“DA approved” describes a starting point for investigation, not a complete statement of what you can build or what it will cost. Read the actual approval, approved plans, conditions and subsequent decisions before using it as the basis of a purchase or development budget.
1. Identify the approval type and scope
A preliminary approval and a development permit are different. A preliminary approval does not authorise development to proceed. A development permit authorises the approved development subject to its terms, but further building, operational-work or other approvals may remain. Establish which land, uses, works and stages the decision covers, and identify any variation approval affecting the planning framework.
2. Confirm currency and changes
Obtain the original decision notice, approved plans, negotiated decisions, change approvals, extensions and relevant court decisions. Check the applicable currency provisions and evidence of any claimed commencement or implementation. Do not assume that some activity on site proves the entire approval remains usable. An extension request needs to be considered before the approval lapses; seek specific advice promptly where timing is uncertain.
3. Read the remaining obligations
| Document or issue | What to establish |
|---|---|
| Conditions and referenced reports | Required works, operating limits, technical details and the point at which each obligation must be satisfied. |
| Infrastructure charges notice | The current amount, payment triggers, relevant credits or offsets and any outstanding obligation. |
| Access, drainage and services | Works within and outside the property, third-party agreements and connection requirements. |
| Staging and further permits | What can proceed separately and which subsequent approvals are needed. |
| Plan sealing or completion | The conditions, evidence and legal steps required to reach the intended end product. |
4. Does the approval match your proposed project?
Compare the approved layout, use and yield with your design and intended operation. Changes may need a generally-in-accordance process where available, a minor change, another change application or a fresh application. The label “minor” should follow an assessment of the actual changes, not simply the applicant’s preferred description.
5. Price delivery before pricing the site
Illustrative example: an approved subdivision is marketed as ready to proceed, but conditions require drainage works, a service upgrade and payment of infrastructure charges before plan sealing. The permit provides a defined opportunity, yet significant costs and dependencies remain. Ask the engineer and other relevant advisers to price the outstanding work and compare that result with the purchase assumptions.
A planning review should sit alongside title and contract advice, building investigations, engineering due diligence and independent cost and value estimates. Council planning and development certificates or other searches may provide further information, depending on the search level. Agree with your solicitor which searches and contract protections are appropriate.
Ask for decision notices, approved plans and reports, all changes and extensions, conditions-compliance records, infrastructure charges information and evidence supporting claimed implementation. Planco can review the planning position and identify the outstanding matters requiring technical or legal advice.
Related planning advice
General Queensland planning guidance. Updated 29 October 2026. Requirements depend on the applicable municipal or council planning controls, approval history and property. Confirm the current position before committing to work or a purchase.