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Dates Confirmed for the NCC 2022

[30/08/2022]

After numerous delays, the National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 has a commencement date of the 1st of May 2023.

The continuously delayed code has serious implications for the future design, layout and performance of new houses.

Why Has NCC 2022 Been Delayed?

Last updated in 2019, the latest iteration of the NCC has been delayed several times during arguably the most tumultuous time for the housing market in Australian history.

COVID, material and labour supply shortages, record housing prices, rising interest rates and inflation have made selecting an implementation date difficult due to the sweeping changes proposed in the new Code.

What's Changing with NCC 2022?

Some of the bigger changes covered in the code include:

7 Star NatHERS Minimum

The biggest change will be the shift in the National Home Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) minimum from 6 stars to 7 stars, forcing significant changes in the design, layout, materials, insulation and orientations of future homes.

Expect increases in the demand for double glazing, low-E glass, and materials with higher-performing u-values.

Liveable Housing Design

The NCC also specifies new “Liveable Housing Design” standards, which are accessibility conditions designed to meet the needs of older people and those with mobility limitations – separate from specialist accommodation specifications.

These will include wider doorways, at least one step-free entrance and a pathway to the property boundary.

Condensation Mitigation

Provisions to reduce condensation and water vapour in the interest of public health will also be a feature of NCC 2022. This is to be achieved with a more extensive verification process for envelope sealing, as well as greater exhaust, material and insulation standards.

Rollout Dates

The full, detailed provisions of NCC 2022 will be published on the 1st of October 2022, with Stage 1 implementation on the 1st of May 2023 and Stage 2 from the 1st of October 2023.

The Code will have legal effect from the 1st of October 2023 but interestingly, not every state will be adopting the 7-star NatHERS rating and “Liveable Housing Design” aspects.

The Housing Industry Association has reported that while there is “certainty at a national level on when the vast majority of NCC 2022 will commence…each state and territory will now publicly confirm whether they are adopting the liveable housing and energy efficiency changes and when.”

According to the HIA, the following approaches are being taken by each state:

QLD: Will adopt the liveable housing and 7-star provisions from the 1st of October 2023.

NSW: Will not be adopting the liveable housing provisions and will alter the BAISX provisions to match 7-star NatHERS.

ACT: Will adopt the liveable housing and 7-star provisions as of the 1st of October 2023.

VIC: Will adopt the liveable housing and 7-star provisions as of the 1st of October 2023.

TAS: Will adopt the liveable housing provisions from the 1st of October 2024 but won’t adopt the 7-star provisions.

SA: Yet to confirm whether either of the changes will be applied.

WA: Yet to confirm whether either of the changes will be applied.

NT: Will adopt the liveable housing provisions but is yet to confirm any changes to energy efficiency requirements.

Source: HIA, "Building Ministers Confirm NCC 2022 Start Dates" 26th of August 2022

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Dates Confirmed for the NCC 2022

[30/08/2022]

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