NCC 2025 will be available for adoption in the ACT from 1 May 2026 and become mandatory from 1 May 2027, aligning the Territory's timeframe with NSW and Queensland.
Property Council ACT & Capital Region Executive Director Ashlee Berry said the decision responds directly to industry concerns about feasibility, timing and cross-border consistency.
"This is a sensible and practical approach that gives industry the time it needs to plan, price and deliver projects with confidence," Ms Berry said.
"We wrote to the ACT Government again last month calling for the commencement of NCC 2025 in the ACT to align with NSW - critical for a region that operates as a single economic and labour market. We appreciate the ACT Government listening to industry concerns."
Ms Berry said the Property Council had called for the ACT to pause implementation until 1 May 2027, while allowing voluntary early adoption from 1 May 2026 – an approach now reflected in the ACT's transition framework.
"A clear adoption timeline and a 12-month transition period will help avoid unnecessary redesign, reduce compliance risk and support the continued delivery of housing and commercial development in the ACT," she said.
"This is especially important at a time of heightened construction costs and feasibility pressures and a positive signal that the ACT Government is willing to listen and respond to such pressures with sensible measures.
The ACT's additional transition arrangements will allow projects that lodge a development application or works approval by November 2026 to proceed under the current NCC requirements.
"This is an important practical safeguard, particularly for complex and multi‑stage projects that are already well advanced," Ms Berry said.
"Locking in existing requirements where approvals are lodged by November 2026 will help avoid disruption mid-project and provide much needed certainty for proponents making long-term investment decisions."
NCC 2025 introduces new provisions for commercial construction and targeted quality and safety changes for residential buildings. A preview version of the code was released by the Australian Building Codes Board in February 2026, with the full code due to be published on 1 May 2026.
The Property Council will continue to work closely with the ACT Government and industry stakeholders as further detail on implementation and transition arrangements is released.
"Our priority is a smooth and practical rollout that supports investment, maintains project viability and ensures the ACT remains competitive as a place to build and do business," Ms Berry said.
