A bigger Domestic Building Legal Service for Victorian homeowners
Consumer Affairs Victoria announced on 23 October 2026 that the Victorian Government is investing $14.5 million over five years from 2026 in a new Domestic Building Legal Service. It will be rolled out in phases, and the release does not say when each phase starts. The current service already gives free one-on-one support to homeowners who cannot resolve a dispute with their builder. The new service will be available to people at any stage of the building process, so help can come before a dispute drags on.
What the new Domestic Building Legal Service will offer
According to Consumer Affairs Victoria, the service will provide:
- legal information and self-help resources, to help people avoid lengthy disputes and handle less complex building matters
- legal advice for homeowners who need tailored guidance on their dispute
- direct advocacy and representation for homeowners with more complex or systemic disputes with their builder
- earlier referrals to other relevant advice and support services.
The release says the existing one-on-one support is free. It does not say whether every part of the new service will be free, so check with the service before assuming.
Why the change, and who delivers it
The changes follow a review of the service that included consultation with stakeholders and service users. It confirmed the need for continued funding, but found the support is not getting to everyone who needs it, and pointed to wider eligibility and services as ways to strengthen the program. Further information is on Engage Victoria.
Justice Connect, the current provider, will deliver the Domestic Building Legal Service in partnership with the Consumer Action Law Centre.
Consumer Affairs Victoria Director Nicole Rich said the service will help protect and support consumers making what is often their biggest financial investment.
Related: New property price disclosure rules for Victorian residential sales
General information only, not legal advice. Check the official source before acting.
Source: Consumer Affairs Victoria. Licence: CC BY 4.0.
