Navigating Tiny House Regulations in Australia [2026 Guide]

Last Updated: January 2026

Disclaimer: Regulations change frequently. Always confirm with your local council before making decisions.

Tiny house regulations in Australia can feel overwhelming. Every state has different rules, councils interpret them differently, and requirements vary depending on whether your tiny home is on wheels or a fixed foundation. This guide breaks down what you need to know.

What Are Tiny Houses?

Tiny houses in Australia typically fall into two categories:

• Tiny Houses on Wheels (THOWs): Built on trailers, THOWs are often classified as caravans. This classification allows them to bypass traditional building codes but subjects them to caravan-specific regulations, which vary by state and council.

• Fixed Tiny Houses: Built on permanent foundations, these structures must comply with the National Construction Code (NCC), which governs safety, health, and structural standards.

For a practical breakdown of where each type is permitted, see our guide on where you can actually put a tiny home in Australia.

National Regulations for THOWs

To be road-legal without special permits, THOWs must adhere to specific size and weight limitations:

• Maximum Width: 2.5 metres

• Maximum Height: 4.3 metres

• Maximum Length: 12.5 metres

• Maximum Weight: 4.5 tonnes

Exceeding these limits requires an oversized load permit, which involves additional costs and conditions. For details, visit the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.

Building Code Compliance for Fixed Tiny Houses

Fixed tiny houses must comply with the NCC, which governs:

• Structural integrity

• Fire safety

• Energy efficiency

• Plumbing and electrical systems

For official requirements, visit the Australian Building Codes Board.

State-by-State Overview

Each state has different regulatory bodies managing road transport, building compliance, and planning approvals:

Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Planning managed by the ACT Government — no local councils. Visit the ACT Planning Portal.

New South Wales (NSW) Local councils interpret planning schemes. Essential to consult your specific council. Visit the NSW Planning Portal.

Northern Territory (NT) Local councils manage planning regulations. Visit the NT Government Planning Division.

Queensland (QLD) Local councils enforce planning schemes. Visit the QLD Planning Portal.

South Australia (SA) Local councils handle planning approvals. Visit the SA Planning Portal.

Tasmania (TAS) Planning regulations enforced by local councils. Visit the Tasmanian Planning Commission.

Victoria (VIC) Local councils interpret planning schemes. Visit the VIC Planning Portal.

Western Australia (WA) Local councils enforce planning rules. Visit the WA Planning Commission.

For direct links to specific council policies, see our state-by-state council directory.

Council-Specific Policies Worth Knowing

Some councils have taken progressive approaches to tiny house regulations:

• Surf Coast Shire (VIC): Launched a pilot program allowing THOWs as dwellings under specific conditions.

• Mount Alexander Shire (VIC): No permits required for THOWs on properties with an existing dwelling, provided it doesn't become permanent.

• Shire of Esperance (WA): Developed a detailed local planning policy for tiny houses.

• Gold Coast (QLD): Allows permanent living in a THOW on private property with building and plumbing approval.

Need Help Navigating Regulations?

Get in touch to discuss your situation, or browse tiny homes for sale today!