Questions & Answers

Is loss of property value considered when assessing a DA?

No. ACT Planning does not assess a DA based on whether the development may increase or decrease property values.

Instead, the assessment focuses on relevant planning matters, such as the suitability of the development for the site, its interaction with surrounding development, environmental impacts, privacy, solar access, traffic, parking and the applicable Territory Plan requirements.

For example, if a proposed dual occupancy is expected to affect the market value of surrounding properties, the change in property value itself is not assessed. However, any underlying planning impacts—such as overlooking, loss of solar access or traffic impacts—may be considered separately where relevant.

Reference: ACT Planning – After you apply ? Making a representation – https://www.planning.act.gov.au/applications-and-assessments/development-applications/after-you-apply

Last reviewed: 9 September 2026 Information current as at: 13 September 2026

Short Answer

No. A possible increase or decrease in property value is not considered when assessing a Development Application in the ACT. ACT Planning specifically states that an impact on land value is not considered in the ACT planning system.

Detailed Explanation

ACT Planning's After you apply guidance expressly identifies land value as a matter that is not considered in the ACT planning system. When explaining how representations should be prepared, it states that a representation is encouraged not to claim that a development “will impact land value”, because this is not a planning consideration.

The DA assessment instead considers the proposal against the relevant statutory requirements and Territory Plan provisions. The current Development Application Assessment Process guidance identifies considerations including:

  1. the suitability of the development in the context of the site and surrounds;
  2. probable impacts, including environmental impacts;
  3. interaction with adjacent development;
  4. relevant representations;
  5. entity advice; and
  6. applicable Territory Plan policies, Assessment Outcomes and other requirements. 

Accordingly, property value or anticipated changes in market value are not themselves matters used to determine whether a DA should be approved or refused. A physical or amenity impact associated with the development may still be relevant, but it is assessed as a planning impact in its own right, rather than through its effect on property value.

Example: If a development is claimed to reduce the value of surrounding homes because of increased overlooking, ACT Planning would not assess the alleged reduction in property values. It may, however, assess the overlooking and privacy impact against the applicable Territory Plan requirements.

Key Point

No minimum block size does not remove the need for planning assessment.

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