Auburn construction and architecture
NSW

Auburn

27 DAs lodged · last 90 days

Market Intelligence

DAs Lodged

27

past 90 days · NSW Planning Portal

Professionals

covering this suburb

Median Project Value

$187,935

DAs lodged, past 90 days

Median Approval Time

70 days

approved DAs, last 12 months

DAs lodged (90 days)
27
Development applications lodged in Auburn in the past 90 days
Median project value
$187,935
Median estimated cost of development for DAs lodged in Auburn in the past 90 days
Median approval time
70 days
Median lodgement-to-determination time for approved DAs in Auburn, last 12 months

As of 14 July 2026, Auburn recorded 27Development applications lodged in Auburn in the past 90 days (NSW Planning Portal)

As of 14 July 2026, Auburn recorded $187,935Median estimated cost of development for DAs lodged in Auburn in the past 90 days (NSW Planning Portal)

As of 14 July 2026, Auburn recorded 70 daysMedian lodgement-to-determination time for approved DAs in Auburn, last 12 months (NSW Planning Portal)

Verified Professionals

Professionals in Auburn

No professionals listed in Auburn yet.

Browse all professionals →

DA Pipeline

Recent Development Applications

10 active

Total dev. value

$3,410,004

Development types

Commercial development; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Change of use of land or a building or the classification of a building under the Building Code of AustraliaSecondary dwelling; Erection of a new structure; Garagecarport or carparking space; Rainwater tanks

Source

NSW Planning Portal

PAN-653868

73 AUBURN ROAD AUBURN 2144

Commercial development; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Change of use…

$250,000

Lodged8 July 2026

PAN-647423

55A MACQUARIE ROAD AUBURN 2144

Secondary dwelling; Erection of a new structure; Garage, carport or carparking space; Rainwater tank…

$141,598

1-storey · 1 new dwelling

Rejected1 July 2026

PAN-649626

2 HEATH STREET AUBURN 2144

Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation

$538,540

2-storey · 1 new dwelling

Lodged24 June 2026

PAN-644301

125 PARK ROAD AUBURN 2144

Secondary dwelling; Demolition; Erection of a new structure

$230,000

1-storey · 1 new dwelling

Rejected17 June 2026

PAN-645696

Modification Application

26 ST JOHNS ROAD AUBURN 2144

Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Early Education and Care Facility; Ce…

$2,086,841

Lodged15 June 2026

PAN-646990

30 GIBBONS STREET AUBURN 2144

Erection of a new structure; Supporting Development

$50,000

Lodged15 June 2026

PAN-645080

2 20-22 HALL STREET AUBURN 2144

Commercial development; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Change of use…

$56,125

Lodged12 June 2026

PAN-644817

317-319 PARRAMATTA ROAD AUBURN 2144

Demolition; Erection of a new structure; Heavy industry

$22,550

Lodged9 June 2026
DA Alerts — AuburnFree

Be the first to know.

27 development applications are active in Auburn right now.

New builds, renovations, subdivisions and commercial developments — before anyone else.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Are you a builder or architect working in Auburn?

List your business on DBS →

Find professionals in Auburn

Browse all pros →

Builders Auburn, NSW, Construction Intelligence for the 2144 Postcode

If you own, invest in, or build on land in Auburn and need reliable local data before committing to a project, this page is for you, including how to connect with experienced builders Auburn residents and investors rely on.

Auburn Development Activity Snapshot

Auburn (postcode 2144) sits within the Cumberland Council local government area, one of Western Sydney's most active planning jurisdictions. The suburb's housing stock ranges from Federation-era workers' cottages to mid-century brick veneers and more recent medium-density infill, creating a varied workload for residential builders and renovation specialists across the area.

Auburn's local economy shapes how projects are scoped. The median taxable income for Auburn residents is $35,430 (ATO, as of the 2021-22 income year, sourced from PLDL local data), compared to an average of $43,725 across the 22,872 individuals assessed. This income profile means transparent, itemised quoting and value-driven design solutions are not optional extras, they are the baseline expectation for builders and architects working here.

Development types active in Auburn typically include single-dwelling alterations and additions, secondary dwellings (granny flats), dual-occupancy conversions, small-lot infill, and ground-floor commercial fitouts near the Auburn CBD and Duck Creek Road corridors. The suburb's zoning mix, including R2 Low Density Residential, R3 Medium Density, and B2/B4 commercial zones, means a builder familiar with Cumberland Council's Cumberland Local Environmental Plan (CLEP 2021) and Development Control Plan (DCP) is essential regardless of project type.

