What planning costs should I expect when developing a dual occupancy?
Planning costs for a dual occupancy will vary depending on the proposal. You should expect to pay the applicable Development Application (DA) and other statutory planning fees.
There may also be separate costs for preparing the application, such as architectural/design plans, surveying, engineering and other specialist reports. If your Crown lease needs to be varied, a Lease Variation Charge (LVC) may also apply.
If you later choose to unit title the dwellings, additional application, survey and registration costs may apply.
Reference: Planning (Fees) Determination 2026 – https://www.legislation.act.gov.au/View/di/2026-168/current/html/2026-168.html
Short Answer
Planning costs can include DA and other statutory application fees, plus separate costs for plans, surveys and specialist reports. Lease Variation Charges and unit-titling costs may also apply, depending on the development.
Detailed Explanation
Statutory planning fees associated with a dual occupancy are determined under section 522 of the Planning Act 2023 and prescribed by the Planning (Fees) Determination 2026. The applicable fee depends on the type of application or planning service specified in the Schedule.
Additional statutory charges may arise where the proposal requires a Crown lease variation, and separate fees and professional costs may arise if unit-title subdivision is subsequently pursued.
Professional costs for design, surveying, engineering and specialist reports are not fixed by the Planning (Fees) Determination and will depend on the project and service provider.
No minimum block size does not remove the need for planning assessment.
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