Guide · updated November 2026

New home defects in Victoria: your rights

Builders give implied warranties under the Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995. Building actions can generally be brought within 10 years of the occupancy permit or certificate of final inspection. Check your contract's defects liability period too.

If the builder won't fix defects

  1. Write to your builder listing every defect and a reasonable time to fix it
  2. If unresolved, apply to the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) for free dispute resolution
  3. The BPC can make a dispute resolution order, or issue a certificate so you can go to VCAT
  4. Domestic building insurance (now administered by the BPC) generally applies if the builder dies, disappears or becomes insolvent

Sources: Building and Plumbing Commission: domestic building disputes · Consumer Affairs Victoria: disputes, defects and delays

Inspect your new home on your phone

Work through 80+ checks room by room and log every defect with photo references. Then get a numbered defects report and a letter for your builder. The checklist is free.

Start my inspection My deadlines

More: New home handover checklist (room by room) · Practical completion inspection: a buyer's guide · Shower ponding: test the falls before you take handover · Drummy tiles: check them before handover · Weep holes: check they're clear before handover · New home defects in NSW: your warranty rights · Queensland: the defects document and home warranty deadlines · Documents to collect at handover