The speaker is Jay Geega.
Hello and welcome to our practitioner education series, today we will be walking you through the key changes of the NCC 2025 volume 2 the Housing Provisions Standard and the Livable Housing Design Standard.
The purpose of this presentation is to ease the adoption transition to the NCC 2025 – Volume 2, Housing Provisions and Livable Housing Design Standard and to equip practitioners with the skills to confidently apply these changes in their housing projects.
The Learning Objectives are to:
- Identify key changes to be brought by NCC 2025 against the NCC 2022 Amendment 2
- To interpret correctly these changes and
- To understand some of the practical implications of these changes.
As you can see on screen, we have the familiar 2022 Amendment 2 cover on the left which we’ve been working with since May 2023 and on the other side, the NCC 2025 released by the ABCB on 1 February 2026.
We are currently at the Preview phase of the NCC 2025 that was released on the 1st of February 2026 for public information.
From the 1st of May 2026, the NCC 2025 will be adopted by Victoria. We note that the Victorian Variations are yet to be published and we will provide a separate announcement and presentation once they are finalised.
Today, we will go part by part through the major updates, starting with Structure, Damp and Weatherproofing, Fire Safety, Health and Amenity, Safe Movement and Access, Energy Efficiency, Ancillary Provisions and finally the Livable Housing Design Standard.
My goal is to highlight the highest impact changes and some practical takeaways in relation to building project.
Starting with Structure, there are a few amendments to cover the first one being Performance Requirement H1P1 – Structural Reliability and Resistance where under NCC 2022, H1P1 sets out broad structural reliability expectations where buildings had to withstand expected loads, handle repeated or extreme actions, resist disproportionate collapse, and avoid damage to neighbouring property.
It listed a wide range of actions—dead loads, live loads, wind, earthquake, thermal effects, differential movement, and more, but it did not prescribe how practitioners were to quantify structural reliability or how to validate a Performance Solution.
The NCC 2025, however, introduces a major reform. The NCC now requires quantified minimum reliability indices when demonstrating structural compliance using a Performance Solution as per the added subclause (2), which are against minimum reliability indices. H1P1 is explicitly amended to strengthen structural reliability expectations, aligning Volume Two with the broader structural reforms occurring across the NCC 2025.
Just as important, the NCC 2025 introduces changes to A2G2 (5) – where a performance solution against H1P1 must be achieved by demonstrating the solution is at least equivalent to the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions.
What this means for structural designers is that structural Performance Solutions will require clearer documentation and quantifiable reliability indices which helps reduce subjectivity and strengthens confidence in structural outcomes across the industry.
Also, determination of structural resistance of materials and forms of construction is to be amended where previously, NCC 2022 required designers to use five‑percentile characteristic material properties, with explicit allowances for workmanship, site conditions, and long‑term effects like settlement and shrinkage. This meant conservative design, such as thicker slabs in variable soil conditions or additional reinforcement to manage creep and temperature movement.
The NCC 2025 to remove five percentile characteristic which means that material properties only need to consider the type and use of the material and analysed accurately. This shifts practice towards performance‑based design and greater reliance on accurate engineering assessment rather than prescribed low‑percentile values.
The next amendment is in relation to Verification Method H1V1 – Structural Reliability of Components where this brings alignment with the Performance Requirement H1P1.
H1V1 must now assess combinations of actions, not just individual loads, improving alignment with real structural behaviour. This will assess actual structural behaviour governed by combined loads, for example dead live + wind and not isolated ones only.
Please also note that there is a transitional Note in H1V1 and A2G2 where you can use the 2022 Amendment 2 approach, for 12 months after adoption of the NCC 2025.
The next amendment is in relation to Clause H1D7 – Roof and Wall Cladding where the NCC 2025 introduces Wind Region B2 as a cyclonic region.
