The NSW state government has announced it will adopt the National Construction Code 2025 on May 1, 2027 some 12 months after the code becomes available for uptake by other states and territories.

The National Construction Code, developed by the Australian Building Codes Board in partnership with federal, state and territory governments, sets baseline requirements for health, safety, amenity and environmental performance in buildings nationwide.

The 2025 update introduces new provisions for commercial construction and a limited set of quality and safety measures affecting residential buildings.

A preview of the updated code was recently released, with formal publication scheduled for May 1, 2026.

State officials say the additional transition period is intended to reduce disruption across the building sector and allow developers, builders and designers to adjust project plans without delaying housing delivery.

The New South Wales government also signaled it will introduce targeted variations to the national code to better align with state policies and existing regulations, particularly in residential construction. The changes are designed to avoid conflicts with state legislation and technical standards governing building, plumbing and drainage.

Among the planned adjustments: apartment owners undertaking remedial work will be allowed to choose between existing waterproofing rules and those outlined in the updated code, a move officials say could help limit costs.

In addition, new energy-efficiency requirements under the 2025 code will not apply to common areas in apartment buildings.

Full details of the state-specific variations are expected when the finalised code is published in May 2026.

NSW Building Minister Anoulack Chanthivong says the government is seeking to balance the need for improved construction standards with the urgency of increasing housing supply.

“We are working in lockstep with the construction industry to ensure these homes are high-quality, safe and sustainable,” he says. “At the same time, we want to avoid disruption that could slow the delivery of much-needed housing.”

Chanthivong also notes the extended transition period would give industry participants time to incorporate the new requirements into future projects while minimising compliance risks.

Image: Shutterstock/ https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/

Architecture & Design Team

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