For Builders

All residential builders in the Northern Territory must apply annually for Residential Building Cover with Fidelity Fund NT, before they can build houses, units or extensions for private clients*



*This does not apply to commercial buildings, prefabricated buildings, transportables or government contracts.


How to apply


Use the appropriate form below to apply for Residential Building Cover. Owner builders should use the Application by Owner Builder form.

Your application is strictly confidential.

To apply for Residential Building Cover, follow these steps:

Step 1: Prove to Fidelity Fund NT that you are eligible by:

  • completing an assessment form
  • providing current financial statements
  • provide a working capital statement
  • providing details about your business structure and construction history.


Step 2: Get your capacity for cover assessed

An external, specialist independent assessor uses the information provided in Step 1 to determine the value of work and the amount of cover you can take on at any one time. Please note:

 

  • This assessment is free of charge
  • the turnaround time is 7–10 working days
  • you will be advised of your available limit of cover,
  • you can apply for a re-assessment at any time if you think your cap is too low.




Step 3: Upgrade your cover as needed

If you need a greater level of cover than the limit you were given, contact us to organise a free re-assessment and upgrade.




Fidelity Fund NT Certificates


Once you have been approved for Residential Building Cover, you need to obtain a Fidelity Fund NT Certificate for all homes, units or extensions worth more than $12,000 and that increase the internal floor area of the building.


You must supply a copy of the certificate to the homeowner.



  • Obtain Fidelity Fund NT Certificate

    As you enter into a contract to build, you must obtain a Fidelity Fund NT Certificate for that work. Note that:


    ● Fidelity Fund NT will monitor your capacity by referring to the value of the contract


    ● the premium for the Fidelity Fund NT Certificate is payable before you obtain the certificate


    ● you must give a copy of the certificate to:

    ○ the homeowner – before you start work; and

    ○ the certifier – who cannot issue a building permit until they have a copy


    ● you should keep the original certificate.


  • Contract Variation Obligation

    If a contract later varies by more than 5% (up or down), you must notify the Fund and  apply for a varied Fidelity Fund NT Certificate.

  • Capital Management Plan

    Until the start of this Fund in 2013, the Northern Territory of Australia (NTA) had a first-resort scheme, the Home Building Certification Fund (HBCF), covering non-compliance with building standards. That scheme provided unlimited cover for a period of ten years from completion of work. There was no protection against non-completion.


    For more information please download the full Capital Management Plan here

Owner Builders


You need to get a Fidelity Fund NT Certificate if you are building or extending your own home. Then, if you decide to sell, the buyer is covered for any defects that emerge after the sale.


Download the Owner Builder Application Form.

For more information or to give feedback:


Contact us