What this means is increased uplift and fatigue requirements for more locations which will influence cladding fixings, pull‑out capacities, and system performance. NCC 2025 also aligns Volume Two with updated referenced standards, impacting wind load design and installation practices. Please refer to Part 1 of the Practitioner Education Series for more information.
We note however that the State of Victoria is not in Wind Regions B2 and we are therefore not affected.
Also, a new sub-clause (6) is being added to introduce AS5346 which will be the new DTS route for your Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS), other than direct fix systems, to satisfy performance requirement H1P1.
In regard to Section 2 of the Housing Provisions, Table 2.2.3b and Figure 2.2.3 have been amended to reflect the revised wind region B2 which is in-line with the previously revised version of AS1170.2. We note however that The State of Victoria is not affected with the Wind Region B2 inclusion however Figure 2.2.3 has extended the Wind Region A5 from within 70 km of Melbourne G.P.O to 200 km inland from the coaster line, thus requiring more robust construction against this Wind forces across areas near the coastal line.
Clause 2.2.4(q) has a minor amendment to include wind region B2 for garage doors and large access doors construction requirements.
For Section 4 of the Housing Provisions, a noticeable change is introduced to Clause 4.2.22, to specify the requirements for slab recessed areas.
It is now clear that a slab thickening is required to be provided, with options based on the relative thickness ratio of the recess depth.
Construction method suitable for thickening deep recess (i.e., recess depth greater than half of the nominal slab thickness) can also be used for thickening of a relatively shallow recess.
This indicates a shift towards improving stiffness around slab recesses to assist in reducing the cracking risks associated with set-downs.
Moving on to Damp and Weatherproofing, where a few amendments will occur with the first change relating to drainage from swimming pools in regard to Performance Requirement H2P4 where the note to H2P4 Drainage from swimming pools has been removed as clause H2D2 (2) has been amended to include sub clause (2) to allow swimming pool pump discharge into the sanitary drainage in accordance with AS/NZS 3500.2 Consequential to the amendment of the performance requirement H2P4, Clause H2D1 – Deemed-to-Satisfy requirement in relation to drainage from swimming pools requirements will undergo amendments where the notes section is being deleted and Performance Requirement H2P4 now contains new DTS provisions which is further captured in more details in Clause H2D2 – Drainage.
Previously there were no DTS provisions in Volume 2 for Drainage requirements for swimming pools, compared to Volume 3 Plumbing Code of Australia, Clause C2D3, which captured deemed to satisfy requirements to swimming pool drainage. This DTS addition therefore brings alignment with Volume 3 of the NCC 2025. The requirement here is for pumped discharge of swimming pool drainage to the sanitary (sewer) drainage system in accordance with AS3500.2.
A new explanatory note has also been added where the ABCB request consideration and potentially consultation with the relevant Network Utility Operator (which is your water authority) to confirm that the existing sanitary (sewer) drainage system can cater for additional swimming pool waste water to be discharged within or otherwise we anticipate sewer services upgrade works or the like might need to occur to allow for swimming pool waste water to discharge into the sanitary (sewer) drainage system.
Note that the connection is to sanitary (sewer) drainage system and not stormwater drainage system and if an alternative drainage method is proposed, a performance solution will be required.
The next amendment is in relation to Verification Method H2V1 for Weatherproofing where the NCC is removing the ultimate limit state wind pressure of more than 2.5 kPa and is adding a new minimum size of 2.4m high and 2.4m wide test specimen as part of this weatherproofing verification method.
What this means moving forward is that when using the revised Verification Method H2V1 of NCC 2025 Volume 2, we can use this verification method for areas with ultimate limit state wind pressures greater than 2.5kPa but must make sure that the specimen being tested is minimum 2.4m high x 2.4m wide.
The next amendment is in relation to Clause H2D6 – Roof and Wall Cladding where the NCC is including external wall insulation and finish cladding systems, other than direct fix systems, designed and constructed in accordance with AS5346 as a Deemed to satisfy weatherproofed roof and wall cladding meeting Performance Requirement H2P2.
