NCC 2025: What Comes May?
What Changes Are Coming and Who They Affect
The National Construction Code (NCC) 2025 is Australia’s next major update to its building regulations, due to be published on February 1, 2026, with adoption from May 2026. Developed by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB), it sets the minimum design and construction standards for buildings across the country.
While major changes to housing regulations have been paused until 2029 to ease pressure on the industry, NCC 2025 introduces important updates focused on waterproofing, fire safety, energy efficiency, and condensation management, especially for commercial and multi-residential buildings.
What Are the Key Changes in NCC 2025?
1. Solar Panel Mandate for Commercial Buildings - New commercial buildings must install on-site solar PV systems, either covering usable roof space or meeting a minimum system size. This supports Australia’s net-zero goals and helps lower long-term energy costs.
2. Waterproofing and Water Management - New rules improve waterproofing in wet areas, balconies, and building facades to reduce moisture damage and defects. Better drainage design and detailing are now required.
3. Condensation Risk Control - The code mandates vapour-permeable membranes, improved roof space ventilation, and moisture escape pathways to reduce health risks like mold.
4. Carpark and Fire Safety Upgrades - NCC 2025 enhances fire protection in enclosed carparks, mandates photoluminescent exit signs, and allows safer re-entry into fire-isolated stairwells.
5. Energy Efficiency Enhancements - For larger buildings, expect tighter standards for insulation and HVAC systems. While no new energy rules apply to homes, previous 7-star ratings and "whole-of-home" assessments remain in force.
6. Improved Access and Amenities - Public buildings must better address gender equity in bathroom facilities, including improved ratios of female toilets to reduce wait times.
What this means in practice: more decisions need to be made earlier (roof plant vs PV, façade build-ups, ventilation strategy, services coordination), and the documentation trail matters more than ever.
When Will NCC 2025 Take Effect?
- Published: February 1, 2026
- Adoption Consideration Begins: May 1, 2026
- Jurisdictional Variation: States and territories will choose their own adoption timelines and may implement grace periods.
Why Does NCC 2025 Matter?
NCC 2025 continues Australia’s push toward greener, safer, and higher-quality buildings. While housing requirements remain steady to support affordability, commercial construction must now meet higher performance and energy benchmarks.
By understanding these changes now, industry professionals can prepare, comply, and gain a competitive edge as the new code
is rolled out.
At Haron Robson, we are a team of experts in technology solutions consultancy. Our team delivers practical guidance and future-ready designs that make compliance simple and outcomes sustainable in response to NCC 2025.
Our specialist areas of expertise include lighting, power systems, audio visual, security, and energy, and we draw on an experienced network of over 200 allied specialists to deliver fully coordinated building services solutions—on time, on budget, and on brief.
Contact Haron Robson today to unlock expert support for NCC 2025 and beyond.
