The Elephant in the Room
The property podcast for the thinking person.

Episodes

Episode 282: What You Need to Know in Gaining Approval for Property Improvements

How would you feel if your dream of building a new home on a suburban property suddenly turns into a nightmarish ordeal? Imagine the shock and dismay when a family's hopes got crushed after demolishing their existing house, only to discover that they couldn't build on the site due to unforeseen zoning regulations.

It raises a pressing question: How could such assumptions about property improvements lead to devastating consequences?

To shed light on this topic, we've invited Eli Gescheit, an esteemed urban planner with over 15 years of experience and Director of Navon Planning. With his profound understanding of local councils and the needs of property owners, Eli is uniquely positioned to guide us through the intricate process of gaining approval for property enhancements.

Prepare to be enlightened as we embark on a journey alongside an urban planner who has witnessed firsthand the impact of misguided assumptions.

Learn how to navigate the terrain of property improvements with greater confidence and avoid potential pitfalls that could jeopardise your dreams.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction

02:11 - Understanding the basics of the planning process in its entirety

04:10 - Two types of town planners and their roles in the context of councils and government

06:25 - Demolishing a brick home without approval from a town planner’s perspective

09:45 - Due diligence that goes beyond just the zoning certificate

12:52 - Property risks: Floods, bushfires, and their impact on property evaluation

16:17 - Overland flooding and flooding in Brisbane

20:06 - Various misconceptions and mistakes people make regarding their own properties

24:33 - What home improvements can you do without the need of a development approval?

31:27 - Repercussions of non-compliance in property transactions

36:16 - Roles and boundaries for illegal property work in Sydney

38:39 - Getting approvals for large property developments

43:23 - The impact of your relationship with neighbours on your property development plans

45:38 - What happens if your application gets disapproved?

48:09 - The difference between going to court vs consulting with a local agent

51:49 - The process involved in court cases and negotiations related to legal matters

57:49 - The importance of having a relationship with counsel in your pre-DA

1:00:16 - Eli Gescheit’s property dumbo

About Eli Gescheit:

Eli Gescheit — Director of Navon Planning, is an experienced urban planner with over 15 years’ working in various Councils and consultancies, including Waverley Council and Hurstville Council (Now known as Georges River Council), at leading planning consultancy, Urbis and at Neustein Urban. Eli knows the ins and outs of Councils while also understanding client’s requirements. He possesses negotiating skills and regularly appears as an expert witness before the NSW Land and Environment Court.

Connect with Eli Gescheit:

Resources:

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Chris Batesde-index