Building a home or starting a major renovation in Victoria?

You’ve probably heard the rules have changed, again.

In 2025, the Victorian Government introduced new planning reforms designed to speed up the approval process, especially for well-designed, policy-compliant homes.

But what does that mean for you?

Here’s a guide to what’s changed, what’s possible, and how BQ Architects helps you take advantage of the new system, to get your dream home approved faster and with fewer headaches.

‍What Are the 2025 Planning Reforms in Victoria?


For years, Victoria’s planning process was full of frustration.

Even great designs often got stuck in red tape, delays, and endless back-and-forth with councils. The rules were complex, timelines were unclear, and every project felt like starting from scratch.

In 2025, the state government responded with a new approach: 

Reward well-prepared, policy-aligned designs with faster approvals, and make the whole system more efficient.

That’s good news. But only if you know how to work within it.

Key Changes to Victoria’s Planning System


You don’t need to know every planning clause. But here are the three main updates that matter to you:

1. Fast-Track for Well-Designed Homes

If your design clearly aligns with local planning rules and policies, you can now access fast-track approval pathways, cutting the wait time in half in some cases.

2. New Townhouse and Low-Rise Code

The new Townhouse and Low-Rise Code applies to developments up to 3 storeys.

If your design meets its “deemed to comply” standards, council can process it faster and more predictably, with less negotiation, less guesswork.

3. 10-Day Approvals with VicSmart for Smaller Projects

If your project is minor or low-impact (like fencing, small extensions, or alterations), it might qualify for VicSmart,  a streamlined 10-day permit process.

These updates are great, but only if your design and paperwork are right from the start.

What the Planning Reforms Mean for Your Build or Renovation


Benefits of the New Planning System:

  • Faster approvals mean less waiting and quicker project starts
  • More predictability means less stress and fewer budget blowouts.
  • Well-prepared designs now get rewarded, not delayed

But Watch Out For:

  • Projects that miss the mark on compliance won’t qualify
  • Vague or incomplete applications still risk getting knocked back
  • Poor documentation can send your project back to square one.

The good news? BQ Architects is already working within these new rules to help our clients succeed.

Example: How the New Rules Speed Up a Project


A client approached us with a plan for two modern townhouses on a 500sqm block in Melbourne’s inner north.

Under the old system:

  • Council approval could have taken 6–8 months
  • Multiple rounds of changes were likely
  • Delays meant increased holding costs

Under the 2025 reforms:

  • We aligned the design with the new low-rise code
  • Collaborated early with town planners
  • Submitted a clean, well-documented application

Result? Approval in under 12 weeks, with no major objections and full confidence in the timeline.

At BQ Architects, we involve town planners early, anticipate objections, and deliver applications that move through the system smoothly.

How BQ Architects Helps You Succeed Under the New System


Planning is no longer just about design, it’s about compliance, communication, and timing.
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Here’s how we do it differently:

  • We design with compliance in mind, right from the first sketch
  • We collaborate early with councils and consultants
  • We anticipate potential objections before they become issues
  • We prepare clear, accurate documentation that makes approval easier
  • We plan realistic timelines based on real council processes

Whether you’re starting fresh or revising a design, we give you the clarity you need and the confidence that your project is in good hands.

Why Compliance Is Now a Competitive Advantage


In 2025, compliance isn’t just a box to tick, it’s your best tool to move faster and save money.

The reforms are designed to reward those who understand the system. That means fewer resubmissions, less back-and-forth, and no nasty surprises halfway through your project.

When you partner with BQ Architects, you’re choosing a team that knows the rules, and knows how to design within them without sacrificing creativity.

Plan Smarter, Build Faster - Work With BQ Architects


Whether you're:

  • Starting from scratch with a new build
  • Refining an existing design that’s hit a wall
  • Unsure if your site qualifies for fast-track approval

BQ Architects helps you get ahead by aligning great design with smart strategy.
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If you want to avoid delays, reduce risk, and bring your dream home to life faster,  we’re ready to help.

Contact BQ Architects for a consultation. Or view our past projects to see how we combine vision with results.

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