The National Construction Code (NCC) is Australia’s primary regulatory framework for building design and construction. The 2025 edition of the National Construction Code (NCC) makes sure new construction work meets modern standards for safety, health, amenity, accessibility and sustainability. The NCC is made up of three volumes:
- Volume 1 and 2 form the Building Code of Australia (BCA)
- Volume 3 is the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA).
These documents make up the primary framework that sets minimum standards for new buildings and building work in the ACT. The NCC is reviewed every three years.
Information on the NCC and current and previous versions is available from the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB).
Adoption of the NCC in the ACT
In the ACT the BCA is given effect through:
- the Building Act 2004
- the Building (General) Regulation 2008
- the Building (ACT Appendix to the Building Code) Determination 2023 (No 3) which includes ACT variations to the BCA
- the Building (General) (Alternative requirements for unaltered parts) Determination 2023 (No 2) which includes ACT variations to the BCA.
The PCA is given effect through
- the Water and Sewerage Act 2000
- the Water and Sewerage (ACT Appendix to the Plumbing Code) Determination 2023 (No 1) which includes ACT variations to the PCA.
Historical versions of the above are available on the ACT Legislation Register.
NCC 2025
Building Ministers agreed to NCC 2025 in October 2025 and published the Meeting communiqué: Building Ministers’ Meeting, October 2025. NCC 2025 was published for preview on 2 February 2026.
New requirements under the 2025 National Construction Code include:
- Stronger energy efficiency standards for commercial buildings to reduce energy consumption, which will cut emissions and operating costs.
- Improved waterproofing and drainage requirements to reduce leaks and defects (Note, we will vary the NCC so that existing buildings needing building approvals are exempt from this requirement).
- Enhanced measures to prevent condensation and mould in new homes.
- Upgraded fire safety provisions for carparks attached to commercial and apartment buildings.
- Increased female toilet ratios and mandatory sanitary product dispensers in new commercial and public buildings.
- A voluntary, nationally consistent pathway for providing all‑gender bathroom facilities.
- Technical updates and clarifications to improve building quality and consistency.
Transition arrangements
In the ACT, the NCC 2025 will commence on 1 May 2026 but will not be mandatory until May 1 2027. This means that:
- Projects with Building Approval after 1 May 2026 and before 1 May 2027 may comply with either:
- NCC 2022 and the ACT 2022 Appendix, or
- NCC 2025 and the ACT 2025 Appendix.
- Projects with Building Approval after 1 May 2027 must comply with NCC 2025 and the ACT 2025 Appendix, with the following 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.
- Projects that are unlikely to achieve Building Approval by 1 May 2027, or submit Development/Works Approval by 1 November 2026, should focus on making sure the building will meet NCC 2025.
