What Happens After You Get Planning Approval? (And Why This Stage Determines Your Profit)

Adam Bahrami
21 hours ago
6 min read

Getting planning approval is a major milestone in any development.

But it is not the finish line, it is the point where your project moves from concept into execution.

What happens after you get planning approval? It's often overlooked, yet it is one of the most critical stages in the entire development process. Mistakes made here can lead to delays, cost blowouts, and unnecessary complications during construction.

Understanding this phase, and managing it properly, is what separates a well-executed project from one that underperforms.

Why Understanding the Development Stages Matters

Property development is not a single step. It is a structured process made up of multiple stages, each carrying its own risks and decisions.

After approval, your project moves through:

Design and documentation
Cost validation and procurement
Construction and contract management
Completion and exit strategy

Each stage builds on the previous one.

If something is missed early — whether it is incomplete documentation, unrealistic costs, or poor coordination — it will compound as the project progresses.

That is why experienced developers treat planning approval as the beginning of disciplined execution, not the end goal.

Stage 1: Review Your Development Consent Conditions

Once approval is granted, you will receive a Development Consent with conditions attached.

These conditions must be satisfied before construction can begin and may include:

Additional reports or documentation
Design amendments
Infrastructure contributions or fees
Compliance with specific planning controls

Failing to properly review and address these conditions is one of the most common causes of delays.

At this stage, clarity is critical. Every condition should be understood, documented, and programmed into your project timeline.

Stage 2: Revisit Your Due Diligence and Feasibility

Before progressing, this is the time to revisit your feasibility.

Your initial feasibility was based on assumptions. Now, with approval in place, you have more certainty — and your numbers should reflect that.

You should be reviewing:

Updated construction costs
Current market conditions
Timeframes and holding costs
Any design or compliance changes

Many projects lose margin here by continuing with outdated assumptions.

A feasibility is not a one-off exercise. It should be treated as a live document and updated at each stage to ensure the project remains viable.

Stage 3: Detailed Design and Documentation

Planning drawings are not construction-ready.

You now need a complete set of working drawings, including:

Architectural documentation
Structural engineering
Detailed specifications and finishes

This stage defines exactly what is being built.

The more detailed and coordinated your documentation is, the more accurate your pricing will be and the fewer issues you will encounter during construction

Stage 4: Quantity Surveyor Report Before Tendering

Before engaging builders, it is critical to understand what your project should cost.

A Quantity Surveyor (QS) provides:

A detailed cost breakdown
A benchmark for construction pricing
Clarity around budget and risk

Without a QS, you are relying entirely on builder quotes — which can vary significantly.

A QS report allows you to:

Identify unrealistic pricing
Compare tenders accurately
Protect yourself from underpriced contracts that lead to variations later

This step alone can save significant cost during construction.

Stage 5: Procurement – Builder Selection and Contracts

Procurement is one of the most important stages in the development process.

This is where you:

Issue documentation to builders
Compare tenders
Review scope, pricing, and contracts

Poor procurement is one of the leading causes of cost blowouts.

Unclear scope or rushed decisions often result in:

Missing inclusions
Variations during construction
Budget overruns

A structured procurement process ensures your contract is aligned before construction begins.

Stage 6: Pre-Construction Requirements

Before construction can commence, all pre-construction requirements must be satisfied.

This typically includes:

Obtaining the relevant building or construction certification
Appointing a certifier
Confirming all approval conditions have been met
Lodging notice of commencement

Skipping or delaying any of these steps can prevent construction from starting or cause compliance issues later.

Stage 7: Construction – Managing Time, Cost and Quality

With approvals in place and a builder engaged, construction can begin.

A typical construction process includes:

Site preparation
Slab and framing
Lock-up stage
Fixing stage (internal works)
Practical completion
Final handover and certification

At this stage, your role becomes one of management and oversight.

You will need to:

Operate under a fixed-price contract with clear inclusions
Make progress payments at agreed stages
Conduct inspections throughout the build
Manage trades, delays, and variations

Every project is governed by the Project Management Triangle:

Time
Cost
Quality

Balancing these three elements is critical to maintaining control of your outcome.

