The Bathla Group, a Sydney-based property developer, has entered voluntary administration, leaving an estimated 25,000 homes in limbo and putting approximately 500 jobs at risk. The company owes an estimated $3.6 billion to private credit firms and other creditors.
Administrators from Teneo have been appointed to assess the company's finances and attempt to stabilize operations. The voluntary administration was announced on Tuesday by Bhart Bhushan, co-owner of Bathla Group, who cited a combination of softening sales, impacts from tax changes, and increased construction costs as contributing factors.
Bhushan, who began his career as a taxi driver before founding the Bathla Group in 1997, is currently overseeing the construction of a large luxury compound in Western Sydney. The property, owned by his brother and co-owner Rajinder Mohan, is situated on five hectares and is planned to include an eight-car underground garage, an underground pool, a tennis court, a gym, and a pavilion. Development plans submitted to Penrith Council in 2021 estimated the construction cost at $3.57 million.
The Bathla Group specializes in budget-friendly housing estates, townhouses, and apartments across Sydney, with developments in areas such as Schofields, Marsden Park, and Tallawong. Despite the company's financial distress, construction work on the luxury compound was reportedly ongoing as of July.
In 2025 disclosures made while seeking funding, Bhushan reportedly stated he had approximately $390,000 in assets. A friend of Bhushan defended him, suggesting authorities and tax changes had placed immense pressure on the business. This friend also characterized Bhushan and his brother as humble and hardworking, emphasizing the significant risk taken to build their business.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the quality of Bathla Group's construction. The Building Commission NSW has previously issued compliance orders for one of the company's projects, and negotiations on other sites have been ongoing for months. The company's website lists a development pipeline valued at $15 billion, including 22,000 apartment dwellings and 3,500 additional homes.
The Bathla Group's financial difficulties place it among a growing number of construction and development firms that have entered administration or liquidation in recent years, attributed to rising costs and labor shortages. The company is also a prominent sponsor of the A-League club Western Sydney Wanderers.