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One country, multiple codes: what NCC 2025 means for building teams

Written by

29 September 2026

 • 

2 min read

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Australia’s building teams are entering a period of change as NCC 2025 begins rolling out across the states and territories. While the new code was released nationally in May, each jurisdiction is moving on its own timeline.

Victoria, Tasmania, Western Australia and the ACT have already adopted the new code, while NSW and Queensland are set to follow in 2027. South Australia is taking a staged approach, and the Northern Territory has not yet adopted it.

For architects, builders and consultants working across states, it adds another consideration to the project brief: which requirements apply, and when?

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The same project, different requirements

The NCC takes legal effect through individual state and territory legislation, so adoption dates and transition arrangements can vary.

That matters beyond compliance. NCC 2025 introduces changes across areas including energy efficiency and water management, with new requirements for some commercial buildings around on-site solar PV. These changes can flow into design decisions around roof space, structure, services and specification.

For practices and construction teams working nationally, that means a product or system considered for one project may need to be assessed differently on another, depending on the NCC edition that applies.

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Staying across the change

With jurisdictions moving at different speeds, understanding the applicable code and transition provisions is becoming another part of early project planning.

The rollout will continue through 2027, meaning teams will be working across different NCC requirements for some time yet.

For those designing, specifying and delivering buildings, staying across these changes is part of staying ahead of the project itself.

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