One of the most common questions homeowners ask is: "Can my swimming pool be approved as a Complying Development Certificate (CDC)?" A CDC is often the preferred approval pathway because it is generally faster and more streamlined than lodging a Development Application (DA). However, not every property is eligible. Many homeowners only discover their swimming pool requires a DA after engaging a certifier or consultant, often because of site constraints they didn't know existe

Request for Information (RFI). For many homeowners, it's an anxious moment. "Has my Development Application been rejected?" "Did I do something wrong?" "Will I have to start all over again?" Fortunately, the answer is usually no. Receiving a Request for Information is a common part of the Development Application process and, in many cases, simply means Council requires additional information before it can continue assessing your proposal.

The 2026 Australian Federal Budget has introduced some of the most significant housing tax reforms in decades, with changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax aimed at improving housing affordability and encouraging new housing supply. While much of the media attention has focused on investors, the reforms also create an interesting environment for owner-occupiers considering renovations, extensions and landscape improvements. Although owner-occupiers are largely unaff