Greg Hankinson , Director - Metropole Constructions
There’s welcome news for homebuilders and investors across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. The recent decision by Commonwealth, State and Territory Building Ministers to pause further residential changes to the National Construction Code (NCC) until mid-2029 is a smart, stabilising move for our industry.
With NCC 2025 now finalised – focused solely on essential safety and quality updates – builders can move forward with confidence, and investors can plan without fear of shifting compliance costs or design overhauls mid-project.
This isn’t about slowing progress. It’s about creating space to build better. The commitment to streamline the NCC, reduce red tape, and embrace modern construction methods is exactly what we need to boost housing supply and productivity.
Master Builders Australia has been a strong advocate for this pause. CEO Denita Wawn summed it up well: “Builders need this certainty and can’t afford to be held back by unnecessary red tape if Australia has any hope of meeting our housing targets.”
She also noted that the NCC had drifted from setting minimum standards to imposing best-practice benchmarks – creating complexity and poor integration. This reset is a chance to refocus on what matters: safety, quality, and buildability.
We see this as a green light for innovation and investment. With fewer regulatory surprises, we can channel more energy into workforce development, smarter planning, and delivering homes that meet the real needs of Australians. If you’re considering your next project or portfolio move, now’s the time. The path ahead just got clearer – and that’s a win for builders, investors, and the communities we serve.
