Building Guides
Building permits for a new home in Melbourne and Victoria
Who issues them, what goes in, and the planning permits that sometimes come first.
A new home in Victoria needs a building permit before work starts, issued by a registered building surveyor, either private or from the council. Some blocks need a planning permit from the council first. Here is how Oakview Homes’ clients get there.
Who issues a building permit?
A registered building surveyor. They check the plans against the building regulations, issue the permit, inspect the work at set stages and, at the end, issue the occupancy permit or certificate of final inspection.
What goes in with the application?
- The working drawings and the site plan.
- The engineering, including the slab design from the soil test.
- The energy rating report.
- The title, and the estate’s design approval on an estate lot.
When do you need a planning permit as well?
When the council’s planning scheme says so: for example two or more homes on one lot, or an overlay such as heritage or vegetation on your property. Check your property report on VicPlan, or send us the address. Townhouses and side-by-sides almost always need one.
What about knocking down the old house?
Demolition needs its own building permit, and demolishing more than half of a house or a street-facing facade also needs the council’s report and consent. See knockdown rebuild costs and permits.
Which inspections happen during the build?
The building surveyor inspects at set stages, such as before the footings and slab are poured and at frame, with a final inspection at the end. See the five building stages.
Got a question about building with us?
Read the answers to common questions here.