A powerful new regulator is set to tackle substandard work and safeguard Victorian families
More homes mean more opportunity, which is why stronger protections are being introduced for Victorian homebuyers, giving them peace of mind whether they’re building, buying, or renovating a home.
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An overhaul of the building regulator has been announced, replacing the Victorian Building Authority with a new, more powerful watchdog – the Building & Plumbing Commission – to oversee building and plumbing industries across the state.
For the first time, the new Regulator will bring together all aspects of building quality control – regulation, insurance, and dispute resolution – into a single agency.
This watchdog will be equipped with tough new powers to protect Victorian families and their homes. Previously, the regulator could only direct builders to fix substandard work before occupants moved in. Under new rules, the Building & Plumbing Commission will have the authority to order fixes not just before move-in day, but even after. The specific timeframe for these corrections will be defined in collaboration with industry experts.
New powers will also prevent the sale of apartments with serious defects, alongside stricter reporting requirements before occupancy certificates are issued for new builds.
While many builders follow the rules, dodgy builders continue to cut corners, compromise safety, and break regulations. To combat this, the watchdog will be bolstered by a 50 per cent increase in auditors and frontline inspectors as part of a $63.3 million investment. An inspection blitz, including a crackdown on unregistered building and plumbing work, is also planned.
Victorians will have better access to insurance in case things go wrong, simplifying the process and reducing the need for complex and costly legal battles against dodgy builders. Apartment buyers will gain stronger financial protection, with developers required to provide a bond covering the cost of fixing defects in buildings over three storeys. This bond is a first step toward introducing a new 10-year insurance product for apartment buildings, with further development in consultation with industry.
Changes will also be made to dispute resolution processes during the transition to the new Building & Plumbing Commission, ensuring more certainty for both consumers and industry, and creating more streamlined pathways to resolve disputes.
Reforms to domestic building contracts are also underway, aiming to make rules clearer and fairer, with legislative changes expected in 2025.
The current CEO of the Victorian Building Authority, Anna Cronin, has been driving a major transformation of the Authority’s performance and culture since her appointment in July 2023. An independent review commissioned earlier this year highlighted significant changes needed to better protect Victorians who are building or renovating a home.
These reforms are designed to address long-standing concerns and are being shaped by ongoing consultation with industry and consumer groups. The new watchdog is a key step in making sure dodgy builders are held accountable, ensuring the protection of Victorian families and their homes.
