Is the National Construction Code being “FROZEN”?

Pausing NCC Non-Essential Changes

In late August 2025, the media reported that the National Construction Code (NCC) was being frozen.  This generated a significant reaction from various interest groups. There was not a ‘freeze’ and that expression was not used when the Commonwealth government made its announcement. In fact, references to a “freeze” of the NCC are not only incorrect but create the perception that the pause is a backward or negative step. 

What actually happened is that the Commonwealth government announced it would be pausing non-essential changes to the NCC. It also announced a slowdown in the pace of change to the NCC. This allows builders and trades, manufacturers and suppliers to have more time to adjust to NCC amendments. In HIA’s view, the decision is a sensible one, not a backward step. Housing affordability can only be improved as the industry has more time to prepare for future changes to the NCC.

In the past couple of years, the NCC has been dramatically updated by the NCC 2022 amendments.  Homes built to the NCC 2022 standard need to meet 7-star energy efficiency requirements and livable housing accessibility requirements. These homes are significantly better than the bulk of the established homes that Australians live in.

So let’s look carefully at what is really happening.

There are three parts to the government announcement.

First, the next round of NCC amendments – which are yet to be finalised by the Building Ministers who approve them – will be limited. These NCC 2025 amendments have already been out for public consultation. They will be reviewed and only essential amendments retained for approval by the Building Ministers. We need to wait for confirmation about which amendments are regarded as essential.

Second, the next NCC round of amendments, which is scheduled to be NCC 2028, will be pushed back to 2029. This will slow down by a year the pace of NCC changes.  It is hardly a freeze.

Third, there will be a review of the process for developing NCC amendments.

HIA will continue to provide input to governments around the country about the NCC and the amendment process. HIA members should look for further information and guidance as it becomes available.

HIA members are welcome to contact us on 1300 650 620 for further advice.