Estimated Development Cost (EDC) Reports

Compliant Reports for DA, CC, CDC or S4.55

Are you submitting a DA or CC?

Need an EDC 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 an EDC Report?

Estimated Development Cost (EDC) 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.

NSW Councils use EDCs to determine applicable fees, contribution thresholds and documentation requirements.

NSW Planning Circular PS25-004 introduced a standardised methodology for calculating EDCs across NSW, aiming to improve consistency and transparency in how development costs are assessed.

When is an EDC Report required?

An EDC Report may be required for a wide range of projects including new dwellings, duplexes, alterations and additions, childcare centres, commercial buildings, industrial developments and mixed-use projects.

Requirements can vary between councils, with some requesting a signed Cost Summary Report or independent Quantity Surveyor EDC Report once development values exceed certain thresholds.

As an independent Quantity Surveyor, CPP Quantity Surveyors prepares EDC Reports NSW in accordance with current planning requirements using realistic market construction rates, helping homeowners, architects and developers avoid delays during the DA approval process.

Who requires EDC Reports?

Homeowners

Building Owners or their agents

Architects

Building Designers

Town Planners

Builders

What is included in an EDC Report?

Requirements as stipulated in NSW Planning Circular 25-004
Elemental cost summary prepared accordance with the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors guidelines
Outline of methodology and documents used
Populated forms (if applicable and required by your Council)
Our AIQS Quantity Surveyor Credentials

What is NSW Planning Circular PS25-004?

NSW Planning Circular PS25-004 introduced a standardised approach for calculating Estimated Development Cost (EDC) across New South Wales. The circular was released by the NSW Department of Planning to improve consistency in how development costs are assessed for Development Applications (DA), Construction Certificates (CC), Complying Development Certificates (CDC) and certain Section 4.55 modification applications.

Prior to PS25-004, councils and certifiers often relied on varying methodologies, forms and interpretations when determining development costs. The updated guidance aims to provide greater transparency by requiring EDCs to reflect the market cost of carrying out development works, rather than discounted rates, owner-builder costs or historical project values.

Under PS25-004, Estimated Development Cost Reports may need to include realistic construction costs, professional fees and other applicable project expenses depending on the nature of the development. Accurate EDC calculations are important as councils use them to determine lodgement fees, contribution thresholds and documentation requirements during the planning approval process.

CPP Quantity Surveyors prepares independent EDC Reports NSW and Council Cost Summary Reports in accordance with current NSW planning requirements, helping reduce delays and minimise issues during DA assessment.

FAQ

1 / Is a Quantity Surveyor always required to prepare an Estimated Development Cost (EDC) Report?

No. A Quantity Surveyor (QS) is not always required to prepare an Estimated Development Cost (EDC) 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 Cost Summary 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 an EDC report?

EDC 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 an EDC 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 an Estimated Development Cost (EDC) Report cost?

Our fee varies depending on the project type, size, site conditions, quality and overall scope of works. As a guide, EDC 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 an EDC 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 EDC 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.