Townhouse & Multi-Dwelling Approvals NSW
Buildcert provide fast, accurate building approvals and certification for townhouses, terrace houses and villas across NSW.
Multi-dwelling approvals, sorted.
Planning a low-rise residential development with multiple dwellings in NSW? Before you can start building, you’ll need the right approvals locked in.
Depending on your site and design, that usually means one of two pathways. Some projects need a Development Application (DA) lodged with council, followed by a Construction Certificate (CC). Others may qualify for a Complying Development Certificate (CDC), which is a quicker approval if your plans meet the pre-set requirements.
Either way, Buildcert takes the guesswork out. We’ll review your documentation thoroughly, flag any issues early, keep you across what’s needed at each stage and manage the process with clear communication and fast turnaround times. The result? We get your approval right the first time, so your build keeps moving.
[ Our approach ]
How we get your multi-dwelling approval sorted.
01
Quote & ApprovalWhat it is
First up, we identify if your project qualifies as a multi-dwelling under the Low-Rise Housing Policy.
What's involved
Not sure whether your project fits the criteria for a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) or needs to go down the DA plus Construction Certificate (CC) route? We’ll review your plans, confirm zoning requirements, and point you towards the right approval pathway. If your design has unique elements, we can also carry out a preliminary CDC check before you lodge formally, giving you upfront certainty on the best way forward.
Quote and go
To get your quote sorted, for a CDC (or if you aren’t sure), all we need is a copy of your site plans. If you’ve got extras like a Title Search or Section 10.7 Planning Certificate, send those through too. For a CC, we just require your DA-stamped plans and development consent.
We’ll review the details, provide a straightforward quote, and once approved, we’ll get the certification process moving without delay.
02
Application ProcessOption 1: Complying Development Certificate (CDC)
If your site and design tick the boxes for Complying Development, we’ll prepare your CDC application and lodge it on your behalf via the NSW Planning Portal.
What’s required to get started:
- Buildcert application form
- Detailed architectural plans
- Title Search, Deposited Plan and Instrument 88B
- Section 10.7 Planning Certificate
What we check:
- Dwelling types and layout
- Zoning and planning controls
- Flood, bushfire, heritage or other restrictions
Why it matters:
Zoning, bushfire, and flood overlays can affect eligibility. We’ll flag any issues upfront.
Need more detail?
Check out our Lodgement Checklist for a full rundown of what’s typically required.
Option 2: Development Consent & Construction Certificate (DA + CC)
If your project doesn’t qualify for CDC (e.g. due to zoning, bushfire or heritage overlays), after getting your Development Consent from Council, we can get started on your Construction Certificate (CC).
What we need to issue your CC:
- Council-issued Development Consent
- DA stamped construction plans
- Buildcert application form
Why it matters:
Once your DA is approved, the CC is your ticket to start construction – and we make sure it’s as smooth as possible.
Who handles this:
Buildcert’s team of registered certifiers take care of the full CC assessment and approval.
Need more detail?
Check out our Lodgement Checklist for a full rundown of what’s typically required.
03
Subdivision CertificationWhat's involved
If your multi-dwelling development includes subdividing land into separate lots, you’ll need subdivision certification to make it official.
Why this step matters
Subdivision certification is what allows each dwelling to sit on its own legal lot, which is crucial for registration, future sales, or financing. Getting it right now avoids costly delays later.
Who handles this
Our specialist subdivision team at Landcert handle this for you. Their experienced team guides you through the process, flags any issues early, and helps fast-track your lot registration. Just let us know upfront, and we will include this as part of your quote.
04
Lodgement & AssessmentWhat's involved
We’ll take care of lodging your application through the NSW Planning Portal. From there, our certifiers review the project in detail and, if needed, carry out a site inspection.
If more information is required, your certifier will issue a Request for Information (RFI) so you know exactly what’s missing. And if changes to plans are needed, we’ll step you through them to avoid delays.
What you gain
You’ll have a clear list of requirements from the outset, open communication, and a certifier focused on your project. We’ll keep things straightforward and work with you to ensure approvals progress without hold-ups.
What we check
Our team reviews all documentation, plans, and reports against the National Construction Code, planning legislation (for CDCs), DA conditions (for CCs) and other requirements that apply specifically to multi-dwelling builds.
What's next
Once everything is in place, we issue your Complying Development Certificate (CDC) or Construction Certificate (CC).
