Planning permits enable owners to use properties in different ways. Ask anyone who has navigated an application through a local Council Planning Department though - it can be a difficult and time consuming process. Ultimately, a good planning permit can significantly increase the value of a property - that’s why they are important to property investors and developers.
If you want to build a single house on a block or renovate an existing house, a planning permit is not typically required. But, if you aim to build multiple dwellings on a block (e.g. undertake a property development) then you will absolutely need one. A few other common reasons to apply for planning permits in Melbourne include:
Council Planning Schemes spell out planning considerations that apply to different neighbourhoods and zones: front, side and rear setbacks, site coverage, private open space sizes/dimensions, maximum build heights, etc. But, it’s only once you submit a full design, with all the competing considerations spelled out, that Councils provide serious feedback about what you’re trying to achieve. The town planning application process takes nearly 12 months, from initial application to RFI response, advertising, notice of decision, and endorsement.
There are a lot of moving parts to Melbourne planning permit applications. Input is needed from a wide variety of planning permit consultants: Surveyor, Arborist, Architect, Drainage Engineer, Traffic Engineer, Town Planner and several others. It’s important to appoint experienced professionals who can provide you with the best possible advice and support. Incomplete or ill-thought applications are simply not entertained by Councils.
Once your application is submitted, it may be subject to public notice, allowing neighbors and interested parties to raise objections. If objections are received, the council will consider them when making their decision. In some cases, if your application is refused or you disagree with the conditions imposed, you may have the right to appeal the decision at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). The VCAT process adds many months to the planning permit application process and should be avoided if possible.
The planning permit process in Melbourne can be complex, time-consuming and uncertain. This is where engaging a qualified and experienced planning permit consultant can make all the difference. Property Analytics have in-depth knowledge of Melbourne’s planning schemes, council requirements, and the intricacies of the application process. We can help identify potential challenges and risks, and help you maximise your chance of success in as quick a time as possible.
Property Analytics are planning permit consultants who handle the entire application process on your behalf, from initial feasibility studies and pre-application advice to the preparation and submission of your application. Once submitted, Councils reply with an RFI (Request for Further Information). This is when important decisions need to be made – what design changes should you make, where can compromise be found, and what issues are you willing to fight for. Property Analytics are planning permit experts who are experienced at dealing with Council Planning and can move things along efficiently.
Every planning permit consultant has his/her specific role. An Arborist is solely concerned about the retention value of trees and protection measures needed. An Architect seeks the best possible design outcome in terms of livability and aesthetics. A Town Planner ensures that development concepts conform to Council considerations. Who is focussed on the commercial viability of the planning permit application? How do costs relate to completed values and profitability? Property Analytics takes on this responsibility – we ensure that all planning application decisions align to your development objectives and budgets.
Every single planning application is different, and there’s something to learn from each one – even for a planning permit expert. When you’re faced with 100+ decisions, it’s so important that you surround yourself with experienced professionals. Choose your planning permit consultant based on their practical knowledge demonstrated through the depth and breadth of projects they’ve completed.
Property Analytics has successfully managed over 50 town planning permit applications in the last few years alone. We have director-level relationships with all planning consultants, and a proven trackrecord of successfully managing applications from start to finish. Every decision we make is considered through a commercial lens (will this lead to better profits are not?). Too often, we analyse properties with permits that add no value. Don’t make the mistake of securing a permit with subpar plans.
Side-by-side street-facing townhouses in the right area can deliver strong profits. They appeal to home buyers.
So much due diligence is needed prior to purchase to ensure concept viability and profitability. It can be complicated.
From simple dual occupancies through to full land subdivisions, there are a lot more moving parts than many think.
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Someone who’s full time job involves studying real estate and uncovering important property market insights. We seek to understand the Melbourne property market conditions and trends, and future property market forecasts.
Our focus is predominately on the 400+ suburbs that make up the Melbourne property market. As Buyers Agents in Melbourne, we don’t purchase in regional areas or interstate.
Our primary focus of research is residential real estate, particularly the housing market in Melbourne. We only purchase houses, land and townhouses as Buyers Agents and Property Developer Advisors in Melbourne.
We provide graphs, maps and stats that explain the Melbourne property market to sellers, buyers and landlords – where are prices trending, how are auctions tracking, where are buyers coming from…
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