FAQ's

The biggest mistake is starting the certification process too late. Developers often wait until the final stages of their project, only to realise that crucial approvals were needed earlier. This leads to costly delays, unexpected expenses, and last-minute scrambling to meet compliance requirements.

Solution: Engage a certifier early in the project, understand your required approvals, and keep up with NSW regulations to prevent delays.

The most significant update is the Low Rise Housing Diversity SEPP, which streamlines approvals for terraces, manor houses, and dual occupancies. This regulation allows private certifiers to handle approvals instead of councils, speeding up the process for developers.

Key Takeaways:

• Faster approvals but stricter design conditions.
• Specific zoning, lot size, and frontage requirements.
• Infrastructure compliance is crucial for approval.

Land certification has shifted away from council-controlled approvals, giving developers more flexibility. Private certifiers now handle many approvals, reducing red tape and shortening wait times.
Future Outlook: The industry will continue moving toward digital processes and streamlined assessments, making it easier for developers who stay informed.

The most common cause of delays is appointing a certifier too late. Missing documentation, incomplete applications, and misunderstandings about regulations can also stall approvals.

How to avoid delays:

• Engage a certifier at the DA approval stage.
• Ensure all required documents are submitted upfront.
• Follow a structured compliance checklist to prevent missed steps.

Torrens Title is used for standalone properties where each lot has direct land ownership. Strata Subdivision is for multi-dwelling developments with shared spaces, such as apartments or townhouses.

When to choose which:

• Torrens Title: Best for projects with separate land ownership.
• Strata Subdivision: Ideal for developments with shared structures.

Securing Section 73 or 307 certificates early is crucial to avoid last-minute hold-ups. Also, working with an experienced certifier prevents costly mistakes.

Time and cost-saving strategies:

• Apply for necessary certificates early.
• Double-check zoning and infrastructure requirements.
• Partner with a knowledgeable certifier to avoid compliance errors.

A CDC is a fast-track approval process for developments that meet specific planning requirements under the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP).

Who benefits most?

• Developers who need quick approvals.
• Builders working on low-rise housing projects.
• Property investors looking to subdivide land efficiently.

Regional developers often deal with limited infrastructure, unpredictable council approvals, and labour shortages. In contrast, metro developers face higher costs and stricter zoning laws.

How to navigate regional challenges:

• Plan for service limitations like water and sewer connections.
• Work with experienced certifiers familiar with regional requirements.
• Account for potential delays due to local council processing times.

Most developers struggle with not understanding the process. Certification involves multiple steps, each with its own legal requirements, making it overwhelming without expert guidance.

Solution:

• Work with a certifier early in the process.
• Get a checklist of required documents and approvals.
• Stay informed on the latest regulatory changes.

Skipping a professional certifier can result in:

• Non-compliant approvals, leading to expensive modifications.
• Project shutdowns, with potential stop-work orders from authorities.
• Financial losses from increased holding costs and legal fees.

Hiring a certifier ensures smooth, legally compliant approvals, reducing risk and keeping projects on track.

• Appoint a certifier early. Engage a certifier as soon as you have DA consent.
• Submit a complete application. Missing documents slow everything down.
• Follow a structured plan. Knowing what’s required at each stage prevents delays.

Being proactive prevents unnecessary roadblocks and speeds up certification approvals.

Certification mistakes can lead to:

• Delays that increase holding costs (loan interest, labour expenses).
• Rework expenses, adding thousands to project budgets.
• Legal risks, including fines and potential demolition orders.

Working with an experienced certifier minimises these risks and keeps costs down.

• Subdivision Works Certificate → Issued before construction begins, ensuring sewer, roads, and water plans are compliant.
• Subdivision Certificate → Issued after works are completed, confirming compliance before final approval.

Both are essential, but knowing the difference prevents delays.

A complete submission should include:

• DA consent and approved plans.
• Construction certificate and any modifications.
• Section 73 and 307 certificates (if required).
• 10.7 Planning Certificate.
• Any necessary engineering reports.

Submitting all required documents upfront helps avoid approval delays.

Common hidden costs include:

• Government levies (local infrastructure contributions).
• Service levies (water, sewer, and electricity connection fees).
• Infrastructure costs (roads, retaining walls, drainage).

Budgeting for these early prevents unexpected financial strain.

The fastest way to get approval is to engage a certifier early, ensure all documents are complete, and follow a structured process. Having everything prepared in advance speeds up assessment and approval times.

Never wait until the end of the project to apply for certification. Applying late leads to delays, increased holding costs, and possible rework.
Best practice: Appoint a certifier as soon as you have DA consent or a complying development certificate for construction.