory void that’s left a 71-year-old homeless

There’s limited recourse for residents of properties managed under company titles,instead of strata schemes,to seek compensation or have work orders issued.

  • byAmber Schultz
Consumers warned to be vigilant as builders continue to go bust
Analysis
Analysis

Consumers warned to be vigilant as builders continue to go bust

Taking the time to check builders’ and tradies’ credentials upfront is the best way to avoid problems when building,extending or renovating.

  • byJohn Collett
NSW building companies were profiled using data-matching. Nearly half had a problem

NSW building companies were profiled using data-matching. Nearly half had a problem

The revelation comes as the state government embarks on an ambitious reform of planning laws to tackle the state’s acute and growing housing crisis.

  • byMax Maddison
Strata residents warned of inflated invoices for trades work

Strata residents warned of inflated invoices for trades work

The Australian Consumers Insurance Lobby has warned maintenance quotes are being inflated by up to 120 per cent for people in strata units amid limited oversight by committees.

  • byAmber Schultz
Building insurance to increase by 65 per cent for new homes

Building insurance to increase by 65 per cent for new homes

Home building insurance is increasing after a string of companies collapsed over the past year,leaving thousands of homes unfinished and the state-backed insurance agency making record payments.

  • byKieran Rooney