Why Sydney Apartments are Replacing Old Parquet for Acoustic Compliance

From 2026, tighter strata noise bylaws across Sydney are increasing enforcement of acoustic compliance standards. Many apartments with legacy parquet and floorboard systems fail to meet modern impact noise requirements, prompting removal and replacement with compliant acoustic underlay systems as part of renovation and strata approval processes.

What is strata soundproofing compliance in 2026? Strata soundproofing compliance refers to meeting mandated acoustic performance thresholds, particularly for impact noise transmission between residential lots. In NSW, these requirements are enforced through strata by-laws, development consent conditions, and Australian Standards applied during renovation approvals.

By 2026, many Sydney strata schemes have:

Updated by-laws to reflect stricter noise tolerance Increased enforcement of pre-approval acoustic reporting Required evidence of compliant underlay systems during renovations Older parquet and floorboard installations were typically installed without modern acoustic isolation layers, making them a common source of non-compliance.

How does this impact Sydney property owners or businesses? For apartment owners, investors, and strata managers, the impact is operational rather than cosmetic. Renovations involving flooring now require documented acoustic performance, not just aesthetic upgrades.

Practical implications include:

Mandatory acoustic assessments before renovation approval Removal of existing parquet or floorboards that transmit impact noise Installation of certified acoustic underlay systems Increased scrutiny of contractors and scope documentation For property businesses and asset managers, non-compliance can delay leasing, trigger disputes, or result in rectification orders under strata governance frameworks.

Why is this important for NSW projects or compliance? NSW strata legislation places a duty on owners and corporations to prevent unreasonable interference between lots. Acoustic non-compliance increasingly falls within this definition.

Projects that fail to manage soundproofing correctly face:

By-law breaches and formal notices Dispute resolution through NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal Costly retrospective remediation works Elyment operates across physical works, professional compliance processes, and technology systems to reduce these risks. Through its strata and compliance services, Elyment supports projects where construction activity must align with documented approval conditions.

What does this typically cost or affect in Sydney? Costs vary depending on building structure, floor area, and acoustic targets. However, parquet removal and acoustic remediation are increasingly treated as compliance investments rather than discretionary upgrades.

Parquet or floorboard removal : Required to expose slab and reset acoustic system Acoustic underlay installation : Mandatory to meet impact noise thresholds Acoustic reporting : Often required for strata sign-off Project delays : Common where documentation is incomplete For multi-unit buildings, these issues scale quickly, affecting timelines, budgets, and compliance exposure.

What are the risks or benefits? Strata soundproofing enforcement introduces both risk and value protection.

Key risks include:

Unapproved works leading to forced rectification Disputes between owners and strata corporations Reduced asset appeal due to noise complaints Key benefits include:

Improved occupant amenity and building reputation Lower long-term dispute risk Greater certainty for investors and occupants Compliance-led renovations increasingly support asset resilience rather than diminishing returns.

Why choose Elyment Property Services in NSW? Elyment is a technology-enabled operator that owns, runs, and governs complex physical, legal, and digital systems across NSW.

Elyment works with AI and automation to deliver business solutions grounded in real operational and compliance environments. In strata renovation contexts, this includes:

Workflow automation linking approvals, scopes, and execution Verification systems that reduce documentation errors Risk-aware project tracking aligned with strata obligations Integrated oversight across demolition, preparation, and compliance reporting Through its internal technology and governance systems, Elyment helps Sydney property owners and businesses deliver compliant outcomes with defensible operational data.

Sources and references NSW Fair Trading - Noise in strata NSW Department of Planning - Strata living University of New South Wales - Music Acoustics research Australian Financial Review - Strata topics