However, noting the sensitivity around the combustible nature of these products, the relevant fire safety requirements applicable will still need to be complied with.
Let’s move to the next part, which is Fire Safety.
The first amendment is in relation to Clause H3D2 – Fire Hazard Properties and Non-Combustible Building Elements where the NCC is amending this clause to include the wording “and determination thereof” and require determination of fire hazard properties to be via testing made by an Accredited Testing Laboratory.
It is also noted that a transition period is in place for this amendment where this will be a requirement at the adoption of the next edition of the NCC.
What this means is that fire hazard properties – Group Number, Critical Radiant Flux, Spread-of-Flame and Smoke-Developed Indices will require testing to be undertaken by an Accredited Testing Laboratory, which is set out in A, B or C.
Under NCC 2022, it was common but not mandatory but now the new NCC 2025 makes it a mandatory requirement which will stop any inconsistent or self-tested results slipping through.
Looking at the Housing Provisions changes, there are a couple of amendments occurring here, particularly with:
Clause 9.2.8 where clarification of the location of another building is being expanded on and the new defined term ‘allotment’ being incorporated within.
Similarly, Clause 9.2.9 is also amended to include the new defined term ‘allotment’ and open carports are introduced as an allowable encroachment.
Let’s explore these changes more.
With Clause 9.2.8 introducing a new defined term “allotment”. This eliminates the ambiguity in some cases for an allotment being incorrectly identified. This will assist with correct measurement from allotment boundaries where the allotment now clearly means an area of land shown on an approved plan of subdivision for which a separate title is held or issued, where measurement will need to be taken from the allotment boundary as shown on the Plan of Subdivision.
There is also a minor clarification for the clearance requirements of roof covering for a Class 10a carport to be considered as an open carport, with no material change.
Clause 9.2.9 implements the defined term of allotment and subclause (3) now permits open carport complying with Clause 9.2.8 to encroach.
Looking further into Clause 9.2.9 in regard to having the allowable encroachments extended to include open carports, this means that they can encroach within the required 900 mm setback from an allotment boundary and within the 1.8 m distance from another building without triggering additional fire rating construction provided the open carport complies with clause 9.2.8 of the Housing Provisions of NCC 2025.
To illustrate this, if you have a class 1 dwelling on the Left-hand Side and attached to it is your Class 10a carport meeting requirements of 9.2.8 and you introduce another Class 1 dwelling which is within 1.8 m of the carport but at least 500 mm clear to the sky to meet Clause 9.2.8 and the distance between the dwelling are more than 1.8 m, no further Fire Rated Construction will be required to separate the two Class 1 dwellings.
The next Part is Health and Amenity where the first amendment is in relation to Clause H4D7(2) – Ventilation requirements. The ABCB is including AS1668.4 – Natural ventilation of buildings, as a deemed-to-satisfy compliance pathway for ventilation requirement under Clause H4D7 where relevant volume of outdoor air supply will be required into the spaces being served.
This means that AS1668.4 Natural ventilation of buildings can now be used as a pathway for ventilating rooms rather than solely meeting Part 10.6 of the NCC Housing Provisions.
There are a few changes in the Section 10 - Heath and Amenity of the Housing Provisions.
Clause 10.2.9 had minor wording change where the wording Compressed fibre-cement sheeting has been amended to fibre-cement sheeting in regard to water-resistant substrates materials for walls and floors which will allow the use of broader fibre cement sheeting options to be used as water resistant substrates.
Clause 10.2.14 clarifies the requirements of different shower types (enclosed and unenclosed shower areas) which means that enclosed shower areas must incorporate either of a stepdown, hob, level threshold or preformed shower based whereas unenclosed must incorporate either a stepdown or relevant waterstops as per Clause 10.2.18 of the Housing Provisions.
