Can I Renovate Under Complying Development in NSW? A Complete Guide for Homeowners & Developers (2025)
- Lina Zheng
- Nov 10
- 4 min read
If you’re planning to renovate your home or investment property in NSW, you may not need a full Development Application (DA). Instead, you might qualify for a faster, cheaper approval pathway known as Complying Development — especially for common renovation works like internal layout changes, attic conversions, or small extensions.
In this guide, we’ll break down what counts as complying development under NSW planning law, the key rules to watch for, and how to stay compliant while unlocking your property’s hidden potential.
🔍 What Is Complying Development?
Complying development is a streamlined, fast-track approval process under the NSW planning system. It allows homeowners and developers to get building works approved within as little as 20 days — often without needing full council approval — as long as the project meets all State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) standards.
This pathway applies to low-risk works like:
Internal alterations (e.g. removing a wall, updating a kitchen)
External changes (e.g. new windows, awnings)
Attic room conversions
Small-scale additions
Granny flats
Minor demolitions
⚠️ However, not all properties or renovations are eligible — and breaching the rules can result in stop-work orders or fines. Let’s explore what’s allowed and what’s not.
🏠 Internal Alterations Allowed Under Complying Development
Many non-structural interior renovations qualify as complying development, including:
✅ Adding or relocating internal walls
✅ Creating new doorways
✅ Modernising a bathroom or kitchen
✅ Converting unused space into a home office or media room
However, your renovation must NOT:
Change the building classification (e.g. from residential to boarding house)
Add a new self-contained dwelling or dual occupancy
Create a new floor level within the home
Convert a basement into a habitable space
If your works stay within the existing building envelope and don’t alter the building’s classification or footprint — you may be eligible for a fast-track CDC (Complying Development Certificate) approval.
🪟 External Alterations & What You Can Do
Certain external changes to homes are also permitted under complying development, including:
Installing new windows, doors, or skylights
Adding awnings or pergolas
Replacing cladding or roofing
Minor extensions that meet height, setback, and floor area rules
⚠️ But if your property is in a heritage conservation area, your options are more limited. You generally cannot:
Alter any wall that faces a primary road
Increase the dwelling’s height
Undertake works visible from the street
Always check the specific development standards in the Housing SEPP (State Environmental Planning Policy) before proceeding.
🛏️ Can I Convert My Attic Under Complying Development?
Yes — but with conditions.
Attic conversions are allowed as complying development if:
The attic room is within the existing roof space
The roof pitch remains unchanged
No dormers, balconies, or new floor levels are added
This makes attic conversions an appealing option for adding bedrooms, storage, or study space — provided your home’s structure and design allow for it.
🧾 Council Not Needed? You Still Need a Certificate
Even if your project meets complying development standards, you still need a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) issued by a private certifier or council before starting work.
This ensures:
Your design complies with NSW Building Code and SEPP rules
Neighbour notification (where required) has occurred
Critical documentation (e.g. plans, engineering, stormwater design) is approved
The benefit? No need to lodge a full DA and wait months. A CDC can often be approved in under 3 weeks.
🧮 Tax, GST, and Renovation Business Considerations
If you’re renovating as part of a property development business or profit-making venture, your obligations may include:
GST registration (if turnover >$75,000 and operating as an enterprise)
Applying the margin scheme when selling new premises
Correctly distinguishing between personal use and development activity
Reporting payments to subcontractors under the Taxable Payments Reporting System (TPRS)
If you substantially renovate a property and sell it within five years, GST may apply. However, if the property is rented for 5+ years before sale, GST may not be payable. A full tax strategy should be discussed with a qualified property accountant.
🧱 Renovating for Value: Smart Strategies for 2025
Whether you’re developing, flipping, or updating your family home, OwnerDeveloper recommends:
Prioritising kitchen and bathroom upgrades
Converting underutilised spaces like attics or garages
Enhancing curb appeal with external paint, fencing, and landscaping
Adding a granny flat or studio under CDC rules
Investing in energy-efficient upgrades (solar, double glazing, etc.)
Just be careful not to over-capitalise — a feasibility study or cost-benefit analysis is essential, especially if you’re considering major upgrades or subdivision.
🧾 Need DA or CDC? We’ll Help You Decide
OwnerDeveloper works with homeowners, investors, and builders to identify the best approval pathway for your renovation or development — whether that’s through a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) or a full Development Application (DA).
We also support with:
Feasibility studies and cost estimation
Site selection and subdivision strategies
Builder due diligence and tender comparison
GST & tax structure advice (via our partner network)
📌 Final Thoughts
Not all home renovations require lengthy council approval. Thanks to NSW’s Complying Development pathway, many upgrades — from internal layout changes to attic conversions — can be approved quickly if they meet clear planning rules.
Whether you’re upgrading your home or developing for profit, OwnerDeveloper can help you assess your site, avoid compliance risks, and maximise your property’s potential.
🛠️ Ready to renovate?
