The ACT Government is implementing the Property Developer Licencing and Regulation Scheme to improve accountability and transparency within the ACT building and construction industry.

From October next year, it will be mandatory for individuals and entities engaging in residential development projects that deliver more than three dwellings to hold a Property Developer Licence.

The new licensing scheme will require property developers to rectify serious defects in their projects. This extends the chain of accountability beyond just licensed builders and other licenced occupations.

The new system is designed to promote public confidence in the standard of residential development in Canberra and ensure that residential development is undertaken by property developers that are competent and have the capacity to undertake those activities.

Licence applications will open from 1 October 2025 as part of a one-year transition period for developers ahead of mandatory requirements commencing.

Fees for developers who will be required to hold a licence under the Property Developers Act 2024 have now been determined and will go towards administration of the scheme.

These will include a one-off fee for the initial licence application, an annual licence term fee, and an activity-based fee payable at the Building Approval stage of a project based on the number of dwellings to be constructed.

Registered Community Housing Providers will be exempt from paying the activity-based fee to encourage the sector to continue to deliver new residential development projects offering social and affordable housing, acknowledging rent for these dwellings is charged at a below market rate.

“The scheme will deliver a significant benefit by ensuring that as new homes are built, they are built properly for Canberrans, protecting their long-term value,” said James Bennett, Executive Branch Manager for Building, Design and Projects in the City and Environment Directorate.

“Bringing developers into the chain of accountability for their building works will provide peace of mind to consumers that they are purchasing a quality property.”

The ACT Government will be undertaking stakeholder education and information sessions to ensure industry are aware of the transition, and their obligations and responsibilities as licenced developers.

/Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).View in full here.