Federal Government Freezes Construction Code to Speed Up Housing Approvals

Federal Government Freezes Construction Code to Speed Up Housing Approvals

If you’re in the construction game, you’ve probably felt the weight of red tape slowing down your projects. Today, there’s finally some relief—and it’s coming straight from Canberra.

The federal government has just announced a pause on updates to the National Construction Code (NCC) until mid-2029 (after the 2025 changes are finalised). This move is designed to cut through the complexity and help builders, developers, and construction businesses get on with what they do best—building homes.

What’s Changing?

Here’s what you need to know:

• No new NCC changes until 2029 (except for essential safety and quality updates).

• The 2022 standards—like 7-star energy efficiency—will remain in place.

• A new strike team will fast-track environmental approvals for 26,000+ homes currently stuck in the system.

• The government is also working to unlock $8 billion in superannuation investment to support 35,000 new homes.

• Expect a simplified NCC with AI tools to help navigate it and support for modern construction methods like prefab and modular builds.

Why This Matters?

At 7 Bells, we work closely with builders and developers who are constantly juggling compliance, approvals, and cost pressures. This announcement is a step in the right direction—not just for housing supply, but for productivity and innovation in the sector.

As someone who’s spent years helping businesses streamline their operations, I see this as an opportunity to rethink how we plan, budget, and deliver construction projects. Less time on paperwork means more time on site—and that’s a win for everyone.

How 7 Bells can help?

Here are key trends shaping the construction landscape in 2025:Whether you’re navigating project accounting, setting up offshore support, or planning for growth, our team at 7 Bells is here to support you. We offer:

• Project Accounting for Builders

• Business Advisory Services

• Compliance Support

• Offshore Team Setup & Management

Let’s make the most of this momentum. If you’d like to review your current project workflows or financial strategy, get in touch with us at info @7bells.com.au

References

• ABC News. Government to freeze construction code, fast-track housing approvals. Published 23 August 2025. Read article

• The New Daily. Building standards freeze under housing speed-up plan. Published 24 August 2025. Read article

• SBS News. ‘Win-win roadmap’: Government pauses building code updates to speed up housing supply. Published 24 August 2025. Read article

• Yahoo News Australia. Pause on new regulations to fast track building homes. Published 23 August 2025. Read article

• World News. Government to freeze construction code until 2029, fast-track housing approvals. Published 23 August 2025. Read article