New Housing Standards Focus on Quality and Efficiency
The National Construction Code 2025 (NCC 2025) promises significant improvements in housing quality across Australia. Available for adoption by jurisdictions beginning 1st May, the changes target not only faster construction but also enhanced livability and sustainability.
Focus on Quality and Performance
According to Adam Haddow, National President of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects, prioritizing housing quality is as essential as increasing supply. He remarked, “Australia is rightly focused on increasing housing supply, but supply alone is not enough.”
Among the updates in NCC 2025 are enhancements in waterproofing, condensation management, and energy performance. These updates support the creation of durable homes that respond to climate challenges. Australian households will benefit from these standards, expecting safer, more comfortable, and affordable homes.
Setting minimum standards ensures that homes remain safe and comfortable over time. This focus on performance and long-term affordability helps avoid future household costs.
However, the Institute cautions against prioritizing speed over quality, as this could result in higher long-term costs for households and adverse community outcomes. Poorly performing homes tend to be more expensive to maintain, requiring higher energy consumption for heating and cooling.
Adoption of NCC 2025 varies across states and territories, potentially undermining improvements. Some regions, like New South Wales and Queensland, will delay implementation until 1st May 2027.
Haddow warned that inconsistent adoption might lead to confusion and increased costs. “A fragmented approach risks creating confusion, increasing costs and slowing delivery – at exactly the time we need to be building more homes, and building them well,” he stated.
The Royal Australian Institute of Architects remains committed to collaborating with governments and industry. Their goal is to support high-quality, sustainable, and nationally consistent building standards, ensuring Australia’s housing solutions offer long-term benefits instead of short-term remedies.
With NCC 2025, the Institute aims to shape the future of Australian housing, making it more resilient and adaptable to climate changes. The objective is to develop homes that transcend being mere structures, becoming sustainable living environments.
Last updated: 1 May 2026, 8:34 am
