NCC 2025 Delay
The National Construction Code (NCC) 2025 has officially been delayed, disrupting the usual timeline followed by builders and designers across Sydney and Greater Sydney. The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has announced that the code’s release and adoption will not follow its traditional schedule.
This news comes at a critical time. Sydney continues to grapple with building defects, particularly in residential and high-rise developments. Fortunately, the upcoming changes to the NCC aim to tackle these widespread issues—once the new version is released.
What Is the NCC and Why Is It Crucial?
The NCC sets mandatory standards for the design and construction of buildings in Australia. Normally, a preview version would be published in February and officially adopted in May.
However, that won’t happen this year. The ABCB has advised that no firm publication or commencement date has been set for NCC 2025. Until then, professionals must continue to follow the current version of the code based on their jurisdiction.
Why Has NCC 2025 Been Delayed?
The delay is linked to the volume of public feedback. During the consultation phase, the ABCB received over 1,800 submissions from industry professionals. As a result, the board is revising the code to better reflect industry needs and concerns.
When released, NCC 2025 is expected to be more streamlined, practical, and targeted—focusing on recurring construction issues that plague buildings across New South Wales.
Expected Changes in NCC 2025
The amendments are likely to focus on areas that directly influence building performance and defect rates, including:
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Energy efficiency
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Condensation management
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Waterproofing standards
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Fire safety measures
These categories often relate to the most common defects in Sydney, especially in multi-residential construction. By updating these areas, the NCC aims to lift overall construction quality and protect building occupants.
Building Defects Continue to Impact Sydney
Over the past decade, Sydney has seen a surge in building defects, particularly in apartment and mixed-use developments. Some of the most frequent issues include:
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Water ingress from poorly sealed facades
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Non-compliant fire separation
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Defective waterproofing in wet areas
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Condensation buildup leading to mould
These defects not only cost millions in repairs, but they also pose significant health and safety risks. In response, regulators are tightening compliance and design standards to reduce risk in future projects.
How the NCC Aims to Address Sydney’s Building Defects
The changes proposed in NCC 2025 are not just about paperwork—they are directly aimed at fixing long-standing construction issues. For example:
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Stricter waterproofing design rules aim to reduce water ingress and internal damage.
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Improved condensation management should help reduce mould growth and health complaints.
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Enhanced fire safety standards will reduce liability for builders and strata owners.
In short, the NCC update is an effort to fix the system—not just regulate it.
What Builders and Owners Should Do Now
While the update is delayed, this is the perfect time to get ahead. Here’s what developers, designers, and owners in Sydney can do:
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Review current projects for known defect risks.
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Engage qualified engineers to check waterproofing, facades, and fire compliance.
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Educate your team on anticipated changes in condensation and energy design.
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Fix known defects now, before code enforcement tightens.
How Elite Australian Engineering Supports Compliance
At Elite Australian Engineering, we help Sydney-based clients:
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Review and declare compliant designs under the Design and Building Practitioners Act
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Identify and rectify existing defects through forensic investigations
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Ensure facades, waterproofing, and fire systems meet current and upcoming NCC standards
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Provide expert witness reports to support legal and insurance claims
We work closely with strata managers, developers, and builders to protect project value and reduce future risks.
Final Thoughts
The NCC 2025 delay shouldn’t lead to inaction. In fact, this is a strategic window to strengthen compliance and rectify issues before enforcement intensifies. As Sydney’s building sector evolves, professionals must adapt proactively—not reactively.
If you’re managing a project in Sydney or Greater Sydney, now is the time to act. Partner with experienced engineers to future-proof your builds and address the root causes of costly defects.
Need Expert Help with Compliance or Defects?
Contact Elite Australian Engineering today for trusted advice and support.
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