BRISBANE — The Crisafulli Government has unveiled a major overhaul of Queensland’s residential building regulations, introducing a unified Queensland Housing Code and practical updates to the Modern Homes Standards.
The landmark reforms aim to eliminate decades of regulatory complexity, standardise conflicting council rules, and lower building costs—supporting the state’s broader target to deliver one million new homes by 2044.
Standardising Rules Across Queensland
For the first time in over 15 years, Queensland’s design and siting rules for detached houses and secondary dwellings (granny flats) are receiving a complete modernisation.
The new Queensland Housing Code replaces outdated provisions of the Queensland Development Code, which have remained largely stagnant since 2010. This long-standing regulatory vacuum led to a fragmented system where roughly 75% of Queensland local councils enforced differing housing rules, creating delays and cost overruns for builders operating across municipal boundaries.
Key Changes Under the Queensland Housing Code
- Unified State Standards: Establishes consistent guidelines for building heights, setbacks, privacy, car parking, site coverage, and private open space.
- Three-Year Transition: Local councils can adopt the new code during a three-year transition window commencing 1 September 2026.
- Streamlined Approvals: Councils will receive implementation guidance, technical support, and a streamlined pathway for amending local planning schemes.
Practical Adjustments to Modern Homes Standards
Alongside the new Housing Code, the government announced targeted updates to the Modern Homes Standards, set to take effect on 14 August 2026. These reforms respond directly to feedback from builders, certifiers, and designers who faced practical and financial bottlenecks under existing frameworks.
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| Feature / Standard | Previous Requirement | Updated Practical Standard |
+————————————+————————————-+————————————-+
| Small Homes (< 50 sqm) | 7-Star Energy Rating | 5-Star Energy Rating |
| Raised-Floor Homes (e.g., QLDers) | 7-Star Energy Rating | 6-Star Energy Rating |
| Accessibility (Elevated Homes) | Immediate Accessibility Compliance | “Ramp-Ready” Structural Design |
| Narrow-Lot Exemptions | Expiring | Extended to 30 September 2029 |
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Key Highlights of the Updated Standards:
- Tailored Energy Ratings: Energy efficiency rules now account for traditional Queensland architectural styles (raised floors) and smaller footprints (<50 sqm), significantly reducing upfront construction costs.
- Flexibility in Accessibility: Elevated homes can now utilise a “ramp-ready” design standard—ensuring structural readiness for a compliant ramp if required in the future, rather than mandating immediate build-outs.
- Bathroom & Entry Pragmatism: Introduces flexible pathways for compliant step-free entries, weatherproofing, termite management, and accessible bathroom layout
What the Stakeholders Say
Minister for Housing and Public Works, Sam O’Connor: “Queensland desperately needs more homes, but for too long outdated and unnecessarily complex rules made it slower and more expensive to build. We’ve done the work to sensibly update these standards so they maintain energy efficiency and accessibility outcomes while reflecting Queensland’s climate, traditional housing styles, and construction realities.”
Michael Roberts, Executive Director (Housing Industry Association – QLD): “HIA has long advocated for practical housing regulation that delivers community outcomes without adding unnecessary construction costs. Greater consistency means greater certainty for builders, designers, and homeowners.”
Michael Hopkins, Deputy CEO (Master Builders Queensland): “Greater flexibility for small homes, raised-floor Queenslander-style homes, and accessibility requirements will help reduce unnecessary costs for builders and consumers, making it easier for industry to deliver the homes Queenslanders need.”
Alison Smith, CEO (Local Government Association of Queensland): “The Queensland Housing Code provides councils with a contemporary framework that supports greater consistency while recognising the importance of local planning outcomes.”
Next Steps
Both sets of reforms are part of the Crisafulli Government’s broader Building Reg Reno program, which focuses on boosting productivity in the residential construction sector following recommendations from the Queensland Productivity Commission.
Implementation will be backed by technical guidance materials, practical construction examples, and targeted communications for certifiers, local governments, and industry professionals ahead of the August and September rollout dates.