If there are pre-commencement items to address, such as an owner-builder permit or Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF), we’ll flag these clearly in your approval. Once they’re sorted, we issue the Notice of Commencement, and just two days later, you’re ready to start construction.
05
Construction & Occupation CertificateWhat's next
Your approval will include a list of the component certificates likely to be required as construction progresses, so you know exactly what to expect at each stage.
It also sets out the mandatory inspections for your project. While it’s the builder’s responsibility to book them, we keep the process simple. Book an inspection before 3pm, and we can be on-site the following day to keep everything moving.
Our certifiers will then complete each mandatory inspection to confirm your project remains safe, compliant, and on track.
For multi-units, these inspections usually cover:
Piers/Footings - prior to placement of concrete
Slab - prior to placement of concrete
Frame - prior to insulation and internal lining/plasterboard
Fire Separating Wall - prior to insulation and internal linings
Waterproofing - prior to internal wet area tiling
Stormwater - prior to backfilling the discharge connection point
Completion inspection
Outcome
Once the final inspection is complete and all documentation checked, we’ll issue your Occupation Certificate (OC) – the official sign-off that your project is finished.
In some cases, a Partial OC can be issued to allow occupancy before items like driveways, landscaping, or retaining walls are complete, though this depends on council requirements.
[ Services ]
The right solution, every time.
Buildcert sort everything from approvals to final sign-off, so you can have peace of mind knowing that you’ve got one team, all the way through. We’re your one-stop-shop for certification services.
[ Why choose Buildcert ]
Certification sorted.
For projects big or small, Buildcert gets your certification sorted. Trusted experience, clear communication and fast turnarounds mean you get less stress, more certainty, and support to keep your project moving.
- +47000Approvals issued.That's over 47,000 approvals, sorted.
- 15.6B$Total value of construction approved.$15.6B of construction approved and counting.
- +275000Inspections completed.Clients trust Buildcert because we’ve got the experience and know-how to get your certification sorted.
"Buildcert’s building compliance expertise was invaluable during our recent upgrades. Their team brought confidence, clarity and professionalism to a complex project, ensuring everything stayed compliant and on track from start to finish."
"Buildcert has been a reliable partner for years. Their proactive approach, local knowledge, and responsiveness take the stress out of certification for our team."
"Buildcert are a valuable partner for our team. Their practical guidance, collaborative approach and clear advice help us deliver bespoke designs that meet compliance without compromising creativity."
Let’s get your approvals sorted.
Frequently asked questions.
Got questions on multi-dwelling approvals or certification in general? We've put together answers to some of the most common ones.
Do I need subdivision certification for a multi-dwelling development?
Yes, unless you’re housing multiple dwellings under one title. If you're creating separate lots or titles for each unit or house, you’ll need a subdivision certificate to make that official.
What documentation is needed for a certification quote?
To do a quote for a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) we just need your site plans that include front, side and rear setbacks as well as elevations (if you have any supporting property documents like a Title Search send that through as well). For a Construction Certificate (CC), all we’ll need is your development consent from Council and your Development Application (DA) stamped plans.
What’s the difference between a Construction Certificate and a Complying Development Certificate; and which one do I need?
Both are types of building approval, but they apply in different situations:
- Complying Development Certificate (CDC): This is a fast-tracked approval that combines both planning and building approval in one. If your project meets specific rules under the State’s Housing Code (like height limits, setbacks and site coverage), you can skip council and get approved by a private certifier, often much faster.
- Construction Certificate (CC): This is used when your project has already been through the full Development Application (DA) process with council. A DA gives planning approval, and the CC is the building approval that follows. You’ll need both before work can start.
How does the Low Rise Housing Diversity Code (LRHDC) affect my dual occupancy, multi-dwelling housing (terraces) and manor house development?
If your design meets the LRHDC rules and your site is zoned correctly, you can skip the full council DA and get approval through a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) instead. That means you can build and subdivide faster, with fewer delays, clearer requirements, and no runaround. It's a smart move if you're looking to keep your project moving.
How does the Pattern Book Development Code (PBDC) affect my dual occupancy multi-dwelling or manor home development?
Similar to the Low Rise Housing Diversity Code (LRHDC), if your project aligns with the approved NSW Housing Pattern Book designs and your site meets zoning requirements, you’ll also be able to skip the full Council DA process and obtain approval via the CDC pathway instead.
This will allow you to build and subdivide faster, with clear design standards and fewer administrative hurdles. It’s a smart, streamlined option to keep your project ticking along.
Toolbox
Sorted.
