PCA Update on NCC 2025.
1 Feb 2026 Release Date.
The Building Ministers have met and resolved the key provisions for NCC 2025, which will be published by 1 February 2026 with possible adoption from 1 May 2026 (subject to each state and territory).
Key NCC Updates
After reviewing advice from the ABCB, Ministers agreed on several key adjustments:
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Improved water management for commercial and apartment buildings to prevent water ingress
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Enhanced carpark fire safety provisions
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Commercial energy efficiency reforms, including mandatory on-site solar PV systems to support net zero ambitions
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Strengthened condensation mitigation measures
These updates aim to ensure that new buildings are safer, higher quality, and more sustainable — meeting the needs of both occupants and owners.
Importantly, no new residential changes will be introduced in NCC 2025 outside of essential safety and quality updates. That means:
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Voluntary embodied carbon provisions will be published as ABCB guidance only.
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EV charging and residential energy efficiency changes will not be introduced at this time.
This maintains the strong standards established in NCC 2022, including the 7-star energy efficiency benchmark, while recognising EV charging requirements already in place for commercial buildings.
Key Dates
1st Feb 2026
NCC 2025 Published
1st May 2026
Possible adoption based on jurisdictional discretion
October 2025
Full communique: Building Ministers’ Meeting
NCC 2025 Finalised & Residential Updates Paused Until 2029
Further residential-only changes beyond this edition will be paused until mid-2029
What It Means for Commercial and Multi-Unit Buildings (Class 2–9)
1
Energy Sustainability
Mandatory on-site solar PV systems to support net-zero ambitions.
Tighter building-fabric and HVAC performance standards.
Clearer pathways for all-electric or hybrid buildings. These changes reflect the drive to improve long-term sustainability in higher-density and commercial typologies.
2
Condensation & Durability Measures
With tighter building envelopes now common, condensation risk and durability remain a key focus. NCC 2025 will strengthen requirements around:
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Ventilated or drained cavity walls in certain climate zones.
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Vapour-permeable sarking layers.
Detailing that better manages internal moisture and ensures long-term building health.
3
Residential Changes Deferred Until Mid-2029
The government has agreed to pause additional residential-only changes beyond those included in NCC 2025 until mid-2029, excluding essential safety and quality updates.
Residential buildings continue to follow NCC 2022 standards (including the 7-Star benchmark and Whole-of-Home provisions).
Proposed major residential reforms (e.g., enhanced electrification, EV-charging requirements) will not appear in the code until after the pause.
The pause aims to provide regulatory stability for the housing sector while the government focuses on delivery and supply.
What This Means for Your Projects
Commercial & Multi-unit Projects:
Start aligning designs now with the upcoming NCC 2025 requirements, especially around energy performance, waterproofing, fire safety and durability.
Coordinate consultants, certifiers and contractors early in the process and the bar is rising for performance documentation and build quality.
Residential Projects (Class 1, Class 10):
You have a phase of relative stability; the existing NCC 2022 standards remain.
Use this time to future-proof your designs for the eventual reforms after 2029 and incorporating good practice now (e.g., adaptable EV-charging infrastructure, higher performance envelopes) may offer competitive advantage.
Stay vigilant: while major changes are paused, essential safety and quality updates may still arise.
The Road Ahead
The direction for the NCC is finally a bit clearer - commercial and multi-unit projects are stepping up to stronger performance standards, while the residential side gets a bit more breathing room until 2029.
Partnering for Smarter Compliance
At Phoenix Building Approvals, we’re here to help architects, builders and developers make sense of what this all means - whether that’s early design advice or getting your compliance sorted without the stress.
Because meeting code is one thing - but designing smarter, more durable buildings that are ready for what’s next? That’s where the real value lies.
Specific Project Advice & Queries
Contact Phoenix NSW Principal Certifying Authority
Ph: +61 2 9639 8808
Office Location: 325 Old Northern Rd, Castle Hill NSW 2153
@: info@phoenixpca.com.au
web: https://www.phoenixpca.com.au
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. General information only. Please contact Phoenix Building Approvals for project-specific advice on (02) 9639 8808 or info@phoenixpca.com.au. All Rights Reserved 2025.