I get asked all the time, how to best go about appplying for an owner builder permit.

The best and easiest answer depends on which state you intend to build in.

Having said that, there does exist, a common theme right across all the states and territories in Australia, that is you need to prove that you are competent and can handle all the task required to take on an owner builder project and or build your own house.

What does that mean?

Again, it depends on the state and terrritory, for example, in Queensland you would need to complete the Nationally accredited short course 39219QLD which is the course approved and accepted by the Queenalnd Building Services Authority as evidence of your competence to undertake an owner builder project.

In New South Wales, at this point no nationally accredited course is required howver there are several courses which are approved by the New South Wales Department of Fair Trading and satisfy the requirements for the issue of an owner builder permit in that state.

Anyone considering building their own home in Victoria, needs to satisfy the Building Commision that they understand the rules and responsibilities that are associated with taking on an owner built construction project. This can be acheived by reading the application kit for the issue of a Certificate of Consent and completing a declaration that states you have the knowledge and ability to undertake such a project. No formal course is required, but the courses that are around now, available on the web or via correspondence make it easy to gain the required knowledge to successfully complete an owner builder project.

The ACT has an approved course and the other states each have a requirement to make a declaration that you understand the obligations and responsibilities of being an owner builder.

Other than either the course or the declaration, in most states you will need to satisfy the governing authority that, you intend to live in the completed dwelling, are the owner or have a legal interest through a company, trust or lease in the property , that you are over 18 years of age and that you have not had an previous owner builder permit in the period specified in the applicable legislation for that state. (Queensland 6 years, Victoria 3.5 years and New South Wales 5 years)

More information on this and many more owner builder topics can be found on the website:

Australian Owner Builder Courses Online

Best Regards,

Rick Heaton

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