BUILD 2025: Building approvals

Building approvals

Most developments require building approval to ensure compliance with building regulations, including the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and the National Construction Code (NCC). Before any construction work starts, you or your builder must secure a building approval. To do this, you need to:

• Choose an ACT licensed building surveyor to act as your certifier. Your builder may suggest a certifier they know, but the final decision is yours as the owner.

• Submit an application for building approval and pay the associated fees.

• Apply to have your builder appointed with the certifier.

TIMELINE OF APPROVALS

1. Obtain development approval, if needed

2. Obtain building approval

3. Builder applies for home warranty insurance or a fidelity fund certificate (refer to page 67 for more information)

4. Builder applies to the certifier for a commencement notice

5. Commencement notice issued

6. Construction work occurs

7. Certificate of Occupancy issued

ABOUT CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY

You cannot move into your new home home until the ACT Government has issued a Certificate of Occupancy. This certificate is granted after your builder and certifier provide all required documents that meet the ACT Government’s standards. You will then need to apply for the Certificate of Occupancy or Use once the construction work, covered by the building approval, is finished. The certifier must confirm that the building complies with both the BCA and the NCC, and you must have completed your final payment to the builder.