A Section 10.7 certificate, still widely known by its old name, a section 149 certificate, tells you what council says can and can't be done with a property, zoning, heritage listing, flood risk, and any orders affecting the land.
Before you sign a contract for a house in Bronte or a warehouse conversion in Paddington, your conveyancer should have already reviewed the planning certificate attached to it. It's one of the most information-dense documents in the contract, and it's where several deal-breaking issues tend to hide.
The certificate lists the zoning (e.g. R2 low density), any heritage listing or conservation area status, common across Woollahra and Paddington, flood and bushfire risk classifications, road-widening proposals, and any current council notices or orders on the land.
Heritage conservation areas cover large parts of Paddington, Woollahra and parts of Bondi, which can restrict renovations, extensions, or even paint colours. Coastal blocks near Vaucluse, Watsons Bay and Bronte can carry flood or coastal hazard notations that affect insurance and future development. If you're planning a renovation, the certificate is where you find out whether council will let you.
We cross-reference the certificate against the contract's stated zoning and any development plans you've mentioned, and flag anything that could affect value, insurability, or your renovation intentions before you're locked into the contract.
No, the title search confirms ownership and registered interests, while the planning certificate covers zoning, heritage and land-use restrictions.
Yes, from the relevant council, but your conveyancer will order and review it as part of the standard contract check.
A planning certificate won't stop you buying a heritage terrace or a coastal block, but it will tell you what you're actually allowed to do with it. Read it, or have someone read it for you, before the cooling-off period runs out.
Get a fixed-fee quote and speak directly to the person who'll handle your matter.
This article is general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice on your specific circumstances, please get in touch.