What the NCC 2025 Preview Means for Accessible and Inclusive Building Projects in NSW
The NCC 2025 preview, released by the Australian Building Codes Board on 1 February 2026, gives an early glimpse into the next edition of the National Construction Code. Jurisdictions can adopt it from 1 May 2026 onward, but exact dates vary by state and territory. Until then, stick with the current NCC (NCC 2022, including any amendments like Amendment 2 referencing the 2021 AS 1428.1 edition).
The preview targets practical upgrades in safety, performance, and usability, especially for commercial, multi-residential (Class 2+), and non-residential buildings. Highlights include:
- Stronger water management in Volume One Section F to cut water ingress risks.
- Better carpark fire safety.
- Enhanced commercial energy efficiency in Section J, with improved lighting controls and mandatory solar PV for some buildings.
- Improved condensation controls, including adjusted ventilation for certain small roofs.
- Optional all-gender sanitary facilities in Part F4.
- Refinements to structural reliability, fire safety Performance Solutions, and governing rules (plus a new register for alternative documents).
Accessibility stays rock-solid. No major shifts hit Section D (Access for people with a disability) or AS 1428 references. The Livable Housing Design Standard (in Parts G7 and H8 for dwellings) holds steady, keeping alignment with the Premises Standards. This means reliable rules for accessible apartments, homes, and public buildings.
For NSW accessible and inclusive projects, this preview brings welcome stability. The Premises Standards and state planning controls remain unchanged, so compliance stays straightforward. In Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) under the NDIS, no direct changes affect the SDA Design Standard (Edition 1.1, 2019) or NCC accessibility clauses. Person-centred, robust features for high-support or fully accessible dwellings continue as before.
Indirect wins come from better waterproofing and moisture management in multi-residential builds. These boost long-term durability and indoor quality, which benefit SDA occupants and adaptable housing (AS 4299) alike.
This consistency lets architects and developers plan confidently. Integrate universal design early, avoid surprises, and focus on value-adding solutions.
In regional NSW like the Mid North Coast, Alexandra (Sandy) Gray's hands-on expertise in audits, adaptable housing, and inclusive design helps deliver compliant, practical outcomes tailored to local sites.