Queensland is rolling out a new statewide Housing Code, and separate Modern Homes Standards changes affecting energy ratings take effect within weeks of each other in August and September 2026. Here is what has actually changed, and what has not yet.
What changed
Two related but distinct sets of building and planning rules are moving in Queensland this spring.
First, amendments to the Queensland Development Code’s energy efficiency provisions, known as the Modern Homes Standards, commence on 14 August 2026. Under the update, most new homes under 50 square metres will need to meet a 5-star energy equivalence rating rather than the previous 7-star requirement. Raised-floor and Queenslander-style homes, which have different thermal behaviour to slab-on-ground construction, move to a 6-star rating under the same update.
Second, the Queensland Government is introducing a new statewide Queensland Housing Code, intended to replace the design and siting provisions currently set out in the Queensland Development Code. Local councils are being given a three-year transition window from 1 September 2026 to formally adopt the new code into their planning schemes, rather than being required to switch over immediately.
Why it matters
For anyone building, renovating, or buying a new home in Queensland, these are not cosmetic changes. Energy rating requirements affect construction cost, material choices, and how a home performs in Queensland’s climate, particularly for smaller dwellings and traditional raised-floor designs common across South East Queensland. The Housing Code, once adopted by a given council, will shape what can be built where, including siting rules, setbacks, and design requirements that currently vary by local planning scheme.
Because councils have a three-year adoption window, the practical rules that apply to a specific block of land will depend on which planning scheme is in force in that council area at the time. Two neighbouring properties in different council areas could be governed by different provisions during the transition period.
What to verify before you act
If you are planning to build, buy off-the-plan, or apply for a building approval in the near term, confirm directly with the relevant council or a licensed building certifier which provisions currently apply to your specific site, since adoption timing will differ by council. Do not assume the new Queensland Housing Code already applies everywhere from 1 September 2026. Also confirm the specific energy rating pathway that applies to your home’s footprint and construction type, since the 50 square metre threshold and the raised-floor distinction both affect which rating is required.
Sources
- Queensland Government building and planning reform announcements, August 2026
- Queensland Development Code Modern Homes Standards amendment documentation
This article is general information current at the time of publication and is not building, legal, or financial advice. Building and planning rules can change and can vary by council area. Always confirm current requirements with your local council or a licensed professional before making a decision.
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