Do I Need a Building Information Certificate? Common Scenarios for Homeowners in NSW
- Cameron Rowe
- Apr 9
- 3 min read
Do I Need a Building Information Certificate? Common Scenarios for Homeowners in NSW
If you’ve recently bought a home, are looking to sell, or made some changes to your property in Wollongong, Sydney, or anywhere across NSW, you might be asking:
“Do I need a Building Information Certificate?”
It’s a common question—and an important one. A Building Information Certificate (BIC) protects you from potential council action regarding unapproved structures. In this article, we’ll break down when a BIC is needed and how it can save you time, money, and legal headaches.
What Is a Building Information Certificate?
A Building Information Certificate is issued by your local council to confirm that the existing structures on your property will not be subject to future action—such as orders to demolish or alter—for a period of 7 years.
It’s often used to regularise unapproved building works and provide peace of mind to buyers and property owners.
You can read more about BICs directly on the NSW Planning Portal — a helpful government resource outlining the official process and requirements.
Common Scenarios Where a BIC Is Required
1. Selling a Property with Unapproved Structures
If you’re selling a home with a garage conversion, deck, or extension that was built without approval, a BIC can assure potential buyers that they won’t inherit future legal or compliance issues.
2. Buying a Property with Unclear Building History
Buyers often request a BIC as part of due diligence, especially if there’s uncertainty around past renovations. This helps avoid nasty surprises like council-issued demolition orders after purchase.
3. You’ve Completed Renovations Without Approval
If you’ve made structural changes—like adding a room or converting a shed—without a Development Application (DA) or Complying Development Certificate (CDC), a BIC may help legitimise those works retrospectively.
4. You’ve Received a Notice from Council
Local councils like Wollongong City Council or City of Sydney may issue a notice to comply or request you to remove illegal works. In some cases, applying for a BIC is a way to avoid enforcement action and regularise the structure.
5. Peace of Mind for Property Owners
Even if no immediate sale or issue is on the horizon, many property owners choose to apply for a BIC as a proactive step to protect their asset and value.
Local Insight: Wollongong & Sydney Areas
Different councils may have slightly different requirements for issuing a Building Information Certificate. For instance:
Wollongong City Council often requires detailed site plans, existing approvals, and may conduct a site inspection before issuing the certificate.
City of Sydney may request engineering reports or heritage impact statements depending on the location and structure.
Our team at BuildingInformationCertificate.com.au is familiar with these local processes and can help you prepare the right documents the first time.
Still Not Sure If You Need a BIC?
If you’re unsure about your situation, it’s better to check early than risk fines or enforcement action later. We can help assess your property and advise whether a BIC is recommended based on your plans or compliance history.
Get Help from the Experts
We specialise in Building Information Certificates across Wollongong, Sydney, and greater NSW. Whether you're selling, buying, or need to regularise unapproved works, we make the process simple and stress-free.
📞 Call us on 0491 629 310
📧 Email: cameron@wollongongdrafting.com
