Posted on February 5th, 2026 / V-Star Energy
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has released its much-anticipated NCC 2025 preview, setting the direction for the next wave of building regulations. While this is a preview and details may evolve before the final publication, the core priorities are clear.
At V-Star Energy, our first read is that NCC 2025 is not a revolution, but a significant evolution. It focuses on safety enhancements, closing performance gaps, and providing much-needed clarity on energy efficiency, particularly for commercial and multi-residential projects.
This blog breaks down the key proposed changes so you can start planning.
The Headline Decision: A Pause on New Residential Energy Rules
Before detailing the 2025 changes, it’s crucial to address the biggest news from the Building Ministers’ Meeting in October 2025: a strategic pause on new residential energy efficiency and sustainability changes until mid-2029.
What this means for you:
- No new residential energy targets. The current 7-star NatHERS + Whole-of-Home requirements from NCC 2022 remain the standard.
- Deferred proposals, including new electric vehicle (EV) charging requirements for houses and further residential energy upgrades, will not proceed at this time.
- Certainty for builders and designers. This pause provides a stable, predictable regulatory environment for residential projects for the next four years.
Why it matters: This decision allows the industry to consolidate and build expertise around the current 7-star standard while focusing on housing supply. It does not, however, affect the significant commercial building updates confirmed for NCC 2025.
🏗️ Key Proposed Changes in the NCC 2025 Preview
The preview confirms several substantial updates, particularly for commercial and apartment buildings, as well as critical safety improvements. Below is a summary of the key proposed changes expected to come into effect from 1 May 2026.
| Area of Change | What’s Proposed (NCC 2025 Preview) | Impact & Who Needs to Know |
| Commercial & Apartment Energy Efficiency (Section J) | Enhanced glazing standards (e.g., J4D6), mandatory variable-speed fans for larger HVAC systems (J6D5), and mandatory on-site solar PV for new commercial buildings (J9D5). | Commercial developers, builders, and architects. This will increase upfront costs but significantly reduce operational energy use. Early design integration is key. |
| Fire Safety | Mandatory sprinklers in new carparks with >40 spaces, use of hybrid photoluminescent exit signs, and removal of the “Expert Judgement” pathway for fire safety design. | All builders, fire engineers, and building surveyors. Aims to improve real-world safety and standardise compliance. |
| Waterproofing & Condensation | Consolidation of waterproofing provisions (Parts F1 & F3) and stricter condensation management requirements for walls and roofs in Climate Zones 6-8. | All builders and waterproofing specialists. Aims to reduce building defects and moisture-related damage. |
| Embodied Carbon | A voluntary pathway for embodied carbon reporting will be published as guidance, not mandated in the code. Formal regulation is expected in NCC 2028. | Forward-thinking developers and sustainability managers. An opportunity for early adoption and market differentiation. |
| Accessibility & Livability | Improved minimum accessibility standards for housing, enhanced indoor air quality measures, and requirements to support future home electrification (e.g., switchboard capacity). | Volume builders, developers, and architects. Focuses on occupant health, future-proofing, and universal design. |
💡 What This Means for Your Projects
- For Residential Builders & Designers: You can proceed with confidence under the stable NCC 2022 rules. Use this period to master the 7-star Whole-of-Home requirements and improve build quality. Consider voluntarily adopting electrification-ready wiring to future-proof homes.
- For Commercial & Apartment Developers: Start preparing now. The Section J and solar PV changes will impact building services design, facade specifications, and project budgets. Engage your energy consultant (like V-Star Energy) early in the design phase to model compliance and optimise costs.
- For Everyone: The focus on condensation management and waterproofing is a reminder that build quality is paramount. Ensuring these details are correct from the start avoids costly rectifications.
🚀 Our Commitment at V-Star Energy
The NCC 2025 preview confirms the industry’s direction towards higher-performance, safer, and more sustainable buildings. While the residential pause provides stability, the commercial changes are substantive.
Our team is already analysing the preview’s technical details. We are your partner in navigating this transition, ensuring your projects are not only compliant but also cost-optimised and future-ready.
Have questions about how NCC 2025 might affect your upcoming project?
Contact V-Star Energy today for clear, expert advice tailored to your specific needs.
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