As housing prices sky rocket across Australia, many Australians are further exploring flexible housing options, and VanHomes are becoming an increasingly popular option. There is often some confusion however about building classifications, particularly "Class 1A" under the National Construction Code (NCC) and why VanHomes do not fall under these codes. Understanding this distinction is important when considering a VanHome for your family.
In Australia, the National Construction Code (NCC) defines Class 1A buildings as residential houses or dwellings, which typically include single dwellings or townhouses that are permanently constructed on-site. These buildings must comply with local building regulations, which means they require council approval before construction and must adhere to zoning rules and building codes. Additionally, Class 1A buildings must adhere to a rigorous criteria for structural integrity, fire safety, plumbing, electrical systems, and insulation—ensuring they meet the benchmarks set for permanent residential dwellings.
VanHomes are legally registerable caravans under Australian law, rather than permanent dwellings. Unlike Class 1A buildings, they typically don’t require council building approval (within NSW), although placement is subject to land use regulations; for example, in NSW, the land must already have an existing dwelling.
VanHomes are built off-site in our Berkeley Vale factory, rather than constructed on-site, and they fully comply with Australian caravan standards, which cover safety, structural integrity, plumbing, and electrical systems, but are unassociated to residential building codes. This makes VanHomes an ideal solution for adding extra living space for family members, providing flexible housing options on your land or in approved caravan parks, and enabling fast setup with move-in ready living—without the delays and costs associated with traditional Class 1A construction.
As VanHomes are not classified as Class 1A buildings, they are treated differently under Australian regulations. Local council building approval is generally only required if the VanHome is used for purposes other than housing a family member or member of the household. Its plumbing and electrical systems follow caravan standards, which rely on plug-and-play or soft connections, rather than permanent installations governed by residential building codes. This distinction ensures that VanHomes are not misrepresented as permanent houses while still confirming that they meet strict caravan safety and compliance requirements.
Class 1A buildings = permanent residential houses needing council approval.
VanHomes = registerable caravans built to Australian caravan standards, not Class 1A.
Choosing a VanHome allows you flexible, compliant, and quick living solutions without the delays and cost of traditional construction.
If you’re considering a flexible, fully compliant VanHome for your property, our team is here to help. Contact us today to find out which VanHome suits your needs and how it can be placed on your land