GF in Sydney - seeking pre-property-purchase written assurance

I am planning to buy a property in Sydney with the intention of building a GF.

I understand the basic requirements myself (min 450m2, 900mm and 3m distance from fence etc), however how can I get any sort of legally binding assurance/written guarantee that a GF will be allowed and approved by Council on the property I am considering to buy, before I buy it?

I recently visited one of the major builders in Western Sydney (a one-stop-shop) and they said that they couldn't provide any such guarantees (whilst they're happy to do all preliminary checks on the property to assess its suitability for a GF).

Is there anybody that offers such a service?

Any advice appreciated, thanks.

 

I believe you also need a minimum frontage of 12m.

You can read the AHSEPP 2009

Not sure anyone can give you a binding guarantee, but if you engage a GF builder (usually involves a few thousand for initial plans etc, than the design they produce should comply with their certifier under a CDC (complying development) and council wont really have a say in the matter.

AHSEPP was designed to address affordable housing and supersedes council restriction.

 

.....that'd be the rear fence and personally I'd make it 4m and use that space to satisfy the open space requirements at the same time.

Yeah, no-one will guarantee you anything pre-purchase, or post-purchase for that matter. All you can do is either know the AHSEPP inside out out go to any of the granny flat builders who can give you a tick list that says it is either going to work or what will work but cost you more ie. side access past the front house to get construction machinery in (or cost to crane over initially and then crane back out). Or land that slopes to the road (ideal) for storm-water to run to the street Or if land slopes to rear then cost to build an absorption pit or cost to tap into a neighbour's storm-water easement....etc.

Also check the position of sewer (so you don't have to dig up and encase in concrete to build over). The 149 certificate will also note if affected by bush-fire (BAL levels) or flood. Theses normally won't be available as a CDC but may get across the line via a DA process (not ideal with no guaranteed outcome).

 

Get in contact with a town planner who will at least be able to provide advice on the purchase with regards to CDC or DA approval. CDC is always preferred option as can be 2 week turnaround from approval to commencement of construction without requirement for neighbour notification.

 

Put an option on the contract of sale subject to the vendor achieving a DA/CC for a granny flat.

If they can't achieve that, the contract will fall over.