New does not mean sound
In a 2023 NSW survey, 53% of apartment buildings had serious common-property defects.
The average rectification cost in 2025 was $215,400 per building, according to NSW Government and Strata Community Association data.
A new building is not a defect-free building. In a 2023 NSW survey, 53% of apartment buildings had serious defects in the common property.
The average rectification cost in 2025 was $215,400 per building. In a strata building, that cost can fall on owners.
For an apartment, the questions that matter most are about the whole building, as well as the unit you're buying.
Questions to ask
- Are there any defects claims, rectification works or building disputes affecting the common property?
- What do the strata records say about defects, levies and the sinking fund?
Check it yourself
- Read the strata minutes and financial records before you buy.
- Use the apartment and strata guided check.
Source: NSW Government, Strata Community Association (SCA)
General education. Not legal, financial or engineering advice, and it says nothing about any specific property.
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