The Role of a Superintendent in Protecting Your Project

One of the most effective ways to manage construction risk is through independent oversight.

A Superintendent acts as the contract administrator and ensures:

Progress payments reflect actual work completed
Variations are properly assessed and approved
Delays are evaluated fairly
The builder complies with the contract

In today’s environment of rising costs and tighter margins, construction risks are increasing

Without structured oversight, developers risk:

Overpayment
Cost blowouts
Disputes and delays
Quality issues at completion

A Superintendent introduces discipline, accountability, and structure into the construction phase — helping ensure your project is delivered as intended.

Stage 8: Practical Completion and Handover

As construction nears completion, focus shifts to final delivery.

This includes:

Identifying and rectifying defects
Final inspections
Certification of completion

The final stages are often where projects lose time and money due to unresolved issues.

Managing this stage properly ensures a smooth transition to completion.

Stage 9: Exit Strategy – Sell, Rent or Refinance

Once your development is complete, your exit strategy comes into play.

Your options may include:

Selling for capital gain
Holding and renting for income
Refinancing to release equity

You will also need to:

Finalise subdivision or strata registration
Lodge compliance certificates
Engage a sales agent or property manager
Review tax and GST obligations

Your exit strategy should align with your feasibility from the beginning — not be decided at the end.

Why This Stage Determines Your Outcome

Most projects do not fail at approval.

They fail in execution.

The period between approval and completion is where:

Costs are locked in
Risks materialise
Margins are either protected or lost

Developers who understand and manage this stage properly are the ones who consistently achieve strong outcomes.

How OwnerDeveloper Can Help

At OwnerDeveloper, we guide developers through every stage after planning approval to ensure projects are delivered correctly.

We assist with:

Reviewing approval conditions and feasibility
Coordinating design and documentation
Engaging Quantity Surveyors and managing tendering
Providing Superintendent and construction oversight
Managing risk through to completion and exit

Our focus is not just on getting your project approved—

It is on ensuring it is delivered successfully, profitably, and with control.

Final Thoughts

Planning approval is only one step in the development journey.

What happens next determines whether your project is delivered on time, on budget, and aligned with your expectations.

By understanding the stages, maintaining control of your feasibility, and applying the right level of oversight, you significantly improve your chances of success.

Because in property development—

Approval starts the project. Execution defines the result.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens after you get planning approval?

After planning approval, a development moves into execution. This includes reviewing consent conditions, updating feasibility, preparing detailed construction drawings, obtaining building approvals, tendering to builders, and commencing construction. The project then progresses through construction, completion, and ultimately an exit strategy such as selling or renting.

Do I need to update my feasibility after planning approval?

Yes. Your feasibility should be updated after planning approval to reflect more accurate costs, timeframes, and any changes required by consent conditions. Treating feasibility as a live document is critical to maintaining control of your project’s profitability.

Why is a Quantity Surveyor important before tendering?

A Quantity Surveyor (QS) provides an independent cost estimate for your project before you go to builders. This allows you to benchmark builder quotes, identify unrealistic pricing, and avoid underpriced contracts that can lead to costly variations during construction.

What is the biggest risk after planning approval?

The biggest risk is poor execution. This includes incomplete documentation, weak procurement, underestimating costs, and lack of oversight during construction. These issues can lead to budget blowouts, delays, and reduced profitability.

What is a Superintendent and do I need one?

A Superintendent is an independent professional who administers the building contract during construction. They assess progress claims, manage variations, review delays, and ensure the builder complies with the contract. Having a Superintendent helps protect your project from overpayment, disputes, and quality issues.

Can I start construction immediately after approval?

No. Before construction begins, you must satisfy all consent conditions, obtain the relevant building or construction approvals, appoint a certifier, and lodge a notice of commencement where required.

What happens during the construction stage?

Construction typically progresses through stages such as site preparation, slab, framing, lock-up, fixing, and completion. During this time, you will make progress payments, manage trades, conduct inspections, and oversee time, cost, and quality.

What is the best exit strategy after development?

The best exit strategy depends on your goals and feasibility. Common options include selling for profit, holding and renting for income, or refinancing to release equity. This strategy should be considered early in the project, not just at completion.