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A new scheme in the ACT requires residential property developers to be licensed to work on larger housing projects in a bid to boost accountability and public trust in the industry.
The ACT government has introduced a new scheme to ensure that residential property developers are competent, transparent, and are able deliver high-quality builds.
As of 1 October, a property developer licence is required for a person or entity undertaking residential development projects involving three or more dwellings.
These tasks include applying for development approval, applying for a building approval, building commencement notice, or a certificate of occupancy, or selling or advertising the sale of residential property off-the-plan.
The new requirements follow the the Property Developers Act 2024 being passed in Parliament last year.
According to the ACT government, the new scheme came in a bid to hold property developers accountable for their work and boost Canberrans’ trust in the sector.
To become licensed, property developers must obtain a specialised rating report, examining their capacity and capability to deliver residential property developments.
The act also seeks to protect the public by maintaining a publicly available register of licensed property developers.
In addition, the act gives the government powers to issue rectification orders against developers, and establishes a Code of Practice for developers to follow.
There will be some developers who are exempt when undertaking prescribed residential building activities, such as not-for-profit aged care providers.
ACT Planning Minister Chris Steel said the new requirements will ensure Canberrans are aware who is behind a development at the earliest stages of the process.
“With significant reforms underway to increase the supply of homes in the territory, this comes with an expectation that these homes are well-built,” Steel said.
“Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most Canberrans will ever make.”
He said purchasers should feel secure when they buying property in the ACT, and should not have to face the consequences of poor-quality construction.
“The introduction of this scheme brings developers into the chain of responsibility for building outcomes – alongside builders, certifiers and other licensed professionals,” he said.
“It’s a significant step forward in protecting consumers and improving standards across the industry.”
There will be a 12-month transition period to mandatory licensing under the under the Property Developer Licensing and Regulation Scheme.
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