The reputation of Australia’s construction industry has improved, a survey of more than 1,000 Australians shows.

But nine in ten Aussies remain concerned about builders cutting corners.

And there are ongoing concerns about builders going bust before completing projects.

Data, analytics and technology company Equifax has released the results of its iCIRT consumer research involving a survey of 1,044 Australian adults.

Conducted by YouGov Plc, the online survey presented a snapshot of consumer sentiment toward the building sector.

Overall, the survey found that confidence in the construction industry is improving.

All up, the percentage of Australians who have a positive perception of the industry rose from 32 percent in 2024 to 44 percent in 2025.

Furthermore, around one-third (32 percent) of Australians expect their perception of the industry to improve over the next twelve months – up from 25 percent in 2024.

However, the survey found that significant concerns remain.

For example:

• Around nine in ten consumers are concerned that builders will cut corners in order to either reduce costs (90 percent) or deliver new homes more quickly (89 percent).
• Almost eight in ten (78 percent) Australians are concerned about construction sector insolvencies and that their builder may become insolvent whilst the build is in progress.
• Just over half (51 percent) of consumers have little or no confidence in the quality and durability of newly constructed apartments or build-to-rent developments.
• Just over half (53 percent) of Australians believe that protections to safeguard consumers from construction insolvencies and poor-quality work are inadequate.

Brad Walters, General Manager, Commercial at Equifax, said that the results reflect improving confidence regarding the property market in general.

But he stressed the need to ensure that consumer protections are adequate.

“It’s clear that many Australians are starting to feel more confident in the state of the property market and the construction industry more broadly,” Walters said.

“Some of this optimism can in part be attributed to recent interest rate cuts: the iCIRT data shows that although housing affordability remains the most common barrier to buying, building or renovating, the number of consumers citing this as their biggest hurdle has dropped to 48%, down from 57% in 2024.

“On the other side of the coin, however, is the fact that construction insolvencies remain at historically high levels. The construction sector accounted for the highest proportion of insolvencies in July, with 341 insolvencies reported – an increase of 4% from the same month the previous year, and more than twice as high as pre-pandemic levels.

“Concerningly, our research reveals that 53% of Australians believe there aren’t enough protections in place to safeguard consumers from construction companies going bust or delivering poor projects.

” Given the need for more housing and the Government’s focus on increasing supply, it’s paramount that Australians can rely on construction industry professionals to deliver trustworthy built assets.”

Role of rating tools

The research also highlights the role of rating tools in underscoring higher levels of consumer confidence.

For example, Equifax’s iCIRT rating system provides a rating to developers, builders, architects, engineers, trade contractors and consultants.

Those who attain a rating of at least three gold stars are recognised on a public register of trustworthy building professionals.

According to the survey, nine in ten Australians believe that consumers should have access to a register of trustworthy construction firms who have been independently rated and assessed.

Furthermore, more than six in ten (63 percent) of those buying a home or investment property would be prepared to pay a premium to ensure that the developer, contractor and/or other building professionals who were behind the project had a trustworthy reputation.

Walters said that opportunities for the industry to improve its reputations are considerable.

“The construction industry has an exciting opportunity to ensure the emerging positive perception of the sector continues to grow,” he said.

“Interestingly, nearly six in ten (58%) Australians believe a builder or developer’s reputation is more important than the floor plan or interior fittings of a prospective home – reinforcing the value consumers place on trust.

“Australians want to feel informed and empowered when making property decisions. By engaging with tools like iCIRT, construction professionals can showcase their trustworthy status, build stronger relationships with Australians looking to build, buy or renovate, and help enhance the reputation of the entire industry.”

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