Apply for an Owner-Builder Permit

Choose how you will apply

Before you start, check that you are eligible to apply.

If you have all your documents ready (including signatures from all the property owners) and there are no special circumstances, use the online application form.

Go to 'apply online'

If you prefer to apply in person or you have special circumstances, you can visit a service centre to apply.

Go to 'apply in person'

Talk to us

You are welcome to call us on 13 77 88 to talk through your application before you apply. We can advise you on the documents, approvals and signatures you'll need to avoid processing delays. We cannot assess or determine the outcome of your application over the phone.

What you need

• a MyServiceNSW Account (if you are applying online)
• proof of identity
• a current general construction induction card (GIT/white card)
• evidence you've completed the owner-builder approved education requirements
• documentation including proof of ownership, details and signatures of all the owners, development approval or a complying development certificate
• special circumstances additional details form (if relevant)
• your payment.

Apply online

1. Select the 'Apply online' button.
2. Answer the eligibility checker questions. If you have trouble with the online form, phone us on 13 77 88 or apply in person.
3. Log in, or create your MyServiceNSW Account.
4. Complete each section of the application. Make sure you've included the details and signatures of all owners, leaseholders, and shareholders.
5. Attach your documents.
6. Submit the application and your payment.

Apply in person

1. Book an appointment at a service centre.
2. Download and complete the relevant application form:
   • Form A: Individuals – freehold interest – application form – PDF
   • Form B: Individuals – registered leaseholder – application form – PDF
   • Form C: Company owned – application form – PDF
   • Form 7: Special circumstances – Additional details form – PDF.
3. Gather copies of all the required documents. Make sure you've included the details and signatures of all owners, leaseholders, and shareholders.
4. Submit your application at a service centre.

More information

When you need an owner-builder permit

You need an owner-builder permit if any of the following apply:

• you want to supervise or do building work worth more than $10,000 on your property
• you're not contracting a licensed builder to supervise the work
• the work relates to a single dwelling house, dual occupancy or a secondary dwelling that:
  • requires development consent under Part 4 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW), or
  • is a complying development within the meaning of that Act.

For detailed information on owner-builder responsibilities visit NSW Fair Trading's Becoming an Owner-Builder.

Type of property

The proposed building work must be to construct, alter, or add to one of the following types of properties:

• a single dwelling-house
• dual occupancy (such as a semi-detached home)
• a secondary dwelling.

You cannot apply for a permit if the property is in a multi-dwelling strata complex or not for residential use (commercial properties).

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for an owner-builder permit the reasonable market cost (including labour and materials) is valued over $10,000, and you must:

• be the intended permit holder
• be aged 18 years or over
• hold a current and valid general construction induction card (GIT/white card)
• be the owner or joint owner of the land, or
  • be a shareholder in the company that owns the land, or
  • have a minimum 3-year lease on the land registered with NSW Land Registry Services
• intend to live in the property (single dwelling house or one of the secondary/dual occupancy dwellings) after the building work is complete
• have either an approved Developtment Application (DA) or Complying Development Certificate (CDC)
• have completed the owner-builder approved education requirements or other equivalent accreditation if the cost of building work is $20,000 or more.

Documents you will need to provide

Make sure to include with your application:

• the relevant application form
• acceptable documentation showing proof of ownership or long-term lease agreement relating to the land specified in your application, such as:
  • council rates or water rates notice less than one year old
  • Certificate of Title from NSW Land Registry Services
  • solicitor settlement letter showing settlement date (cannot be future dated and must be less than 3 months old)
  • ASIC company extract
  • copy of the lease (minimum 3 years) registered with NSW Land Registry Services.
• estimated cost of the building work for labour and materials
• the proposed and approved plans which accompany your DA/CDC, regardless of the property type
• a copy of the DBP registration, if an existing and secondary dwelling will be above a common space
• approved development consent such as:
  • development approval (DA) from the local council
  • complying development certificate (CDC) from the local council or accredited certifier.
• a current general construction induction card (GIT/white card)
• evidence that you have completed the owner-builder approved education requirements.

Special circumstances

You will need to show evidence of special circumstances if:  

• you have held an owner-builder permit within the last 5 years, or
• the type of construction is dual occupancy.

To show evidence of special circumstances, you need to complete Form 7: Special circumstances – Additional details and include it with your application.

Each application is considered on its own merit and will be refused if you have not shown reason for special circumstances in your application.