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(02) 9629 3495
Are you submitting a DA or CC?
Need a Cost Summary Report? Many NSW councils require an independently prepared cost estimate once development costs exceed certain thresholds. CPP Quantity Surveyors prepares council-compliant reports for residential, commercial and industrial projects throughout Sydney and Regional NSW.
What is Cost Summary Report?
Council Cost Summary Reports are independent assessments of the estimated market cost to complete proposed development works and are commonly required to support Development Applications (DA), Construction Certificates (CC), Complying Development Certificates (CDC) and Section 4.55 modification applications in New South Wales. Also commonly referred to as DA Estimates, Development Application Cost Estimates, DA Cost Reports, QS Reports for DA or Quantity Surveyor Reports for Council, these reports assist councils in determining applicable fees, contribution thresholds and documentation requirements.
Many NSW councils require a completed Cost Summary Report where development costs exceed prescribed thresholds or where an independent assessment of development costs is required. Cost estimates are generally prepared in accordance with the relevant requirements of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021, including Section 25J, together with any applicable council policies and guidance notes.
When is a Cost Summary Report required?
A Council Cost Summary Report may be required for a wide range of projects including new dwellings, dual occupancies, alterations and additions, subdivisions, childcare centres, commercial buildings, industrial developments and mixed-use projects. These reports are commonly used to support Development Applications (DA) and are often referred to as DA Estimates, DA Cost Reports or Development Application Cost Estimates.
Requirements can vary between councils, with some accepting a completed Cost Summary Report and others requiring a signed Estimated Development Cost (EDC) Report or independent Quantity Surveyor assessment once development costs exceed prescribed thresholds.
As an independent Quantity Surveyor, CPP Quantity Surveyors prepares Council Cost Summary Reports, DA Estimates and EDC Reports throughout Sydney and Regional NSW using realistic market construction rates. Our reports help homeowners, architects, developers and town planners satisfy council requirements and minimise delays during the DA approval process.
Who Requires Cost Summary Reports?
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Homeowners
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Building Owners or their agents
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Architects
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Building Designers
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Town Planners
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Builders
What Is Included the Cost Summary Report?
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It is prepared in accordance with Clause 208 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021 and the relevant council Section 7.11 and Section 7.12 Contributions Plan requirements.
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Elemental cost summary prepared accordance with the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors guidelines
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Outline of methodology and documents used
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Populated forms (if applicable and required by your Council)
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Our AIQS Quantity Surveyor Credentials
What are S7.11 & 7.12 Contributions
Section 7.11 and Section 7.12 contributions are development contributions levied by NSW councils to help fund the infrastructure and community facilities needed to support new development. These contributions are authorised under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and may be payable as a condition of development consent.
Section 7.11 Contributions are generally applied where a development creates an increased demand for local infrastructure such as roads, parks, drainage systems, community facilities and open space. The contribution amount is typically based on the anticipated impact of the development and is calculated in accordance with the relevant council's contributions plan.
Section 7.12 Contributions are calculated as a percentage of the project's Estimated Development Cost (EDC) and are commonly applied to developments that meet the thresholds specified in the relevant council contributions plan.
Because the contribution is linked directly to the cost summary report or EDC, an accurate and independently prepared Council Cost Summary Report or Estimated Development Cost Report is important to ensure the contribution is assessed correctly.
The amount payable can vary significantly between councils and project types. For this reason, many developers, architects and property owners engage an independent Quantity Surveyor to prepare a reliable DA Cost Report, EDC Report or Council Cost Summary Report to support their Development Application and assist councils in determining the appropriate contribution amount
FAQ
1 / Is a Quantity Surveyor always required to prepare a Cost Summary Report?
No. A Quantity Surveyor (QS) is not always required to prepare Cost Summary Report in New South Wales. Requirements vary depending on the estimated value of works, the relevant council and the type of application being lodged. Some councils accept owner-prepared or consultant-prepared cost estimates for lower value developments, while others require a signed Estimated Development Cost Report or independent assessment by a suitably qualified professional once certain thresholds are exceeded.
For higher value or more complex developments, councils may specifically require an independent Quantity Surveyor EDC Report to support the application and provide confidence that costs reflect realistic market rates. Checking the requirements of the relevant council or certifier is important before lodging an application as requirements and cost thresholds may vary between councils.
2 / How long does it take to prepare a Cost Summary Report?
Cost Summary Reports for simple projects can generally be prepared within 1–5 business days, depending on the quality of information provided and current workload. Larger or more complex developments, including commercial projects or applications with extensive documentation, may require additional time. We will confirm an indicative turnaround period as part of our fixed-fee quotation.
3 / I need a Cost Summary Report urgently. Can you help?
Absolutely! If you require a report urgently, please contact us on (02) 9629 3495 or contact@cppqs.com.au. We do offer expedited services for many project types.
4/ How much does a Cost Summary Report cost?
Our fee varies depending on the project type, size, site conditions, quality and overall scope of works. As a guide, Cost Summary Reports for a simple single-storey dwelling with minimal external works start from $660 (incl. GST). We provide fixed-fee, no obligation quotes, often within hours of receiving the request. Simply use the enquiry button at the top of this page.
5 / What information do you require to prepare a cost summary report?
Generally, we require the final Development Application (DA) drawings for the proposed project. In many cases this may only include the architectural drawings, however some developments may also require supplementary documentation such as landscaping plans, stormwater designs, civil drawings or other consultant information depending on the project scope.
6/ Do you need to inspect the property?
In most cases, no site inspection is required. We can usually prepare the Cost Summary Report using the architectural drawings, consultant documentation and online satellite imagery provided.
In the rare event that additional information or a site inspection is required, we will advise you before you commit to proceeding.