Clause 10.3.1(f) clarifies that 2.0m room height is not suitable to be applied to threshold ramps. When there is a threshold ramp, the required height of rooms shall be determined by other 10.3.1 subclauses.
Clause 10.6.2 has a new exemption that the ventilation provision is not required to specialised rooms or space depending on their usage frequency and period, such as pantries, walk-in-robes, storage rooms, corridors and the like.
Clause 10.8.1 now requires all external wall systems to incorporate a drained and vented cavity, and any control layer between the primary insulation and cladding must achieve at least Class 4 vapour permeance in accordance with AS 4200.1.
Direct‑fixed wall systems are no longer permitted in Climate Zones 6, 7, 8 which applies to most of Victoria due to elevated condensation risk.
Masonry veneer and cavity masonry in Climate Zones 6, 7, 8 must incorporate a drained and ventilated cavity in accordance with 10.8.1(4).
The Explanatory Information provides further guidance on acceptable construction methods. Note this doesn’t apply to single skin masonry and concrete walls or insulated sandwich panels (refer to subclause 5 for further information).
For Class 1 buildings, Clause 10.8.3 and 10.8.4 set out distinct requirements for roof space ventilation, depending on whether the ceiling is parallel to the roof plane. These provisions aim to improve airflow, manage moisture, and reduce the likelihood of trapped condensation. Additional examples and clarifications are provided in the NCC 2025 Explanatory Information.
While this roof space ventilation requirement does not apply to Class 10 buildings; an attached private garage may be included when determining the longest plan dimension of a roof for simplicity.
Moving on to Safe Movement and Access.
The first amendment is in relation to Performance Requirement H5P1 – Movement to and within a building where the NCC is amending H5P1 Performance Requirement to include a concession for “Threshold Ramps” to not be subject to H5P1 performance requirement.
As per the definition of “threshold ramps”, they are ramps located within or at a threshold and thresholds are typically your door thresholds. They are typically small in size and fitting in handrails, landings and other requirements of H5P1 at thresholds ramps can be problematic and not purposeful.
Let’s look into Section 11 of the Housing Provisions – Safe Movement and Access.
Both Clauses 11.2.3(c) and 11.2.4(3) introduce concessions for minor ramps (i.e. threshold ramps) which is in-line with the amendment to Performance Requirement H5P1.
A new clause 11.2.7 is introduced, to provide an alternative DTS pathway using AS1657 for accessing a Class 10b structure.
Consequently, subclauses 11.3.3(2)(c) and 11.3.5(2)(d) are introduced to allow the associated fall prevention barriers and handrails to also use AS1657 DTS pathway.
Overall, the changes in Section 11 offer design flexibility and cost saving.
The next part is Energy Efficiency where the first amendment is in relation to Specification S42C2(3)(b) – Heating and Cooling Loads.
The NCC is removing the reference to the definition of ‘Floor Area’ from Specification S42C2(3)(b).
Previously, there was no alignment between the NCC definition of ”Floor Area” and what an outdoor living area typically is.
This is due to the definition of floor area for the purpose of Volume 2 in relation to a room being the area measured within the FINISHED SURFACES OF THE WALLS and looking at the example on the right-hand-side, outdoor living areas are typically not fully bounded by walls along its full perimeter.
The next amendment is in regard to Specification S42C4(1) – Additional Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions (House Energy Rating Software) where the ABCB is amending the slab edge insulation requirements under Specification S42C4(1)(d). The change is from Clauses 13.2.6.(5) to 13.2.6(5) (a)(i) and (b)(i) of the housing provision to align the slab edge insulation requirements between both the BCA specification and the Housing Provision.
What it means is that previously under NCC 2022, when reading S42C4(1)(d) for slab edge insulation requirements, reference was made to comply entirely with Clause 13.2.6(5) of the housing provision. In reading Clause 13.2.6(5) in its entirety, it also included other insulation requirement for underneath the slab, which caused confusion in the industry as to whether additional insulation was required underneath a slab-on-ground slab when using house energy rating software.
