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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Everything You Should Know Before Starting a Subdivision Project With housing demand rising and property prices climbing, subdivision has become one of the most powerful wealth-building strategies in Australia (particularly in NSW, where new planning changes in have made it easier to achieve on smaller sections than previously allowed). As property values can sometimes double…
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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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Are current circumstances holding you back from taking that first step to start your project? Don’t worry, you’re not alone, there are many reasons people may put off starting a project. The good news is, there are always things within your control that you can do regardless of the wider economic conditions. We’d like to…
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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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Are you worried about inflation and not sure when to start your project? Perhaps you are waiting for inflation to come down, but aren’t sure if that is the right decision. Hopefully, we can help you decide if now is the right time to start your project. Is Now the Right Time? Click on the…
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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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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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Navigating the intricate process of obtaining development approval in Sydney can be a complex task. This is where the expertise of a professional Town Planner in Sydney becomes invaluable. At Council Approval Group, we specialise in guiding you through the development approval process, making your vision a reality. See a full list of our projects…
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…
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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Are you looking for secondary dwelling designs? Maybe you are just looking for ideas or maybe you are looking for the best and just haven’t found a design yet that suits your needs. To learn more about secondary dwelling designs click on the “Play” button below to watch now: Or for those that prefer to…
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Are you looking for some sort of a checklist to help you build a secondary dwelling on your property? You might be thinking doing it on your own will be more cost-effective. To learn more about secondary dwelling checklists click on the “Play” button below to watch now: Or for those that prefer to read,…
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Are you wondering what a town planner does in Australia? Do you need one? How can they help with development approval? To learn more about what town planners do click on the “Play” button below to watch now: Or for those that prefer to read, here is a transcript of the video… Hi, my name…
Do you want to know about granny flat Northern Beaches approvals? This video will provide resources to help you with your granny flat approval. Click on the “Play” button below to watch now: Or for those that prefer to read, here is a transcript of the video… Okay, if you’re looking to put a granny…
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Do you want to know what granny flat size will get approval? This video will answer that question and provide resources to help you with your project. Click on the “Play” button below to watch now: Or for those that prefer to read, here is a transcript of the video… What granny flat size can…
Are you wondering what is permitted under the Granny Flat SEPP? You might even be asking what is a SEPP. A SEPP is a State Environmental Planning Policy. This video provides some advice for understanding the SEPP and other rules for granny flats. Click on the “Play” button below to watch now: Or for those…
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