The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has released the National Construction Code (NCC) 2025 preview, giving practitioners early access to the next edition before its full publication. Jurisdictions may consider adoption from 1 May 2026.

The preview reflects updates informed by public consultation and technical review, helping building professionals understand changes that could affect their projects.

Key updates in NCC 2025

• Water management: Volume One Section F includes improved water management provisions, along with updated definitions in Schedule 1.
• Carpark fire safety: Fire safety in carparks is strengthened, with sprinkler protection required for open‑deck carparks (except stand-alone open decks) and reduced scenarios for concessions to fire-resistance levels (FRL).
• Commercial energy efficiency: Volume One Section J introduces measures to reduce energy consumption in non‑Class 2 buildings, including mandatory on-site solar systems, improved building envelope and services requirements and upgraded lighting controls.
• Condensation mitigation: Reduced ventilation requirements for small roofs are included in Volume One Part F8 and Housing Provisions Part 10.8.
• All-gender sanitary facilities: Volume One Part F4 now permits optional all-gender facilities instead of separate male and female amenities.
• Structural reliability and Performance Solutions: Updates to A2G2, B1P1 and H1P1 clarify assessment methods for consistent, robust solutions.
• Combined sprinkler and hydrant systems: Clarifications in AS 2118.6 provisions specify that plastic pipe is not to be used above ground.

Proposals not included

Some public comment proposals have been excluded from NCC 2025:

• Residential energy efficiency changes for Volume Two Part H6, Housing Provisions Part 13 and Class 2 buildings remain as per NCC 2022 Amendment 2.
• EV charging readiness provisions and related amendments.
• Proposed changes to fire separation for roofed outdoor areas in Housing Provisions Part 9.6.

The NCC 2025 preview provides early guidance on key updates while giving the industry time to prepare for adoption and compliance across Australian jurisdictions. Read the preview here.