Insights on Building Design, Planning & Architecture in Canberra and NSW

Practical knowledge and considered perspectives on residential design, development planning, and building documentation across the ACT and NSW.

Written by our team of Masters-qualified building designers

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Discover the Taste of Architecture | Custom Home Design Canberra

Some buildings are seen; the best ones are discovered. Shiraz introduces Discover the Taste of Architecture — a four-part design philosophy for homes that reward attention over time.

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Canberra Granny Flat Rules: Secondary Residences Explained

Understand Canberra’s granny-flat rules, including minimum size, parking, setbacks, solar access, Crown lease variation, DA and BA requirements, and why a secondary residence cannot be separately titled.

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Canberra Boundary Setbacks: How Close Can You Build to a Property Boundary?

Canberra boundary setbacks vary by zone, block type, building height and location. Learn how front, side and rear setbacks, solar access, balconies and corner-block controls can affect where and how close you can build.

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Canberra Development Feasibility: From Zoning to Realistic Yield

Canberra zoning shows planning potential, not guaranteed profit. Learn how architectural test-fits, buildable and saleable area, costs, titles and market values determine realistic development yield.

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Before Buying a Development Site in Canberra: 12 Checks

Before buying a Canberra development site, complete these 12 checks covering zoning, district policy, the Crown lease, frontage, slope, trees, easements, services, access, parking, titles and feasibility.

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How Many Townhouses Can I Build on My Canberra Block?

How many townhouses can your Canberra block support? Learn how zoning, the Crown lease, frontage, parking, trees, slope, services and title strategy turn theoretical capacity into a realistic development yield.

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Subdivision vs Unit Titling in Canberra: Complete Guide

Block subdivision and unit titling both allow Canberra properties to be sold separately, but they create very different ownership structures. This guide compares separate Crown leases, unit titles, common property, shared services, owners corporations and

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Crown Lease Variation Canberra: Process, Cost and LVC

A Canberra property’s zoning does not automatically determine what can be developed. This guide explains when a Crown lease variation is required, how the ACT approval process works, how Lease Variation Charge is calculated and which RZ1 and RZ2 projects

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DA vs BA in Canberra: What Approval Does Your Project Need?

DA and BA are separate approvals in Canberra. A development approval assesses whether a proposal is acceptable under the Territory Plan, while a building approval assesses construction safety and National Construction Code compliance. This guide explains

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Change of Use in Canberra: DA, BA and Crown Lease Guide

Changing an office, warehouse, shop or residence to a new use can trigger several approval requirements in Canberra. This guide explains when you may need a development application, Crown lease variation, building approval and a new certificate of occupan

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Canberra Zoning and Development Guide

A practical starting point for understanding Canberra zoning and development. Explore residential and commercial zones, Crown leases, subdivision, planning controls and realistic site potential.