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New Queensland Housing Code & Modern Homes Standards: What Changed in 2026?
Building a new home, secondary dwelling or elevated house in Queensland? Some important residential building rules are changing.
In August 2026, the Queensland Government announced updates to the Modern Homes Standards and released a new Queensland Housing Code, with changes affecting energy efficiency, accessibility and the design and siting of residential buildings.
For owner-builders, the important question is simple:
What has changed, when do the changes apply, and what should you check before finalising your plans?
Here's what you need to know.
Important: Building and planning requirements can vary depending on your property, project, local government area and approval pathway. Always confirm the requirements applying to your individual project with your building certifier, local council and current Queensland Government guidance.
Queensland's 2026 Housing Changes at a Glance
The reforms cover two separate areas of residential construction.
Modern Homes Standards changes include:
A 5-star energy-efficiency pathway for homes under 50m².
A 6-star energy-efficiency pathway for homes with raised-floor construction.
A new "ramp-ready" option for elevated homes.
Greater flexibility for accessible bathroom design.
Practical solutions addressing step-free entry, weatherproofing and termite management.
A final extension of the narrow-lot exemption from certain liveable housing requirements until 30 September 2029.
The new Queensland Housing Code will address:
Building height.
Boundary setbacks.
Visual privacy.
Car parking.
Site cover.
Private open space.
The Queensland Housing Code is proposed to commence from 1 September 2026, subject to final approval, with local governments able to adopt it during a three-year transition period.
This means owner-builders shouldn't assume the same siting rules will immediately apply in every Queensland council area.
What Is the New Queensland Housing Code?
The Queensland Housing Code is designed to modernise and simplify the rules governing the design and siting of detached houses and secondary dwellings.
It is intended to replace existing Queensland Development Code Mandatory Parts 1.1 and 1.2, which cover design and siting requirements for housing on lots under 450m² and lots of 450m² and over.
These provisions have not been substantially updated for many years.
Over time, many Queensland councils have introduced alternative local requirements, creating differences between local government areas.
The Queensland Government says approximately three-quarters of councils currently have different housing requirements.
The new Code is intended to create a more contemporary and consistent framework.
What Does the Queensland Housing Code Cover?
The proposed Code includes requirements relating to:
Building and structure height.
Distance between buildings and property boundaries.
Visual privacy.
Car parking.
Site cover.
Private open space.
These are important considerations for owner-builders because they can directly influence where and how you can position a house or secondary dwelling on your property.
Does the New Housing Code Apply Everywhere Immediately?
No — and this is one of the most important points for Queensland owner-builders to understand.
The Queensland Housing Code is proposed to commence on 1 September 2026, subject to Governor-in-Council approval.
Local governments will then be able to adopt the new Code during a three-year transition period.
That means you should not simply download the new Housing Code and assume its requirements apply to your property.
Before designing or submitting plans, check which design and siting provisions currently apply in your local government area.
Modern Homes Standards: Six Important Changes
The second major part of Queensland's 2026 reforms involves changes to the Modern Homes Standards.
Modern Homes Standards were introduced in Queensland through the National Construction Code 2022 and Queensland Development Code requirements.
They address two major areas:
Energy efficiency and liveable housing design.
The Queensland Government says the latest changes respond to practical implementation issues raised by builders, homeowners, designers and building certifiers.
Here are six of the major changes announced.
1. 5-Star Energy Rating for Homes Under 50m²
One of the biggest changes affects small homes.
Homes under 50 square metres will have access to a 5-star energy-efficiency requirement instead of the existing 7-star requirement.
Small dwellings can face particular challenges when achieving high energy ratings because they have a greater external surface area relative to their conditioned floor area.
For owner-builders considering a small dwelling, this could provide greater flexibility when designing the building.
However, don't assume that every structure commonly described as a "tiny home", cabin or granny flat will automatically qualify.
The classification of the building, its design and the applicable building requirements still need to be confirmed for the individual project.
2. 6-Star Rating for Raised-Floor Homes
Homes using raised-floor construction will have access to a 6-star energy-efficiency requirement instead of 7 stars.
This is particularly relevant to Queensland, where raised-floor construction forms part of many traditional housing designs.
A raised floor creates different thermal-performance challenges compared with a slab-on-ground building because the floor is exposed to outside conditions.
