BDO Construction Survey 2020

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BDO Construction Survey 2020 - 2024 archive

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Published: February 14, 2023 |

BDO's 2026 Construction Survey Report captures a practical outlook on how construction leaders can protect performance now and build the capability to stay competitive.

The survey insights provide a pulse check of Australia’s construction industry and the sentiment of construction leaders across the commercial, government, industrial and residential subsectors on key themes such as productivity, artificial intelligence (AI), and environmental, social and governance (ESG) measures.

Learn more about the key challenges and opportunities for the industry, and expert insights from our real estate and construction specialists, to help safeguard your business and prepare for the future.

READ THE 2026 REPORT

Past reports

BDO Construction Survey 2024

Our 2024 Construction Survey Report dives deep into the metrics that matter most. This year, we uncover not just numbers, but the stories behind them—stories of resilience, innovation, and the evolving landscape of an industry shaped by both challenges and opportunities.

With rising revenues tempered by tough profit margins and a workforce grappling with a skills shortage, the construction sector is navigating complex terrain. Our comprehensive analysis of tier one and tier two construction companies reveals crucial insights into financial performance, business priorities, technological advancements, and the pressing need for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

BDO Construction Survey 2023

The BDO Construction Survey 2023 offers an analysis of Tier 1 and Tier 2 companies in Australia’s construction industry, shedding light on both financial and non-financial metrics. It uncovers crucial insights on areas ranging from financial performance to environmental sustainability and workforce well-being.

Positive revenue growth amidst profit margin pressures
Construction companies becoming more adept at addressing future financial challenges
ESG adoption and reporting gaps
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion imperatives
Workforce well-being

14 construction organisations participated in the survey with 72 per cent reporting FY23 revenues of less than $750M. These companies predominantly operate in commercial, industrial, and residential subsectors, with an increasing number also involved in government and build-to-rent projects.

We also surveyed over 200 construction workers to garner insight into the mental health and broader well-being of the workforce in construction. The participants worked for businesses with more than 20 employees and consisted of a broad spectrum of workers in the industry, and across the country.

BDO Construction Survey 2022

Our 2022 survey comprises of financial data from Australian construction companies in FY22, transposed with the results of our previous construction survey (conducted at the beginning of COVID-19’s spread in 2020). The results in our latest report highlight the significant changes that have occurred over this tumultuous period.

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60 per cent of companies surveyed reported an increase in revenue of more than ten per cent, compared to the previous financial year
Net profit before income tax (NPBT) significantly declined across the majority of companies surveyed
The top business priority for most participants is to attract, recruit and retain employees
The top cause for staff attrition is remuneration
79 per cent of respondents also noted that a five-day working week would help with their overall wellbeing.

Download the 2022 report

When we gathered the data for this survey in February 2020, there was an undercurrent of uncertainty in the broader market, and the Australian bushfire devastation was at its peak. Yet, participants indicated that they were optimistic about their futures, which was reflected in their promising forecasts. This was followed shortly and swiftly by the COVID-19 pandemic - an economic impact - that blind-sided all businesses and one that has forced many to adapt quickly to new work practices.

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While the long-term effects are still unclear, day-by-day businesses are facing new ways of working and overcoming issues of decreased productivity.

Construction companies are harnessing the opportunity to work more efficiently, upgrade or fast-track their plans to uptake new technologies and find different ways of mobilising people.

Overall, there is a lot of market uncertainty, and this will mean that in the medium term at least, there will be a slowing of projects and projects put on hold – particularly where residential is concerned. However, as the GFC in 2008 has proven, recovery for construction will be solid, as they operate in a fairly stable environment. It’s expected that responsiveness will see innovation flourish.

DOWNLOAD the 2020 report