The short answer
Home Warranty is mandatory insurance for eligible domestic building work in Victoria valued at more than $20,000, for contracts signed on or after 1 July 2026. It replaces Domestic Building Insurance for new work and may provide up to $400,000 in total assistance per home, subject to limits and exclusions.
Victoria only. The Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) page does not show a date, so we checked it on 11 November 2026. Exclusions and limits apply, so read the BPC page and your policy for your own job.
When it applies
The BPC says Home Warranty may apply to eligible domestic building work valued at more than $20,000. That can include:
- repairs, alterations or extensions to a home
- construction of a new home
- residential buildings up to three storeys with more than 2 homes
- domestic building work related to swimming pools
What it may help with
Home Warranty may provide assistance where eligible work is incomplete, defective or non compliant. Some related costs may also be covered, such as:
- lost deposits where work has not started
- accommodation, removal and storage costs
- costs to secure an incomplete building site
How long cover lasts
The BPC says Home Warranty may cover major defects for up to 6 years after the work is completed, and other defects or non compliant work for up to 2 years.
Existing policies and who pays
If your work is already covered by a Domestic Building Insurance policy, the cover continues under that scheme and does not move to Home Warranty. For eligible work, the registered builder must pay the Home Warranty premium before the earlier of 10 business days after the contract is signed or the work starting.
Check your builder is registered
The BPC warns that Home Warranty does not protect homeowners who use an unregistered builder for work that must be done by a registered builder. Check your builder or plumber on the BPC practitioner search before you sign.
Common questions
When did Home Warranty start in Victoria?
The BPC says it starts on 1 July 2026 and applies to new eligible work under contracts signed on or after that date.
Does Home Warranty apply to small jobs?
The BPC says it may apply to eligible work valued at more than $20,000.
What is the maximum cover?
The BPC says it may provide up to $400,000 in total assistance per home, subject to eligibility, limits and exclusions.
Sources
- Building and Plumbing Commission: Home Warranty, checked 11 November 2026
- Consumer Affairs Victoria: deposits and payments, checked 11 November 2026