Cost guide
Building Approvals Cost in Sydney
What drives the cost of a CDC, Construction Certificate and Occupation Certificate in Sydney, and how to get a fixed-fee quote.
Building approvals in Sydney don't have one set price. What you pay depends on whether you use a Complying Development Certificate or a DA plus Construction Certificate, your project's value and type, how many inspections are needed, and extra costs like the Long Service Levy and site reports. Meta Certifiers gives a fixed-fee quote after reviewing your plans.
Start with our private certifier near me page to confirm we cover your council area, then use this guide to understand each cost.
What makes up the cost of a building approval?
- Approval pathway — CDC through a private certifier, or a council DA followed by a Construction Certificate.
- Project type and value — a new dwelling, dual occupancy, granny flat, alterations or a pool each need different assessment work.
- Principal Certifier role and inspections — the number of critical-stage inspections. See our Principal Certifier (PCA) guide.
- Occupation Certificate — the final inspection and certificate. Read about the Occupation Certificate in NSW.
Costs on top of the certifier's fee
- The Long Service Levy, paid before a Construction Certificate or CDC is issued for eligible work.
- Soil classification and other consultant reports, such as bushfire, flood or arborist reports where the site needs them.
- Council contributions, bonds and Sydney Water approvals, depending on the property.
- BASIX certificates and structural engineering.
CDC vs DA: which costs less?
A CDC rolls planning and construction approval into one certificate, assessed against fixed standards. That usually means fewer steps and less time paying for holding costs. Where your project doesn't meet complying development standards, a DA is required, and you'll then need a Construction Certificate as well.
How to keep approval costs down
- Submit complete plans and reports the first time to avoid re-assessment.
- Check CDC eligibility early, before you finalise the design.
- Book inspections at the correct stage so they don't need repeating.
Get a fixed-fee quote
Meta Certifiers · 1/25 Padstow Pde, Padstow NSW 2211 · Phone 0404040992 · info@metacertifiers.au. Certifier registration: BDC XXXX (to be confirmed).
Send your address and plans and we'll reply the same business day. You can also read about choosing a private certifier in Sydney.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
How much do building approvals cost in Sydney?
There is no single price. The cost depends on the approval pathway (CDC or DA plus Construction Certificate), the project value and type, the number of inspections, and third-party costs such as the Long Service Levy and consultant reports. Meta Certifiers gives a fixed-fee quote once we see your plans.
Is a CDC cheaper than a DA?
Often, because a CDC combines planning and construction approval in one certificate and is assessed against fixed standards, so there are fewer stages and less holding time. Whether it is cheaper overall depends on your site and design.
What costs sit on top of the certifier's fee?
Common extras include the Long Service Levy, council contributions or bonds, Sydney Water approvals, BASIX, and reports such as soil classification, bushfire or flood studies, depending on the site.
Do inspections cost extra?
Critical-stage inspections are usually included in a Principal Certifier quote. Extra inspections caused by failed stages or added work can attract additional fees, which we explain upfront.
Planning a project in Sydney?
Get a no-obligation feasibility check from our accredited private certifiers.
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