NCC Update: What’s Changing from 1 May 2026
A practical guide for project teams navigating approvals and design decisions
The Short Answer
From 1 May 2026, Australia moves into a transition phase for the National Construction Code 2025.
This is not a single nationwide switch-over.Instead, it marks the beginning of a dual-code environment, where both National Construction Code 2022 and NCC 2025 may apply, depending on the state and timing of your project.
What’s Actually Changing?
1. NCC 2025 is now open for adoption
States and territories can begin adopting NCC 2025 from May 2026, but timing will vary. There is no uniform national start date for mandatory compliance.
2. Transition periods begin
Many jurisdictions will introduce a transition window, allowing projects to be assessed under either:
- NCC 2022, or
- NCC 2025
This typically applies at the point of Development Application (DA) or Building Approval, provided one code is used consistently throughout.
3. NCC 2022 remains the current baseline
For most projects in the near term, NCC 2022 continues to apply — including:
- 7-star NatHERS requirements
- Whole-of-home energy provisions
- Ongoing electrification trends
Why This Matters for Your Project
Design decisions made now may lock in future compliance risk.
Even where NCC 2025 isn’t yet mandatory, its direction of change is already influencing planning expectations, consultant advice, and approval pathways.
Key emerging themes include:
- Increased energy performance expectations (particularly for commercial buildings)
- Greater focus on electrification and renewable energy integration
- Improved condensation management and building durability
- More rigorous performance-based compliance pathways
The Key Risk: Misalignment
Projects that:
- Start design under NCC 2022
- But are lodged or approved under NCC 2025
may face:
- Redesign and re-documentation
- Delays in approvals
- Increased construction costs
What We Recommend
To streamline approvals and reduce risk:
Confirm your applicable NCC pathway early
Understand which code your project is likely to fall under based on timing and location.
Engage ESD and compliance consultants at concept stage
Early modelling and strategy alignment avoids late-stage redesign.
Design with future compliance in mind
Even if targeting NCC 2022, consider NCC 2025 direction to “future-proof” your project.
Maintain alignment across planning and building stages
Ensure sustainability commitments made at DA stage translate through to construction.
The Opportunity
This transition isn’t just a regulatory hurdle, it’s a chance to:
- Deliver higher-performing, lower-cost-to-run buildings
- Align with evolving sustainability expectations across the market
- Strengthen long-term asset value
How SUHO Can Help
We work with project teams from concept through to approval to:
- Navigate NCC 2022 vs NCC 2025 pathways
- Align ESD, NatHERS, Section J and planning requirement
- Identify cost-effective strategies early
- Reduce approval risk and avoid rework
Get in touch to ensure your next project is aligned,compliant and future-ready from day one.
Email: info@suho.com.au
Phone: 1300 308 525
