If you are planning a new house, granny flat or extension in NSW, NCC 2025 will apply to applications lodged from 1 May 2027. The good news is that most of what applies to houses under NCC 2022 carries straight over. This guide sets out what stays put and what is new.
Where the rules for houses sit
For Class 1 buildings (houses, townhouses, granny flats) and Class 10 structures (garages, sheds, decks, pools), the requirements sit in Volume Two of the NCC, read alongside the Housing Provisions Standard published by the ABCB. The Housing Provisions contain the deemed-to-satisfy details that most house designs follow. NCC 2025 keeps this structure.
What stays the same
Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency proposals for houses did not proceed. Volume Two Part H6 and Housing Provisions Part 13 reflect NCC 2022 Amendment 2. Building ministers decided not to introduce new residential energy changes and to maintain the NCC 2022 standards.
BASIX in NSW
NSW continues to use BASIX to set energy and water targets for homes. Under the current NSW arrangement, several energy parts of the Housing Provisions are switched off because BASIX already regulates those matters, while others, such as building sealing, still do. Your BASIX certificate must match your plans, so any design change may need an updated certificate.
Electric vehicle charging
Proposed EV charging readiness requirements for houses were not included in NCC 2025.
Roofed outdoor areas
A proposal to change fire separation rules for roofed outdoor areas, such as alfresco spaces, in Housing Provisions Part 9.6 was not included.
Livable housing
NSW did not adopt the NCC 2022 livable housing provisions, and its NCC 2025 announcement does not signal a change to that position.
What changes
The main change for houses is condensation management in Housing Provisions Part 10.8. The ABCB describes the provisions as improved, including reduced ventilation requirements for small roofs. In practice, designers will need to check how roof spaces are ventilated, where vents go and how wall and roof membranes are specified. Our guide on Condensation and waterproofing under NCC 2025 explains this in more detail.
Drawings and specifications also tend to quote clause numbers. Notes that refer to NCC 2022 clauses need checking against the new edition before you lodge.
Why so little has changed
In October 2025, building ministers agreed that the only residential changes in NCC 2025 would be essential quality and safety measures. They also agreed to pause further residential changes after NCC 2025, again apart from essential fixes, until around 2029. The aim is to give home builders a more stable set of rules.
What to do now
- Work out when your application is likely to be lodged. That date generally decides which edition applies.
- If lodgement will be from 1 May 2027 onward, ask your designer to review roof ventilation and condensation details against NCC 2025.
- Keep your BASIX certificate in step with the final drawings.
- Have the plans checked before lodging. A plan assessment can pick up details that need updating.
If you are planning a single-storey home, a granny flat or something larger, request a quote. We can advise which code edition your application is likely to be assessed under.
Local help across NSW
CertifiBuild certifies Class 1 and Class 10 work in 39 council areas. Local rules on these council pages are a good place to start: Sutherland Shire Council, Randwick City Council, Willoughby City Council, Blue Mountains City Council, Hornsby Shire Council, City of Parramatta.
Suburb pages with local planning notes: Chester Hill, Engadine, Gymea, Kensington, Kingsford, Leura, Mount Colah, Naremburn, Northmead, Woolooware. You can also browse every service area.
Sources
- Public record of Board meeting, November 2025, ABCB
- Building Ministers' Meeting communiqué, October 2025, Australian Treasury
- Guidance material: National Construction Code and BASIX, NSW Department of Planning