Does NCC 2022 Amendment 2 apply to renovations and extensions?

It depends on the extent of the work and your state's rules. Major alterations and additions that trigger a development application or building permit are generally required to comply with the current NCC. Minor works, repairs, and maintenance are typically exempt. Check with your local building certifier.

What are the new accessibility requirements?

Under the Livable Housing Design provisions, new Class 1a dwellings must include step-free access to the main entry, a ground-floor toilet, wider doorways and corridors, and reinforced bathroom walls to enable future grab-rail installation.

How do the new energy efficiency requirements affect building costs?

The ABCB's regulatory impact analysis estimated a modest increase in construction costs (typically 1-3% for a standard home) offset by long-term energy savings for occupants. The main cost drivers are improved insulation, better-performing windows, and air sealing.

1 May 2026

NCC 2022 Amendment 2 - Building Code transition deadline

Mandatory adoption date in most states for the latest National Construction Code amendments - includes condensation, accessibility, and energy-efficiency provisions. State variations apply; check your jurisdiction's start date.

What this means for your business

The National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 Amendment 2 introduces updated provisions covering condensation management, liveable housing accessibility, and energy efficiency. Most Australian states and territories adopted the amended NCC provisions on 1 May 2026, requiring new residential building work approved or commenced after that date to comply with the updated standards.

The key changes for builders, certifiers, and building designers include: improved condensation management requirements (particularly for climate zones with moisture risk); accessibility features for new homes (step-free entries, wider corridors, accessible bathrooms at ground level); and more stringent energy efficiency requirements including improved insulation, glazing performance, and air sealing.

State variations apply - not all states adopted every provision on the same date. The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) website has jurisdiction-specific information.

What your business needs to do

Confirm your state's NCC 2022 Amendment 2 adoption date and any jurisdiction-specific carve-outs with your state building regulator or the ABCB.
For any building work approved or contracted after the adoption date, ensure designs and specifications comply with the updated energy efficiency, condensation, and accessibility provisions.
If you are a builder, discuss the updated requirements with your building certifier and ensure subcontractors are aware of the new standards.
Check whether any work already under contract before the adoption date is grandfathered under the previous NCC version - this depends on your state's transitional provisions.

Compliance FAQ

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Regulator sources

Written by Tim Jones, Founder & Principal Consultant, Nifty Computing

Published 29 April 2026 · Last reviewed 5 May 2026

Applies to: Australia (all states and territories)

Sources: ABCB, National Construction Code 2022

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