Australia’s Practical Guide to Getting Development Consent For most Australians, the DA is the critical (and sometimes confusing) gateway between an idea on paper and a project on the ground. Recent reforms, such as NSW’s streamlined online portal released on 30 May 2025, aim to speed up this process, but success still hinges on getting…
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For Investors, Homeowners & Developers If you’re wondering if you can build two houses on one lot, then you’re in the right place because dual occupancy developments (essentially building two dwellings on a single block, which some people refer to as duplexes) have surged in popularity across Australia and are becoming easier in some areas.…
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Have you been dreaming of starting a project, but have no idea where to start? Developing a property can be overwhelming and sometimes the hardest part of a project is just getting started. Considering too many choices can leave you feeling paralysed, so it is vital to understand your options so you can start moving…
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Are you stressed about preparing your documents and plans for council approval? Are you confused about the rules and need some guidance to help with your project’s direction? Do you understand all the alternative options to maximise your investment potential? Perhaps you are feeling a bit overwhelmed and need some clarity or guidance to understand…
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Are you thinking of submitting an application to Council without using a qualified Town Planner? Are you thinking that perhaps it may be quicker and cheaper to do it yourself? Perhaps your budget is tight and you’re trying to cut corners. Unfortunately Planning legislation is complex and it isn’t a straight-forward process for the unqualified.…
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Do you have a small property that you would like to develop but are concerned that it is not big enough to make any changes, or if there is even the ability to make changes that would perhaps increase the value of your property? Perhaps you feel it may not be worth the effort to…
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There are so many ways to invest in real estate that it can be overwhelming to decide which are the best options. If you own a property and are considering developing it, you might be seeking guidance on what the best ways to invest are. Ideally, you would invest to increase your return on investment.…
Are you looking at starting a development project and don’t know where to begin? Have you been told to use a Town Planner to help with your Development Application? If so, you will probably also be asking yourself, what does a Town Planner do, and how do I choose a good one? If you want…
Fastest Ways to Build Equity in Your Property Are you looking for ways to increase the value in your property, but not sure where to start and need some ideas of how to do this? Click on the “Play” button below to listen to Colin Fragar as he shares some ideas on this topic: Or…
Advice for First Home Buyers and Property Investors Inflation in Australia is a hot topic right now. One thing becomes clear: money loses its purchasing power as prices rise. Whether it’s groceries, fuel, or construction materials, if you’re a first-time home buyer or someone considering investing or improving your property, the need for action is…
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Development Application Process and Definition A Development Application (DA) is a formal request submitted to a local council for approval of proposed development projects. People may require a Development Application if they plan to undertake alterations and additions to existing dwellings, construct new buildings or change what they will be using their property for. The…
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State and Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) Changes – TOD Explained The New South Wales (NSW) government, recognising the urgency of the housing supply issue, has recently released the TOD program. Watch the video below as Colin Fragar explains what Transport-Oriented Development is and what it means for NSW. This initiative focuses on increasing housing density around key…
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Unlocking the Door to Affordable Housing: Navigating the Maze of Legislation with Council Approval Group In recent years, there has been a surge of interest in alternative housing options such as tiny homes, moveable dwellings, and cabins. With the promise of cost-effective living and simpler lifestyles, it’s no wonder these innovative housing solutions have captured…
An overview of State Government new planning rules information released 28 February 2025 There has been so much news over the last year when it comes to housing supply and the much anticipated NSW Government Planning changes. The time has finally come where we can share with you the housing reforms that were…
An overview of State Government information released 8 December 2023 The NSW Government is proposing changes to the planning rules to help speed up the delivery of a range of different housing types to suit people’s changing lifestyle needs. Our households are changing, but for a long time we haven’t been building the kind of…
On the 18 December 2023, the NSW Planning Department released details on proposed changes to planning law called ‘NSW Diverse and Well Located Housing Reforms’. These proposals focus principally on dual occupancies, multi-unit housing (eg townhouses), manor houses and small to medium rise apartment buildings. This article will focus principally on the reforms as they…
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What is a 4.6 Variation and How Can It Unlock Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars? Unlock the potential of your property project with our expert guide on Clause 4.6 Variation. Learn how a Clause 4.6 variation request can offer flexibility in property development and planning regulations. Watch this master class video by Colin Fragar, Co-founder…
Ensuring that we can keep our services affordable amongst the current Australian Labour shortage has been paramount for Council Approval Group. We are known as the best in unlocking property potential through the council approval process. To achieve the goals of our organisation and our clients it has meant that together with growing our capabilities…
Owning property is a significant investment, but have you ever considered how your property could work harder for you? In Australia’s thriving real estate market, there are numerous opportunities to make your property work harder for you by unlocking its development potential. In this blog post, we’ll explore the various ways you can generate passive…
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Are you considering a dual occupancy project for your property? One style of Dual Occupancy that is very common in Australia, particularly if somebody has gone to a project home builder, is a side-by-side dual occupancy (Duplex). While it may seem like an enticing option at first, there are several important considerations that you should…
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You might be asking ‘Wait, what is a Fallback Position?’ Traditionally it’s an alternative course of action that may be taken if the original plan fails. When it comes to property development and town planning, a fallback position is your alternative option should your development application or planning permit be refused. In this video, Colin…
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What are the responsibilities of town planners? It is something you have to know to understand why having a town planner guiding you with your project is so important. To learn more about town planners, click on the “Play” button below to watch now: Or for those that prefer to read, here is a transcript…
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Do you need a quote for a town planner? Maybe you don’t know how to find a town planner or what qualifications to require. To learn more about obtaining a town planner quote, click on the “Play” button below to watch now: Or for those that prefer to read, here is a transcript of the…
Are you looking for a town planner in NSW? Are you wondering how to choose one? What should you look for in a town planner? To learn more about what the Council Approval Group has to offer, click on the “Play” button below to watch now: Or for those that prefer to read, here is…
Do you have a project and want to know if you need a town planner and surveyor? Maybe you’ve been planning a project or you’ve just been told you need approval for something you have done. If so, we can help. To learn more click on the “Play” button below to watch now: Or for…
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