Transition from Victorian Building Authority (VBA) to Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) in Victoria, July 2025.

Building and Plumbing Commission Victoria officially replaced the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) on 1 July 2025 under the Buyer Protections Bill. The new BPC consolidates three organisations into one regulator:

The Victorian Building Authority (VBA)
Domestic Building Dispute Resolution Victoria (DBDRV)
The Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) function of the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA)

This reform creates a single, more powerful watchdog with stronger enforcement powers, clearer protections for consumers, and greater accountability for builders and developers across Victoria. But what does this mean for you if you are building, renovating, or developing in Victoria?

Why Was the BPC Created?

For years, the VBA was responsible for regulating surveyors, permits, and practitioners. However, repeated issues, such as combustible cladding, defective apartment towers, and disputes that dragged on for years, highlighted the need for reform.

The Buyer Protections Bill 2025 responded to these concerns by establishing the BPC as a central regulator with wider powers and the ability to:

act on defects after occupancy permits are issued
strengthen consumer protection through insurance and bond schemes
ensure consistency in compliance across the entire state.

The government described these reforms as a “game changer” for consumers, putting safety and accountability at the centre of building regulation.

For more context, visit the Victorian Government’s official announcement.

Key Changes Introduced by the Building and Plumbing Commission Victoria

The BPC is more than a name change. It introduces significant new powers and responsibilities that impact homeowners, builders, and developers alike.

Stronger Enforcement Powers

The BPC can now issue rectification orders even after occupancy permits are granted, critical because many defects are only discovered after people move in.
Developers of apartment buildings above three storeys must notify the regulator before occupation so a final inspection can be conducted.

Developer Bond Scheme

A developer bond is now required for mid-to-high-rise apartments, ensuring funds are available to fix defects that appear after occupancy.

Expanded Domestic Building Insurance (DBI)

Previously, DBI claims were only possible if a builder became insolvent, disappeared, or died.
Under the BPC, DBI now responds if a builder fails to comply with a rectification order — offering homeowners much earlier access to remedies.

Financial Standards for Builders

Builders must now meet minimum financial requirements to stay registered, reducing the risks of unfinished projects caused by insolvency.

Increased Penalties

The BPC can impose stronger financial penalties for breaches, deterring non-compliance and holding rogue builders to account.

What This Means for Homeowners

For homeowners, the reforms provide greater protection and clarity throughout the building process.

More Protection After Handover – If defects appear after moving in, you can rely on the BPC’s new rectification order powers.
Stronger Insurance Coverage – DBI now responds even if the builder refuses to comply with rectification, not only in insolvency cases.
Apartment Buyer Safeguards – Developer bonds mean rectification costs are not unfairly pushed onto owners’ corporations.
Consistency Across Victoria – Whether you are in Geelong, Ballarat, Wyndham, or the Surf Coast, the same safeguards apply.

Example: A family in Geelong builds a townhouse and moves in. Two years later, they discover water leaks through poorly sealed windows. Under the BPC, rectification orders can be issued against the builder, and if the builder refuses, DBI can step in to fund the works.

Learn more about approvals and compliance on our Building Permits page.

What This Means for Builders and Developers

Builders and developers face higher compliance standards and longer-term accountability.

Stricter Financial Requirements – Builders must prove financial capacity to retain registration.
Extended Liability – Liability for defects may extend beyond the current 10-year cap for complex cases.
Higher Compliance Costs – Developer bonds and expanded insurance obligations may raise overall project costs.
Greater Scrutiny Post-Handover – Builders and developers remain accountable well after handover, not just until occupancy permits are issued.

Example: A developer completes a multi-storey apartment project in Melbourne. A fire safety defect is discovered after residents move in. The BPC can require the developer to fix the problem, and the developer bond ensures funds are available to pay for it.

If you face compliance or enforcement issues, see our Council Enforcement page.

Local Impact: Geelong and Regional Victoria

While the BPC applies statewide, regional areas like Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast, Wyndham, and Ballarat will see clearer and more consistent regulation.

For local projects, from sheds and pools to new homes, the new framework ensures:

Compliance checks are uniform across regions
Consumers have stronger recourse if issues arise
Practitioners face consistent standards and oversight

Book a stage inspection with us through our Building Inspections page.

How the Transition Affects Practitioners and Consumers

Practitioners

Current registrations and licences have automatically transitioned to the BPC.
No action is required until the renewal dates.
Access to online services (previously VBA, DBDRV, VMIA) remains unchanged during the transition.

Consumers

Existing cases and complaints continue seamlessly under the BPC.
Case management and history automatically transfer.
From 1 July 2025, all correspondence carries the BPC’s new logo and contact details.

Practical Scenarios Under the New System

Scenario 1: Home Extension in Ballarat

You add a second-storey extension. Years later, cracks appear in the walls due to structural issues. Under the BPC, rectification orders can still be issued, and DBI can fund the repairs if the builder refuses.

Scenario 2: Apartment Development in Melbourne

An apartment building is completed, but serious waterproofing defects emerge post-occupancy. Thanks to the developer bond scheme, there are funds available to cover rectifications, protecting apartment owners from unexpected costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) start?

The BPC officially commenced on 1 July 2025, replacing the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) as Victoria’s building regulator.

What agencies were merged into the BPC?

The BPC brings together the VBA, Domestic Building Dispute Resolution Victoria (DBDRV), and the Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) function of the VMIA.

How does the BPC protect homeowners?

The BPC can issue rectification orders after occupancy permits, requires developer bonds for apartments, and has expanded insurance coverage for defects.

Do builders and practitioners need to re-register with the BPC?

No. All current registrations and licences automatically transitioned and remain valid until their usual expiry date.

Ready to Get Started?

At Surveyoria, we guide homeowners, builders, and designers through every stage of the permit and inspection process. Our role is to keep your project compliant under the latest regulations, including the new oversight of the BPC.

👉 Request a Quote today to ensure your project is compliant with Victoria’s new building regulator.

Disclaimer

Please note that this information was sought from third parties and should always be checked for its veracity.