Building Permit Cost Calculator
Estimate the cost of a building permit (building approval) in Australia. Choose the project type and rough value. Fees vary by state, council and certifier.
Your building permit details
Your estimate sits within the typical range.
Permit fees are only part of approval cost, you often also need drawings, engineering, energy (BASIX/NatHERS) and soil reports before the permit can be issued.
Where the money goes
Estimated breakdown for your configuration
💰 Ways to save
- Check whether your small structure is exempt or qualifies as complying development, some decks and sheds do not need a full permit.
- A private certifier is often faster than council, compare turnaround, not just fee.
How we estimate this
A building permit in Australia typically costs $500 to $12,000 in 2026 depending on the project type and construction value. A deck or carport is at the low end; a new dwelling or commercial project reaches the top.
Pricing reviewed: October 2026.
Pricing reviewed October 2026. Indicative Australian costs, not a quote.
Understanding building permit costs in Australia
A building permit in Australia typically costs $500 to $12,000 in 2026 depending on the project type and construction value. A deck or carport is at the low end; a new dwelling or commercial project reaches the top.
The permit is separate from planning (DA) approval. You usually also need drawings, engineering and energy and soil reports before a permit issues, so the permit fee is only one part of the approval cost.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a building permit cost in Australia?
Typically $500 to $12,000 in 2026 depending on project type and value. A small structure is cheapest; a new dwelling or commercial build costs the most.
Is a building permit the same as planning approval?
No. Planning (a development application) approves what you can build; a building permit approves how it is built. Many projects need both, which adds cost and time.
Are you a surveyor / property-dev consultant?
Everyone on this page is working out what building permit costs because they are ready to hire. Put your business right beneath the calculator, in your state, so you are who they find. From $50/mo.