What is Developer/Covenant Approval?

Developer Approval is formal confirmation from your land developer that your building plans meet the estate’s design guidelines. It’s usually required before construction begins to maintain consistency and quality across the estate.


 Covenant Approval is written consent to build in a way that complies with or varies conditions registered on your land title — such as restrictions on materials, roof forms, or fencing.

Why is this needed?

This approval ensures your plans are legally compliant and in line with estate or title conditions before any works start. Without it, your building application may be rejected, or you could face future legal or resale complications.

How it works

For Developer Approval:

1. Identify your who your Land Developer. You can do this by:

  • Checking your Contract of Sale or Disclosure Statement. This will usually name the developer as the seller or as a party to the development agreement.
  • Contact your Conveyancer or Solicitor. They can:
  • Review your land title documents
  • Confirm who the registered developer or original landowner was at time of purchase
  • Ask your local council:
  • They often have records of the development application and can tell you:
  • Who submitted the application
  • The developer associated with your estate or release

2. Visit your Land Developer’s website

3. Search for or navigate to the design guidelines section

4. Download the guidelines and review the approval submission process

5. Submit your plans using one of two common methods:

  • Online submission via a portal or ‘submit’ button
  • Email submission to the address listed in the guidelines

6. Wait for a response — developer approvals can take 1–3 weeks

7. If approved, move forward. If not, the developer will return your application with comments or changes to address.

For Covenant Approval:

1. Search your property title or land contract to identify any registered covenants

2. Use your state’s title search service to access the relevant title:

3. Download your title and review any covenants listed

4. Follow the instructions in the document or consult your conveyancer if an approval process is required

Once Received

Once you’ve received formal Developer or Covenant Approval, upload it to your Document Library and then click the orange “Mark Complete” button to move to the next step in your construction workflow.