This subtle change will avoid confusion and align Specification S42C4(1)(d) with the housing provisions clause 13.2.6 (5) in regard to the slab edge insulation requirement when using the house energy rating software where when reading S42C4(1)(d) for slab edge insulation requirement, specific reference is to be made directly to the slab edge insulation requirement Clause 13.2.6(5)(a)(i) and Clause 13.2.6(5)(b)(i) of the housing provisions.
There are two changes in the Section 13 Energy Efficiency of the Housing Provisions.
Clause 13.2.5 expands to cover longer overhangs. This reduces the scenarios that trigger the need of seeking performance solutions in previous NCC 2022.
Clause 13.2.6 clarifies the insulation requirement for concrete slabs that’s not a waffle pod slab.
Next is ancillary provisions and additional construction requirements where Clause H7D2 will be amended.
H7D2(1) previously required the safety barriers to be installed entirely in accordance with AS1926.1 and when you read Clause 2.3.1 AS1926.1, there was a concession that applied to boundary barriers where steps, retaining walls, objects or level changes that would otherwise reduce the minimum required barrier height within the property would be allowed to be located within 500 mm of the barrier.
However, this changing in NCC 2025 where the wording “This clause shall not apply to boundary barriers” is replaced with “This clause shall apply to boundary barriers”.
What this means is that steps, retaining walls, objects (such as light fittings, taps), level change (such as your planter boxes) will also no longer be allowed to be in the Non-Climbable Zones of the boundary barriers as shown in Figure 2.2.4 (a) of AS1926.1.
Therefore, additional information should be requested during building permit phase to ensure compliance can be achieved as any raised fence height may have other compliance impact, where for example it could affect Regulation 83 - Overshadowing of recreational private open space compliance where the raised fence height will overshadow more of the recreational private open space and could trigger a report and consent application for any non-compliance observed).
The last part to cover is the Livable housing design.
This is particularly to Clause H8D2(2)(b)(iii) where the previous concession clause of not requiring to comply with Clause 1.1 of the ABCB Standard for Livable Housing Design would apply where there is insufficient space available on the “site” to construct a step-free access path to the site. However, this has now changed to allotment.
What this means is that previously the concession clause would only apply to a “site”, meaning part of the allotment of land on which a building stands or is to be erected, such as a construction site, demolition site, but this has now been amended to “allotment” which means an area of land shown on an approved plan of subdivision for which a separate title is held or issued.
An example of this would be where you have a large “allotment” which already contains a dwelling at the front and the owner decides to add another dwelling at the back which will form the “construction site”. When applying the concession clause of insufficient space to construct a step-free access path, we must try fitting it across the whole “allotment” in lieu of the “site”.
However, if at the time of issuing a building permit, the rear site has already been subdivided and now has its own approved plan of subdivision for which a separate title is held, we can apply this spatial concession clause to only the subdivided rear “allotment” where if we can’t fit in this step-free access path on the rear “allotment”, Clause H8D2(2)(b)(iii) concession clause cannot be used.
Next is in regard to Clause H8D2(1) where the adoption of the updated ABCB Standard for Livable Housing Design 2025 is required to achieve compliance against.
Although many of the amendments in the updated Standard for Livable Housing Design are editorial changes to improve readability and clarify the ambiguity, some changes that are worth noting are:
- Towel rails are now permitted to encroach into the circulation space of a sanitary compartment
- Reinforcement is only required over the available wall width where a window interrupts the nominated reinforcing zone
- Timber members can be used for the required reinforcing in bathrooms
Other listed options (such as plywood; light‑gauge steel) remain available.
Clarifies bathroom niches may be located within the positions designated for wall reinforcing, not just bath niches.
To close today’s presentation — NCC 2025 brings a focused, practical uplift across the Code.
Thank you for your time, if you have any questions please give us a call or email us at technicalenquiry@bpc.vic.gov.au.