Building and trade rules in Australian Capital Territory
The regulator is Access Canberra and the ACT Planning directorate.
Deposit limit
The ACT Government says there is no limit on the initial deposit. Deposits are usually up to about 10%, and homeowners warranty insurance covers only up to $10,000 of a deposit.
Source: ACT Planning, checked 11 November 2026.
Contracts and licences
ACT law does not require a written contract for residential building work, but the government recommends one. Check your builder holds the right licence class on the Access Canberra register.
Source: ACT Planning
Go to Access Canberra and the ACT Planning directorate >
General information, not legal advice. Rules change, so check the regulator before you sign. See trade costs >