01
A qualifying interest in the land
The applicant must be an individual with the required ownership or prescribed interest. A company or trust cannot simply apply as the owner-builder.
Western Australian owner-builder approval
Control comes with responsibilities you cannot outsource
Approval can let an eligible individual be named as the builder on a WA building permit. It also places the project’s statutory responsibility with that individual.
First distinction
Approval is not the building permit.
Owner-builder approval is obtained before applying to be named as the builder. The relevant permit authority—usually local government—still assesses the building-permit application and supporting documentation.
Approval may generally be required where permit work exceeds $20,000. From 1 July 2026, the stated threshold for a private Class 10a shed, carport or garage is $50,000. Confirm the current rule for your work before relying on a threshold.
Core eligibility checks
02
An intention to occupy or use it
For a house, you must intend to live on the land when the work is complete. Immediate resale or rental is not the intended pathway.
03
Sufficient construction knowledge
At least one applicant needs accepted safety training plus qualifying registration or WA-specific owner-builder training completed within the previous 24 months.
04
The six-year restriction
You generally cannot receive another owner-builder building permit within six years unless the Board grants a waiver in limited circumstances.
What stays with you
Help can be engaged. Responsibility stays put.
The owner-builder remains responsible for permits, notices, standards, site safety, supervision, certifications, defects, records and appropriate insurance. Regulated work still requires appropriately licensed people.
Before applying
- 01Confirm the proposed work is eligible owner-builder work.
- 02Confirm title, purchase or lease evidence and all owners who must apply.
- 03Complete accepted safety and WA-specific training where required.
- 04Prepare the current Form 75 and supporting documents.
- 05Build processing time into the permit and construction programme.