New Code to further improve delivery of homes in Queensland

A HOUSING system operating “under outdated and unnecessarily complex rules” has been given a major makeover by the Queensland Government.

The reforms deliver on a commitment to implement key recommendations from the Queensland Productivity Commission’s inquiry into construction and reflect direct feedback from builders, designers, certifiers, local governments and consumers. 

The changes will reduce red tape, improve consistency and support the delivery of one million homes by 2044.  

Unchanged for more than 15 years, the new Queensland Housing Code provides contemporary and consistent design and siting standards for detached houses and secondary dwellings.

And it establishes modern standards including building height, setbacks, privacy, car parking, site cover and private open space. 

Local governments will be able to adopt the Queensland Housing Code during a three-year transition period commencing on September 1, supported by guidance, implementation assistance and a streamlined planning scheme amendment pathway. 

Key Modern Homes Standards practical reforms include:  

• A five-star energy-efficiency rating for homes under 50 square metres, instead of the current seven-star requirement. 
• A six-star energy-efficiency rating for homes with raised-floor construction, such as traditional Queenslander-style homes.
• A new “ramp-ready” option for elevated homes, allowing a compliant ramp to be installed when it is needed in the future.
• Greater flexibility in accessible bathroom design.
• New practical solutions to support compliance with step-free entry, weatherproofing and termite-management requirements.
• A final extension of the narrow-lot exemption from liveable housing requirements until 30 September 2029. 

Sam O’Connor, the minister for housing and public works, said the reforms would remove unnecessary barriers to housing delivery while maintaining appropriate standards for Queensland homes. 

“Queensland desperately needs more homes but for too long outdated and unnecessarily complex rules has made it slower and more expensive to build,” O’Connor said. 

“Our new Code delivers modern and consistent design and siting standards, giving builders, homeowners and councils greater certainty and helping applications move through the system more efficiently. 

“We’ve done the work to sensibly update the Modern Homes Standards so they maintain accessibility and energy-efficiency outcomes but also include practical solutions that reflect Queensland’s climate, traditional housing styles and the realities of construction. 

“These changes are about common sense, maintaining appropriate standards without imposing unnecessary costs or making perfectly good homes harder to build.” 

Housing Industry Association Queensland executive director Michael Roberts said the Queensland Housing Code and updated Modern Homes Standards represented a significant step forward for housing delivery in Queensland.  

“HIA has long advocated for practical housing regulation that delivers community outcomes without adding unnecessary construction costs,” Roberts said. 

“For many years we’ve called for a contemporary, consistent Queensland Housing Code that replaces the patchwork of differing requirements builders face across local government areas. Greater consistency means greater certainty for builders, designers and homeowners. 

“The updated Modern Homes Standards also strike a sensible balance by maintaining important accessibility and energy-efficiency outcomes while introducing practical pathways that better reflect the realities of building homes in Queensland.” 

Master Builders Queensland deputy CEO Michael Hopkins said the reforms responded to practical issues raised by builders and would help deliver more workable outcomes on the ground. 

“Greater flexibility for small homes, raised-floor Queenslander-style homes and accessibility requirements will help reduce unnecessary costs for builders and consumers and make it easier for industry to deliver the homes Queenslanders need,” Hopkins said.

“The new Queensland Housing Code is also an important step towards a more efficient and productive system that supports increased housing supply by simplifying approvals, reducing costs, and delivering greater certainty for everyone involved.”