This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
PROPERTY developer Toga Group has been awarded 4.5 out of 5 Gold Star rating by the new Independent Construction Industry Rating Tool (iCIRT), making it one of only three developers to achieve this highest rating so far.
The ratings tool was launched to rebuild public trust and market transparency in residential construction as part of the NSW Government’s Construct NSW Transformation Strategy.
iCIRT currently rates builders, developers and certifiers on a voluntary basis. In due course, designers, manufacturers and suppliers will also be able to be rated. Consumers will also be able to rate industry professionals.
Toga boss Allan Vidor said the company was thrilled to have been awarded a 4.5 Gold Star rating by iCIRT, in what is a ringing endorsement of its 59-year track record delivering construction and development excellence, and our commitment to creating meaningful spaces for life in Australia.
“Ultimately, this rating is a testament to our dedication to deliver the highest quality outcomes for our customers in every aspect of our developments. Buyers can be confident trusting that TOGA has passed the test and has the capital, the experience and the capability to create homes and residential communities that will last.”
While the independent assessment by Equifax is currently voluntary, developers and builders must meet the minimum average of three out of five stars or above to be deemed “trustworthy” and be included on the public register, along with a Gold, Silver or Bronze star indicator.
Builders and developers must undergo a rigorous review process, with the assessment evaluating them across six specific criteria: character, capability, conduct, capacity, capital and counterparties.
Vidor said this is a game changer for homebuyers and the industry.
“A home is one of the most significant investments Australians make, so it’s vital to be able to trust the developers, builders and industry that create these assets. We stand by what we build and deliver at TOGA, and suggest all consumers who are on their property journey to review the iCIRT listing as part of their research,” he added.
NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler said iCIRT was introduced to set a new standard and give property buyers the confidence that the builder or developer they’re looking to buy from is a trusted party.
“There’s no denying the reputation of the industry has taken a hit in recent years. The iCIRT rating system was introduced to rebuild trust and acknowledge those in the industry, like TOGA, who are doing the right thing. Congratulations TOGA for setting the benchmark for best practice.
“As I get to know more of the increasing community of iCIRT rated developers and builders, a common theme is emerging. The first is that customers are at the centre of how they do business. The second is the ingrained integrity that these companies strive to build to underpin how they deliver buildings.
“I have been fortunate to participate in a DBP Act audit of declared designs for TOGA’s project at Surry Hills Village. In my view it was one of the best our audit team have seen. I also inspected this project shortly after. It was clear that the TOGA team including their designers and trade contractors walk the talk. iCIRT rated industry practitioners are returning confidence for consumers to commit to new apartment purchases in NSW.”