The change recognises those practical differences.
For owner-builders considering a raised-floor design, including some Queenslander-style homes, this could provide greater design flexibility.
Again, eligibility should be confirmed for the particular building rather than assuming a design automatically qualifies.
3. New "Ramp-Ready" Option for Elevated Homes
Queensland's liveable housing requirements include provisions intended to make new homes more accessible.
One practical challenge has been providing step-free access to elevated homes.
The new "ramp-ready" option allows an elevated home to be designed so that a compliant ramp can be installed in the future when required, rather than necessarily constructing the entire ramp when the home is first built.
For owner-builders planning an elevated home, this could significantly affect early site planning.
Space for a future ramp may need to be considered during the design stage, so discuss this option with your designer and building certifier before plans are finalised.
4. Greater Flexibility for Accessible Bathrooms
The reforms also introduce greater flexibility around accessible bathroom design.
Liveable housing requirements can affect bathroom dimensions, access, showers, toilets and the ability to install accessibility features later.
The amendments are intended to address practical compliance issues that have emerged since Queensland introduced the Livable Housing Design Standard.
For owner-builders, the important takeaway is not to remove accessibility considerations from the design.
Instead, confirm which updated compliance pathway is available for your particular project.
5. Practical Solutions for Step-Free Entry, Weatherproofing and Termite Management
The Queensland Government has also announced new practical solutions relating to:
Step-free entry.
Weatherproofing.
Termite management.
These areas can interact in surprisingly complicated ways.
For example, creating a step-free entrance while maintaining appropriate drainage, weatherproofing and termite inspection requirements can create design challenges.
The reforms are intended to provide more practical ways of achieving the required outcomes.
6. Narrow-Lot Exemption Extended to 2029
Certain houses on narrow lots have previously received a temporary exemption from parts of Queensland's liveable housing requirements.
The Queensland Government has announced a final extension of the narrow-lot exemption until 30 September 2029.
This is particularly relevant where a lot's width or existing configuration makes some accessibility requirements difficult to achieve.
If you're planning an owner-builder project on a narrow lot, don't assume the exemption automatically applies.
Check the eligibility requirements for your property and confirm them with your building certifier.
What Hasn't Changed?
The 2026 reforms don't mean Queensland has abandoned its broader energy-efficiency or accessibility requirements.
Queensland's Modern Homes framework continues to require energy-efficient residential construction and liveable housing design.
For most new Class 1 homes, the existing framework includes a 7-star energy-equivalence rating for the building shell, together with a Whole of Home energy assessment covering major fixtures and appliances.
Queensland also retains its Livable Housing Design requirements.
The newly announced 5-star and 6-star pathways are targeted changes for particular types of homes rather than a blanket reduction of energy standards for every new Queensland house.
What Does This Mean for Queensland Owner-Builders?
If you're preparing an owner-builder project, these changes reinforce the importance of checking the rules before your design is locked in.
Small Homes
If you're planning an eligible home under 50m², investigate whether the new 5-star pathway applies.
Don't rely solely on the floor area or the marketing description of the structure. Confirm its building classification and applicable energy-efficiency requirements.
Raised-Floor Homes
If you're designing a raised-floor home, investigate whether the new 6-star pathway applies.
This could be particularly relevant for designs suited to sloping sites, flood considerations or traditional Queensland building styles.
Elevated Homes
If your home requires elevated access, discuss the new ramp-ready pathway with your designer and certifier.
Planning for future accessibility during the design stage may be considerably easier than trying to accommodate it after construction.
Narrow Lots
If you're building on a narrow lot, check whether your property meets the criteria for the extended liveable housing exemption.
The extension to 30 September 2029 does not mean every narrow property is automatically exempt.
Setbacks and Siting
Check which design and siting rules currently apply in your council area.
As councils move through the Queensland Housing Code transition period, requirements may differ between locations.
What Should You Check Before Submitting Your Plans?
Before submitting plans for a Queensland owner-builder project, work through these questions:
1. Which siting rules apply in my council area?
Check whether your local government is operating under the relevant existing provisions or has adopted the new Queensland Housing Code once it becomes available.
2. Which energy-efficiency pathway applies?
Determine whether your project is subject to the standard 7-star requirement or qualifies for one of the new pathways for small or raised-floor homes.
