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Building practitioner (NSW DBP Act)

A registered building practitioner under NSW's DBP Act is a builder with registration, insurance, and compliance declaration duties on regulated buildings.

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A registered building practitioner is a builder registered under the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 (NSW) to carry out building work on regulated buildings, primarily Class 2 residential apartment buildings and other regulated classes. Registered building practitioners must issue building compliance declarations confirming construction was carried out in accordance with the design, the NCC, and relevant standards.

From 1 July 2026, registered building practitioners must also hold adequate professional indemnity insurance. The DBP Act does not prescribe a fixed dollar minimum; practitioners must document their reasoning for the coverage level chosen and retain those records for at least five years (verified 2026-05-08, NSW Government).

Builders working solely on Class 1 detached houses can still hold contractor licences through NSW Fair Trading without being registered under the DBP Act, though some also elect to register.

Also known as: Registered building practitioner.

Category: Licensing and regulation (NSW)

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Last updated: 2026-05-08. Verified: 2026-05-08. Quarterly review for currency.