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Single Dwelling (new build)
Building a new house on a vacant or cleared lot.
A$350,000–1,500,000 build cost6–26 weeks DA timeline
Typical pathway by state
NSW: CDC if all SEPP Codes deemed-to-comply criteria met; otherwise DA
VIC: VicSmart or standard Planning Permit + Building Permit
QLD: Material Change of Use (MCU) — code or impact assessable
WA: Deemed-to-comply under R-Codes for most lots, otherwise design-principles DA
SA: Deemed-to-Satisfy or Performance Assessed under the Planning and Design Code
Required documents
- ✓Site / detail & level survey
- ✓Architectural plans (site, floor, elevation, section)
- ✓BASIX certificate (NSW) / NatHERS rating (other states)
- ✓Statement of Environmental Effects (NSW) or Planning Report
- ✓Stormwater concept plan
- ✓Waste Management Plan
- ✓Neighbour Notification (where required)
Optional / triggered docs
- •BAL Assessment (if bushfire-prone)
- •Geotechnical / soil classification (AS 2870)
- •Flood Report (if flood-prone)
- •Heritage Impact Statement (if listed)
- •Arborist Report (AS 4970) if significant trees
- •Acoustic Report (if near road/rail)
Typical consultants
Key compliance checks
- ▸Height of buildings (LEP Cl 4.3 in NSW; varies by state)
- ▸Floor Space Ratio (FSR)
- ▸Front, side, rear setbacks
- ▸Site coverage %
- ▸Deep soil % (apartment-style controls in some LGAs)
- ▸Solar access — neighbours' 9am-3pm winter solstice
- ▸Privacy (window-to-window, terrace overlooking)
- ▸Off-street parking (DCP / R-Code requirement)
- ▸BASIX / NatHERS energy + water targets
Notes
Single dwellings on standard lots are the most common DA pathway. CDC pathway in NSW can drop consent time from 12+ weeks to 20 working days if everything complies. Engagement with a registered architect or building designer materially improves outcomes.
Recommended pack for this project type
Standard DA Pack A$499