Australia's Knowledge Centre for Permit-Approved Expandable Cottages

Your Property Planning Hub

Work through your project step by step. Each step builds confidence — and helps us understand where you are before you enquire.

Your progress saves automatically on this device
Start with your goal

What are you planning?

Tell us your goal and we'll recommend the right models, guides and likely approvals.

Project details

Tell us about your project

These details stay on your device and help us understand your project when you're ready to enquire.

Your planning checklist

Work through your project step by step

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1

Is my property suitable?

Check zoning, overlays, access and site constraints before you commit to anything.

Check My Property
2

What approvals might I need?

Understand planning permits, building permits and the occupancy permit process.

See the Permit Pathway
3

How much site preparation is involved?

Foundations, access, earthworks and the assessments that drive them.

Read the Site Prep Guide
4

Which model suits me?

Compare three designs by size, use and household type.

Compare Models
5

What services will I need?

Power, water and wastewater — mains connections or off-grid alternatives.

Read the Services Guide
6

What should I budget for?

Cottage price is one part — total project cost includes approvals, site works and services.

See Pricing
Things you're unsure about

Mark what you don't know yet

These become conversation starters, not obstacles. We'll address them when you enquire.

Why approvals vary

Approval isn't a simple yes or no

Outcomes differ because every property is different. Here's what drives the variation.

Planning controls

Zoning and overlays differ by council and can trigger — or remove — the need for a planning permit.

Site characteristics

Slope, soil, access and existing vegetation affect foundation design, earthworks and preparation cost.

Bushfire & flood

Bushfire-prone areas need a BAL assessment; flood overlays affect floor levels and building method.

Service availability

Whether mains power, water and sewer are available determines if you connect or go off-grid — a major cost variable.

Wind region

Non-cyclonic (N) vs cyclonic (C) regions require different structural engineering and tie-down design.

State legislation

Each state has its own building Act, planning framework and building surveyor registration system.

BPA Cottages may not be the right fit if…

Honesty about where we can and can't help — so you make the right decision, not just a decision.

  • You need a building next week — the approval and manufacturing process takes months, not days.
  • Your site has severe access constraints that prevent truck or crane delivery.
  • You're looking for a solution outside Australian building approval pathways.
  • You're expecting universal approval regardless of local planning controls, overlays or site conditions.
  • You want a movable structure that doesn't require any permits or foundations.

Enquire with your project context

Your project details are stored on your device and only sent to our team when you submit this form. We'll use them to give you a much more informed response than a standard enquiry.

Your Project Summary

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Your project details are stored locally on your device and only transmitted when you submit this form. You can reset your project at any time using the 'Reset project' option below. See our Privacy Policy for details.