How to apply for an owner builder permit
1. One of the applicants named on the Title must complete an Owner Builder Course or be granted an exemption from completing the course prior to lodging the application -
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2. Complete an
Owner Builder Permit Application
form.
3. Lodge the application form along with proof of ownership of the property (original or certified copy of a Current Title Search or Registration Confirmation Statement) from the Titles Office or one of their recommended Title Search Distributors, along with proof of identity and the required fee (all information is contained in the application form)
Are you leasing?
If you wish to apply for an owner builder permit and you are a lessee of the property, you will need to seek legal advice regarding your rights and obligations. You will need to provide the information noted above, excluding the proof of ownership, AND:
Proof of the lessor's ownership of the property (e.g. Title);
A copy of the lease agreement; and
A letter from the owner/lessor giving you permission to perform the work under an owner builder permit on the property. A description of the intended building work must be included.
The application for the owner builder permit must be made by the lessee but must also include the owner's details in the application. The lessee will become the permit holder and is required to sign the application form. The lessee will not be eligible to hold a subsequent permit for 6 years from the date of issue of a previous permit.
Can a company apply for an owner builder permit?
Yes - Where a company is making application for a permit the following applies:
The application should be made by the company and MUST contain all directors' names and signatures
One of the directors must complete the Owner Builder Course or be granted an exemption from having to undertake the course
Proof of the company's directors must be provided in the form of an Australian Securities and Investment Commission Current Company Extract or an Historical Company Extract.
Description of work and value
It is important that you provide a detailed description of the works to be undertaken and an accurate estimated value of the cost of construction. The value of building work must be determined by calculating the cost of all materials and the cost a licensed contractor would charge you for the work as if they were performing the work (including GST), regardless of whether the contractor is performing the work or not. This means you cannot reduce the price if you obtain discounted or recycled materials or free labour.
How long does an application take to process?
BSA aim to process an application within one month of receipt if all required information is provided and there are no requests for exemptions. Exemption or exceptional circumstance requests or missing documentation will delay the process. Once the application is processed the permit will be sent to your notified postal address.
Notification on Title
If you are issued an owner builder permit, a notification is entered onto the land title for a minimum of seven years. This notification indicates that an owner builder permit has been granted in relation to domestic building work carried out on the property. The purpose of the notification is to ensure that any future purchasers are made aware that the work was performed under a permit. It may be removed by the Registrar of Titles after seven years from the date of entry has elapsed. This is detailed more fully in your permit, in some instances it can affect the sale of your property. Contact the Department of Environment and Resource Management to obtain a copy of your Title.
Note - you are only entitled to one permit every six years!
Are there any exemptions from this six year rule?
In exceptional circumstances, BSA may be able to grant a second permit within a six year timeframe. Exceptional circumstances could be if either you, or a person you are living with, is suffering from a serious medical condition or severe financial hardship and the work to be carried out would help.
If you are applying for another building permit within six years of obtaining the first permit you are required to apply for exemption from the six-year ruling. You will need to complete and lodge an Application for Exemption from the Six-year Ruling form.
