What is a Owner Builder Permit?

The Owner Builder Permit is formal approval from NSW Fair Trading that allows you to legally act as the builder on your own residential project. If your work is valued over $10,000 (or $20,000 if insurance is involved), this permit is mandatory before you can begin.

Why is this Needed?

In NSW, it's a legal requirement if you're acting as the builder for your own project. The permit confirms you understand your responsibilities around site safety, construction regulations, insurance, and quality control.

How it Works

1. Go to the NSW Fair Trading website: fairtrading.nsw.gov.au

2. Navigate to “Owner-Builder” under the Building or Renovating section, or go directly to the Owner Builder page

3. Check your eligibility:

  • You must be over 18
  • You must own or be about to own the land
  • You must not have held a permit for the same site within the past 5 years

4. Complete an Owner Builder Course through an RTO (required for work over $10,000)

  • Must include CPCCWHS1001 – Work Safely in the Construction Industry
  • Upload your Statement of Attainment (PDF) when applying

5. Create a MyServiceNSW account (if you don’t have one): service.nsw.gov.au

6. Start your application:

  • Log in via MyServiceNSW
  • Fill in your project and property details
  • Upload your course certificate, ID, and any planning documents if required

7. Pay the application fee (approx. $183 as of 2024)

8. Wait for approval — permits are typically issued within 1–5 business days

9. You’ll receive your Owner Builder Permit (PDF) by email

Once Received

Once you've received your Owner Builder Permit, upload it to the Document Library and then click the orange “Mark Complete” button to move to the next step in your construction workflow.