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{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationThe vast majority of NSW builders are doing the right thing
The vast majority of NSW builders are doing the right thing
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This week the Sydney Morning Herald is running a series of articles about the home building industry in NSW. Those articles are not balanced with the realities of the broader regulatory environment and paint an unnecessarily alarming picture.
“So, let’s set the record straight, and get to some of the facts about the housing industry – continued Mr Armitage.
“The NSW housing industry is the most heavily regulated in the nation, evidenced by the fact that fees and charges on new housing in NSW is the highest in the country.
“For the average house and land package in Sydney, the portion of taxes, fees and regulatory costs is a striking $576,000.
“The Strata Communities Association and BCNSW 2023 defect report shows that since 2020 defects in residential buildings are trending downward in NSW.
“The ACIL Allen Consultation on the building code 2025 highlighted that recent changes to the regulation of buildings in NSW have decreased serious defects in apartment buildings by 27%.
“The housing industry has experienced significant regulatory changes since 2020 including:
- New laws that the builder and developer owe a 10-year duty of care to owners, for all types of residential building
- The regulator’s power has been expanded to allow them to investigate, issue rectification and stop work orders, and impose penalties during the construction of houses and apartments
- Design and building practitioners working on apartments must hold an additional registration and provide declarations about the compliance of their work
- New Certifier Practice Standards have been published with significant penalties and even jail time for certifiers who act inappropriately
- Builders and contractors involved in failed businesses can be banned from holding licences. Anti-phoenixing laws have been introduced to prevent company directors from abandoning struggling businesses to avoid completing work
- New rules were implemented to ensure only safe, high-quality materials are used in construction
“Building homes is a noble profession providing a core need for the people of NSW - shelter.
“There are many positive stories of quality award winning building work, happy customers moving into their dream homes and young men and women starting amazing careers in our industry.
“It is entirely unhelpful to tarnish the reputation of the entire industry based on a few cases whilst giving little attention to facts and good news stories.
“HIA welcomes the opportunity to discuss the current regulatory environment builders face, the great work our industry is doing and huge amount of good news stories that exist.” concluded Mr Armitage.
For more information please contact:
An update on Victorian working from home and buyer protection laws
The Victorian Government's Working from Home Bill has become available, and proposed buyer protection laws have undergone some changes.
Enforcement intensifies as compliance expectations climb
On 15 January 2026, penalties for non-compliance were increased under the Building Work Contractors Act 1995, Fair Trading Act 1987, and the Plumbers, Gas Fitters and Electricians Act 1995. The reforms also introduced new offences including undertaking, or engaging others to undertake, unlicensed work.
HIA's position on Australian Standards
HIA advocates for a more transparent, efficient and accountable Australian Standards system. This policy outlines HIA's recommendations for improving the development and enforcement of Australian Standards, and the role of the Australian Building Codes Board in assessing the impact of standards referenced in the National Construction Code.
400,000 more Australians, 50,000 too few homes
“Australia needed to build more than 250,000 homes last year just to keep pace with demand growth and begin reducing the housing shortage and yet we commenced less than 200,000 homes. This is why home prices and rents are rising,” stated Tim Reardon, HIA’s Chief Economist.