NCC 2025: What Homeowners Need To Know Before Submitting Plans

Australia’s National Construction Code (NCC) is mid-transition again, and many homeowners are asking what to draw, specify and budget for on projects heading to council in early 2026. The short version is that the next edition of the Code is not yet finalised. Several proposals remain under consideration, and the Commonwealth has flagged a pause on further residential changes while streamlining work continues. For now, projects must be designed to the current rules adopted in your state, while keeping an eye on what may follow.

Where things stand with NCC 2025

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has confirmed there is no approved publication or commencement date for the next edition. Any “NCC 2025” content seen in consultation material is not yet law. Treat it as an indication of direction only, and document projects against the version adopted in your jurisdiction. If you need local guidance for a Perth lodgement, drafting Perth practitioners who monitor jurisdictional updates can help interpret what applies today.

What already applies in 2025 (and could trip up your plans)

In Western Australia, minimum 7-Star NatHERS plus Whole-of-Home energy requirements apply to building permit applications lodged from 1 May 2025. Projects submitted on or after this date must include a compliant energy assessment. Local governments across WA have issued reminders to this effect.

Separately, lead-free plumbing products that contact drinking water become mandatory nationwide from 1 September 2025 under NCC Volume Three. Specifications should nominate WaterMark-certified lead-free components. A capable drafting company Perth will usually reflect both requirements clearly in notes and schedules.

Proposals on the horizon: condensation risk and healthier envelopes

Among the ABCB’s consultation items are stronger measures to manage condensation in houses and apartments. Likely areas of focus include vapour-permeable wraps, cavity ventilation, service routing and exhaust discharge, all aimed at reducing mould and durability issues. Even before any changes are formalised, coordinating wrap types, ventilation paths and mechanical exhaust on drawings helps demonstrate a clear moisture strategy. Teams providing residential drafting Perth often include a simple condensation diagram to minimise RFIs during approval.

Waterproofing and water-shedding: more detail, fewer leaks

Water ingress remains one of the most common and costly building defects. Draft NCC material proposes reorganised waterproofing provisions, tighter Deemed-to-Satisfy clauses for falls and drainage, and clearer detailing at cladding interfaces. Regardless of timing, balcony falls, substrate grading and compatible membrane systems are best resolved now with proper sections rather than generic notes. When comparing drafting services Perth, ask whether balcony and podium set-outs include nominated falls and drain types.

Electrification and EV-readiness

Two issues matter here. NCC 2022 already introduced EV-charging readiness for many new apartment buildings from late 2023. In parallel, technical work linked to the 2025 consultation explored how electrical infrastructure may scale with rising EV uptake. As national settings are still under review, EV capacity is best treated as a coordination issue between designer and electrical engineer. Developers searching for commercial drafting services near me should look for layouts that protect future cable routes and meter space without compromising floor plans.

What to include in your plan set before you lodge

Certifiers and councils expect coordinated, complete documentation. Before lodging, aim to include: a 7-Star plus Whole-of-Home energy report; wall sections that coordinate wraps, insulation and ventilation; balcony and wet-area details with nominated falls and membranes; a plumbing schedule identifying lead-free, WaterMark-certified products; and, for apartments, space planning that allows for future EV upgrades. When engaging residential drafting services, ask for a compliance index that maps each requirement to a drawing or report.

Western Australia start dates to note

The dates most likely to affect Perth homeowners are:

Requirement	WA commencement or action
7-Star NatHERS + Whole-of-Home (NCC 2022)	Applies to new homes lodged from 1 May 2025
Lead-free drinking-water plumbing products	Mandatory for WaterMark products from 1 September 2025

Always confirm adoption and any local variations, particularly if building outside WA.

How to stay on the front foot

With the federal pause on further residential changes, fewer last-minute surprises are likely, but assumptions can still be risky. Design to the currently adopted NCC, monitor ABCB updates, and lock in compliant product selections early, particularly for lead-free plumbing. If a consultant suggests waiting for NCC 2025, ask for a documented plan that meets today’s requirements as a fallback.