AUSTRALIA’S building ministers have agreed to pause most new residential building code changes until mid-2029, in a bid to accelerate home construction and ease cost pressures on the housing industry.
The move follows an August economic roundtable where the Federal Government pledged to hold off on updates to the National Construction Code that could slow down housing supply.
At a meeting on October 22, federal, state and territory ministers confirmed the pause and finalised details of the 2025 edition of the NCC.
They also made new appointments to the Australian Building Codes Board.
Only a small number of essential changes will proceed – including new water management standards and improved fire safety for carparks in commercial and apartment buildings, as well as energy efficiency and condensation control measures for non-residential properties.
Proposed measures such as home-based electric vehicle charging requirements and additional residential energy efficiency upgrades will now be put on hold.
The existing 7-star energy efficiency rating, introduced under the 2022 code, will remain in place.
The updated NCC will be published by February 1, 2026, and available for state and territory adoption from May 1.
Each jurisdiction will decide when to implement it – with Tasmania already signalling a delay on some measures.
Ministers also agreed to overhaul the way the code is written and applied, with plans to make it clearer.
Industry leaders have welcomed the decision, describing it as a pragmatic move that gives builders and developers more certainty.
Housing Industry Association managing director Jocelyn Martin said ministers were “listening and responding to industry concerns”, calling the pause a “practical balance” that provides clarity ahead of next year’s rollout.
Property Council of Australia chief executive Mike Zorbas said the changes would boost confidence and support large-scale projects.
“This approach recognises the innovation already taking place in commercial construction while giving time to simplify the residential code and make it easier to build new homes,” he said.
Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn said builders could not afford to be held back by red tape.
“This is a sensible step to help the industry deliver more homes faster.”
HIA