3. What Whole of Home requirements apply?
Energy compliance isn't limited to the building shell.
The Whole of Home assessment considers the energy performance of major fixtures and appliances and can include on-site renewable energy systems.
4. What liveable housing requirements apply?
Determine which accessibility provisions apply to your proposed home and whether any Queensland-specific alternative pathways or exemptions are available.
5. Can the ramp-ready pathway be used?
If you're building an elevated home, discuss this during the design phase rather than after plans are completed.
6. Does a narrow-lot exemption apply?
Check the actual eligibility criteria rather than assuming that a narrow block automatically qualifies.
7. Which version of the rules applies to my project?
Building regulations can include commencement and transitional provisions.
Ask your building certifier which requirements apply based on the timing and circumstances of your particular project.
Why Are These Changes Being Introduced?
The Queensland Government says the reforms are intended to reduce unnecessary complexity, improve consistency and make it easier to deliver new housing while maintaining appropriate accessibility and energy-efficiency outcomes.
The Queensland Housing Code is particularly significant because residential siting requirements have increasingly differed between council areas.
A more consistent framework could make it easier for homeowners, designers, builders and certifiers to understand the requirements applying to new housing.
However, the three-year council transition means that checking local requirements will remain essential.
What Should Owner-Builders Do Now?
If you're currently planning a Queensland owner-builder project:
Don't redesign your project based on a headline alone. Confirm which changes actually apply to your building.
Talk to your building certifier early. Ask which version of the relevant Queensland Development Code requirements applies.
Check your local council requirements. This will become particularly important as councils begin considering adoption of the Queensland Housing Code.
Review energy requirements early in the design process. Achieving the required rating can influence orientation, glazing, insulation, floor construction and other design decisions.
Consider accessibility from the beginning. Features such as step-free entry and the ramp-ready pathway are easier to accommodate before the site layout is finalised.
Keep an eye on further Queensland Government guidance. Additional implementation guidance and practical examples are expected to support the reforms.
The Bottom Line
Queensland's 2026 housing reforms don't simply remove building requirements.
Instead, they introduce more flexible pathways for particular types of homes while also beginning a broader overhaul of the rules governing where and how detached houses and secondary dwellings can be positioned on residential lots.
For owner-builders, there are three key messages:
1. Don't assume every new Queensland home now has a lower energy-rating requirement.
2. Don't assume the new Queensland Housing Code immediately applies in every council area.
3. Check the requirements applying to your particular property and design before committing to plans or construction.
Getting these questions answered early can help avoid expensive redesigns, approval delays and compliance problems later in the project.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the new Queensland Housing Code start?
The Queensland Housing Code is proposed to commence on 1 September 2026, subject to Governor-in-Council approval. Local governments will then be able to adopt the Code during a three-year transition period.
Will every Queensland council automatically use the new Housing Code?
No. Local governments will be able to adopt the Queensland Housing Code during the transition period. Owner-builders should check the requirements applying in their particular council area rather than assuming the new Code applies automatically.
Do new Queensland homes still need a 7-star energy rating?
The 7-star building-shell requirement remains the general standard for new homes under Queensland's current Modern Homes framework. The 2026 reforms introduce lower pathways for particular categories, including homes under 50m² and homes using raised-floor construction.
What is the new energy rating for homes under 50m²?
The Queensland Government has announced a 5-star energy-efficiency requirement for homes under 50m², replacing the previous 7-star requirement for this category. The requirements applying to an individual building should still be confirmed with the project's building certifier.
What is the ramp-ready option?
The ramp-ready pathway is intended to allow an elevated home to be designed so that a compliant accessibility ramp can be installed in the future when needed rather than necessarily constructing the complete ramp at the time the home is built.
Do owner-builders have to comply with the Modern Homes Standards?
Owner-building does not, by itself, remove applicable building-code requirements. The standards applying to the building still need to be satisfied regardless of whether the project is managed by a licensed builder or an owner-builder.
Planning an Owner-Builder Project?
Understanding the rules before construction starts can save considerable time, money and frustration later.
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Important Information
This article provides general educational information only and is not legal, building, planning or compliance advice.
Building and planning requirements can vary depending on the property, project, local government area, building classification and approval pathway.
Before relying on these changes for a project, confirm the current requirements with your building certifier, local council and relevant Queensland Government guidance.
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