Why we conduct the research
Every two years, Building Commission NSW conducts research to gather data and insights about the experience of NSW strata communities in dealing with serious building defects in residential apartment buildings.
This important research allows us to measure the progress and impact of reforms, as well as helping identify areas for improvement. It also gives a voice to consumers and industry, allowing us to better understand the lived experience of apartment owners.
The 2025 Strata Defects Research Report is the third report in the series.
Key findings from the 2025 research
Up from 48% in 2023.
Up from 76% in the 2023 research.
Consistent with the 2023 research.
Compared with 34% in 2023, up from 15% in 2021.
Presence of serious defects in NSW
New buildings appear to have lower rates of defects. The rates of serious defects present in 2022 – 2024 registered buildings are lower than in 2018 – 2021 registered buildings.
Waterproofing defects are the most prevalent.
Fire safety defects are the second most common.
Rates of waterproofing and fire safety system defects have declined in 2025.
Research approach and methodology
The survey was open from 18 June to 31 August 2025.
There were 520 surveys completed in 2025, the response rate to the survey was 42%, the maximum margin of error on this sample size is ±3.3% at the 95% confidence level, this is consistent with the response rate of the 2023 research.
The survey was completed by strata managers who managed:
- class 2 building strata schemes only (4 storeys and above); and
- strata schemes registered between July 2018 – June 2024.
For the first time, eligible self-managed strata schemes were invited to participate in the survey.
Previous research reports
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