top of page


Building a Modular or Prefab Home in NSW? The Rules Just Changed
NSW has introduced major new laws for prefab and modular homes. Find out what the 2026 reforms mean for building approvals, manufacturer responsibilities, site installation and owner-builders before ordering a prefab home.

Stephanie Boyce
Aug 209 min read


Do Owner Builders Need a Title Search? State-by-State Guide
Do you need a property title search to become an owner builder in Australia? Rules vary significantly depending on where you build. Discover strict state requirements, document expiry limits, and how to verify proof of ownership before submitting your application.

Stephanie Boyce
Aug 104 min read


Join the Australian Owner Builder Community
Join Australia's free Owner Builder Community. Connect with owner builders from every state, ask questions, share your project and access free planning tools, calculators and expert resources.

Stephanie Boyce
Jul 283 min read


The Ultimate NSW Owner Builder Checklist for 2026
Planning an owner-builder project in NSW? Use our complete 2026 owner-builder checklist to stay organised with permits, documents, insurance, compliance and every important step before you build.

Stephanie Boyce
Jul 274 min read


NSW Owner-Builder Permit: The Complete 2026 Guide to Approval & Courses
Planning to build, renovate or extend your home in NSW? Learn when you need an owner-builder permit, eligibility requirements, education, documents, and how to apply step-by-step.

Owner Builder Institute
Jul 274 min read


Owner Builder Course Online NSW: What's Actually Involved
Planning a project over $20,000 in New South Wales? You are legally required to finish an approved training course before managing your own build. Discover how the modern owner-builder course online in NSW actually works, what you will learn across the five mandatory units of competency, and how to fast-track your Statement of Attainment to get your Service NSW permit sorted without setting foot in a classroom.

Stephanie Boyce
Jul 20 min read


NSW Owner Builder Permit: When Do You Need One?
Thinking of managing your own build or major renovation in NSW? You generally need an owner-builder permit if the work is valued over $10,000, requires a DA or CDC, and you aren't hiring a licensed builder. If the project exceeds $20,000, you must also complete an approved education course and hold a White Card before applying. Get it right to avoid fines, stop-work orders, or insurance issues down the track.

Stephanie Boyce
Jul 10 min read


Owner Builder under 20k NSW
The "under 20k" rule is one of the most misunderstood parts of NSW owner builder law. Here's what the threshold actually means, when permits apply, and why approvals still matter even on a small budget.

Stephanie Boyce
Jun 180 min read


stephanierboyce
Jun 90 min read
Subscribe to Our Blog
Get the latest owner builder tips and new article alerts delivered straight to your inbox.
bottom of page
.jpg)
