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The national building industry has been handed a welcome dose of certainty, with the Building Ministers’ Meeting on 20 October 2025 confirming the finalisation of the National Construction Code (NCC) 2025 and a pause on further residential changes until at least 2029.
Commonwealth, state and territory building ministers agreed that, apart from essential safety and quality measures, no additional residential amendments will be introduced for the next four years. The decision brings long-awaited stability to an industry that has spent much of the past decade adapting to continuous reform.
“This meeting brought a degree of stability that many in our industry have been hoping for,” said Jill Brookfield, Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Accredited Certifiers (AAC). “The next few years can now focus on implementation, workforce capability and genuine innovation rather than constant regulatory change.”
What’s in NCC 2025
NCC 2025 introduces new provisions relating to:
- Water management, particularly in commercial and multi-residential developments.
- Carpark fire safety and improved smoke control standards.
- Condensation mitigation in building envelopes.
- Commercial energy efficiency, including requirements for on-site solar PV readiness.
The finalised Code will be published by 1 February 2026, with adoption by jurisdictions from 1 May 2026.
Local Implications for the Hawkesbury Region
For builders, certifiers and homeowners in the Hawkesbury, the pause on residential changes offers a period of predictability. With rising construction costs, skills shortages and complex compliance requirements already testing small builders and trades, this move is expected to relieve some pressure and encourage long-term planning.
Local certifiers and developers have welcomed the decision, noting that it allows businesses to focus on quality delivery and workforce development rather than reacting to shifting compliance frameworks.
What Comes Next
Stakeholders should note the following key dates:
- 1 February 2026 – NCC 2025 published nationally.
- 1 May 2026 – Adoption begins in participating jurisdictions.
- 2026–2029 – Pause on further residential code changes, except for essential safety and quality measures.
For the Hawkesbury’s construction sector, this period marks a rare opportunity to consolidate, build workforce capability and prepare for the next generation of innovation with regulatory stability finally in sight says Urban City Consulting Group Manager Troy Myers.
“For builders and developers across the Hawkesbury, this decision provides much-needed certainty at a time when the industry is already under pressure from rising costs and skills shortages,” said Urban City Consulting Group Manager Troy Myers.
“Having a stable regulatory framework for the next few years allows businesses to plan with confidence, invest in their workforce and focus on delivering quality projects rather than constantly adjusting to new compliance requirements.”
