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{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationNational Construction Code 2025
National Construction Code 2025
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The National Construction Code (NCC) 2025 was released in February 2026. HIA successfully advocated for several changes to the Code and has produced a series of articles explaining what the updates mean for our members and the industry.
All three volumes of NCC 2025 are available on Australian Building Codes Board website.
NCC 2025 is primarily focused on the commercial building sector. However, there are new standards, processes and assessment methods that affect all buildings that the residential industry must stay across to remain compliant.
All three Volumes of the NCC contain changes, with new content and referenced standards in key areas including:
NCC 2025 introduces significant updates to Australian Standards, with many modified or introduced.
Key changes include:
- new, amended or revised key residential NCC Referenced Standards are now a compliance option on adoption of NCC 2025
- a new alternative referenced document register.
NCC 2025 strengthens the minimum requirements for condensation management, with changes to external wall construction and roof ventilation to reduce moisture risk.
Key changes include:
- updated requirements for the permeance of control layers
- increased roof ventilation in colder climate zones
- mandatory use of drained and ventilated cavities in certain conditions
- reduced ventilation area requirements for small roofs.
NCC 2025 includes updates to the governing requirements that set out how the Code is applied, interpreted and complied with across building work.
Key changes and concepts include:
- changes to how reports from Accredited Testing Laboratory verify fire hazard properties
- restrictions on the Assessment Methods for structural and fire safety Performance Solutions
- a new verification method for structural solutions.
NCC 2025 introduces stricter energy efficiency requirements for Class 3 and Class 5–9 buildings, aiming to move these building types closer to near net-zero operational energy use.
Key changes include:
- higher efficiency requirements for air conditioning, insulation, glazing and building sealing
- updated rules for lighting controls, pumps and fan efficiency
- where gas appliances are installed, buildings must allow space and electrical capacity for future electrification
- new compliance pathways for centralised water heating systems in apartment buildings
- Class 2 common areas are excluded from these new stringency changes.
NCC 2025 Volume One (Class 2-9 buildings) contains new water management provisions that involve:
- a full restructure of Part F Performance Requirements
- new defined terms which change the scope of water managed by the part
- new DTS Provisions for external spaces including Class 2 apartment balconies constructed of concrete
- falls in structural substrates for balconies made from concrete.
NCC 2025 adoption dates
From 1 May 2026 to 1 May 2027:
Projects with building approval may comply with either:
- NCC 2022 and the ACT 2022 Appendix; or
- NCC 2025 and the ACT 2025 Appendix.
From 1 May 2027:
Projects with building approval must comply with:
- NCC 2025 and the ACT 2025 Appendix.
Exception:
Projects with a development application or works approval application formally lodged before 1 November 2026 may continue to seek building approval under either NCC 2022 or NCC 2025 until that development application expires.
NCC 2025 will be adopted in New South Wales on 1 May 2027. NCC 2022 remains in force until then.
NCC 2025 will apply in Victoria from 1 May 2026.
Victoria has announced it will not extend the (national) transition period for lead-free plumbing products. Projects with plumbing installation commencing on or after 1 May 2026 must specify and install only lead-free plumbing products, even if building permits or contracts were issued before 1 May 2026.
South Australia is yet to confirm adoption dates for NCC 2025.
NCC 2025 will be adopted in Queensland on 1 May 2027. NCC 2022 remains in force until then.
Tasmania is not adopting NCC 2025.
Tasmania announced in December 2024 that they will defer implementation of changes to the NCC.
Western Australia is yet to confirm adoption dates for NCC 2025.
Western Australia building regulations recognise the edition of the Building Code that was in effect 12 months before the time the application for the building permit is made.
Northern Territory is yet to confirm adoption dates for NCC 2025.
Builders will need to speak with their building certifier about the application of Section 51 of the Building Act to their current and proposed projects.
Northern Territory Section 51(1) and (2) of the Building Act do provide transitional provisions for the application of new regulations (including NCC amendments). Under this is section, the application of new regulations does not apply to work where a building permit has been issued, or where substantial progress was made on the design of the building prior to the commencement of the new regulation.
National Construction Code 2025 explained
Explore our builder-focused resources for a quick understanding of NCC 2025. Stay informed with guidance from HIA’s industry experts and ensure you remain compliant with the Code in your state or territory.
Australian Standards
Thirty six new, amended or revised Australian Standards have been incorporated into NCC 2025, including key residential standards for wind loads, timber framing, swimming pools and cladding systems. Browse these resources for a closer look at what’s changed and what it means for builders.
Condensation management
NCC 2025 introduces updated condensation management requirements affecting external wall construction, roof ventilation and drained cavity systems in colder climates. Read these resources to understand the changes and how they may affect residential building work.
Fighting for NCC 2025 changes
HIA were one of the only industry bodies to provide detailed submissions in response to all major proposals and their accompanying analysis.
NCC's 2025 proposed residential changes are more moderate when compared to the far-reaching impacts of NCC 2022. HIA had argued some reforms were underdeveloped, higher cost or too impractical to be applied by industry.
HIA's advocacy resulted in numerous improvements and concessions to proposals released to public comment for efficiency in commercial buildings, condensation management and waterproofing proposals that are progressing. Significantly, electric vehicle charging and embodied emissions proposals will not progress as part of the finalised NCC 2025 content.
HIA has called on states and the ABCB to better support implementation beyond the NCC publication. Enhancing its guidance offering, learning materials and addressing key points of contention and ambiguity are necessary next steps.
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National Construction Code
Keep up to date with the NCC's evolving changes in your state. Visit our hub for the latest resources, adoption dates, key regulatory updates and how HIA is pushing for change at a government level.