As Sydney's property market continues to evolve, a hidden issue is emerging as a critical concern for homeowners and strata committees: magnesite flooring. Common in apartment blocks built between the 1920s and 1980s, this once-popular flooring can lead to significant structural problems, including the dreaded "concrete cancer." In 2025, proactive magnesite removal is more important than ever. Here, we identify five Sydney suburbs where this issue is particularly urgent. What Exactly Is Magnesite and Why Is It a Problem? Magnesite is a cementitious floor topping made from a blend of magnesium oxychloride and fillers. While initially praised for its durability and fire resistance, its fatal flaw is its high porosity. Over time, moisture ingress from leaks or spills causes the magnesite to release corrosive chloride ions. These chlorides then attack the steel reinforcement bars within the concrete slab, leading to rust, expansion, and cracking—a process known as concrete spalling or "concrete cancer." This can compromise the structural integrity of the building. For more detailed information, you can find a useful resource from Southern Remedial Solutions. The source of this article's idea is based on the general prevalence of older apartment buildings in these areas. The Top 5 Sydney Suburbs for Urgent Magnesite Removal Based on the concentration of older apartment buildings susceptible to magnesite-related issues, these suburbs are at the forefront of the need for urgent remediation. 1. Bondi As one of Sydney’s most iconic suburbs, Bondi boasts a high density of older apartment buildings and Art Deco blocks built in the mid-20th century. Many of these properties have had magnesite flooring for decades. The proximity to the beach also increases the risk of moisture ingress from coastal weather, making magnesite removal and concrete spalling repairs a top priority for strata management and residents. 2. Manly Similar to Bondi, Manly is a picturesque beachside suburb with a rich history and a large number of older apartment buildings. Its coastal environment and high humidity create the perfect conditions for magnesite to deteriorate. Property owners here are increasingly focused on remedial work to protect their investments and ensure building safety for years to come. 3. Parramatta As Sydney’s second CBD, Parramatta has a mix of new developments and older residential buildings. The older, high-density residential blocks in the area are often at high risk. With its ongoing urban renewal, securing the structural integrity of these buildings through professional magnesite removal and remediation is a critical step in preserving the suburb’s diverse property landscape. 4. Burwood Located in the heart of the Inner West, Burwood is another suburb with a significant number of apartment buildings from the mid-20th century. Its high-traffic, urban environment means that water ingress from balcony leaks or plumbing issues can be a constant threat. Early detection and professional removal of magnesite flooring are essential to prevent costly structural repairs and devaluation of property. 5. Glebe Glebe is famous for its charming terraces and a large number of strata-titled apartment buildings from the 1970s and earlier. The inner-city location and older housing stock mean that many of these properties are likely to contain magnesite. Strata committees in Glebe are actively looking for reliable solutions to address these potential hazards before they escalate into more serious problems. Why Act Now? The Risks of Waiting Structural Damage: Untreated magnesite leads to concrete cancer, which can weaken a building's structure. Health Hazards: Damaged magnesite can release harmful dust particles. Financial Impact: The cost of reactive, major structural repairs is often significantly higher than proactive magnesite removal. Property Value: Magnesite issues can be a major deterrent for potential buyers and negatively impact property value. Key Takeaways for Property Owners Magnesite flooring is a ticking time bomb in many of Sydney’s older apartment buildings. Suburbs like Bondi, Manly, Parramatta, Burwood, and Glebe, with their high concentration of older housing stock, are particularly vulnerable. Taking proactive steps to inspect and remove magnesite is crucial for maintaining a building's safety, value, and long-term viability. For expert advice and services, you can trust our team at @ElymentGroup or visit elyment.com.au. 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