Note: DA volume figures and median project values for Auburn are not available in the current data set and have been omitted in accordance with this page's data accuracy policy. Subscribe to free DA alerts to receive real-time lodgement notifications as Cumberland Council publishes them.

Cost to Build in Auburn, NSW, What to Expect

The following cost ranges are indicative only, derived from ABS Building Activity data for Western Sydney and general industry benchmarks. They are not quotes. Every project must be assessed individually against site conditions, council contributions, soil classification, demolition requirements, and finish specifications.

Key cost drivers specific to Auburn include:

  • Soil conditions: Parts of Auburn near Duck Creek and the Parramatta River flood plain carry Class P (problem) soil classifications, requiring engineered slab designs that add cost.
  • Heritage and character overlays: Properties within Auburn's heritage conservation areas require additional heritage impact assessments, which add both time and professional fees.
  • Council contributions: Cumberland Council Section 7.11 contributions apply to new dwellings and significant additions. These are calculated on a per-dwelling basis and must be budgeted separately from construction costs.
  • Demolition: Many Auburn lots carry asbestos-containing materials in pre-1990 fibro or mixed construction homes, requiring licensed removal and adding $8,000-$25,000+ to project costs depending on extent.
  • Multicultural design requirements: Auburn's community, with a language background other than English (LBOTE) population exceeding 90% across most local schools (PLDL local data, 2024), frequently requires layouts accommodating multi-generational living, prayer spaces, and larger kitchen formats. Experienced builders and architects in this suburb understand these functional requirements as standard.

For current material input prices, see our material prices tracker, and use the build cost calculator to model your project. Further planning guides are available at our guides library.

DA Approvals in Auburn, Cumberland Council

All development applications for Auburn properties are assessed by Cumberland Council. Applications are lodged via the NSW Planning Portal (planningportal.nsw.gov.au), and Cumberland Council's assessment team manages the statutory process from lodgement through to determination.

Median determination times and approval volumes specific to Auburn are not available in the current data set and have been omitted. To track live DA lodgements in your street or suburb as soon as they are published by Cumberland Council, sign up for free DA alerts below.

What commonly slows Auburn DA assessments:

  • Incomplete Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE), the most common cause of information requests that pause the statutory clock.
  • Inadequate stormwater and drainage documentation, particularly for sites near Duck Creek or within the flood planning area.
  • Heritage impact statements that do not adequately address the contributory character of the streetscape.
  • Neighbour notification objections, which trigger additional assessment steps under Cumberland DCP.
  • BASIX certificate errors or mismatches between the certificate and the architectural plans submitted.

Engaging a builder or architect with current Cumberland Council DA experience, not just general Western Sydney experience, materially reduces the risk of delay. Use the Auburn professionals directory to find practitioners who regularly work within this LGA.

Auburn Project Types, Indicative Costs and Approval Context

All cost ranges are indicative only, sourced from ABS Building Activity data for Western Sydney and industry benchmarks (ABS, as of 2023-24). Approval timeframes are general estimates for Cumberland Council based on project category, not Auburn-specific medians, which are not available in the current data set. Actual costs and timeframes will vary.

Project TypeIndicative Cost Range (AUD)Typical Approval PathwayGeneral Timeframe Estimate
Single-storey extension (50-80 m²)$120,000-$220,000DA via Cumberland Council or CDC if SEPP-compliant8-16 weeks (DA); 10-20 days (CDC)
Secondary dwelling / granny flat$140,000-$220,000CDC under Affordable Housing SEPP 2021 (if compliant)10-20 days (CDC compliant)
Dual occupancy (new)$650,000-$1,100,000DA required, zone and lot size dependent12-24 weeks
Full kitchen / bathroom renovation$35,000-$95,000Usually no DA (building permit may apply)N/A (no DA)
New dwelling (knockdown rebuild)$380,000-$750,000+DA or CDC depending on design compliance10-20 weeks (DA)
Commercial fitout (small tenancy)$80,000-$250,000DA or CDC, use class and works dependent8-16 weeks (DA)

Auburn Homeowner Questions, Answered

How much does it cost to build or extend in Auburn, NSW?

Indicative costs for Western Sydney residential construction range from roughly $2,000-$3,500 per square metre for standard to mid-range finishes, based on ABS Building Activity data (ABS, as of 2023-24). In Auburn, site-specific variables, soil classification, asbestos removal, flood controls, and Cumberland Council contributions, routinely shift final costs beyond this range. Always request a site-specific itemised quote.

How long does DA approval take with Cumberland Council for an Auburn property?

Cumberland Council assesses all Auburn DAs under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. Straightforward residential additions can be determined in 8-14 weeks when documentation is complete. Complex applications involving heritage overlays, flooding constraints, or objections typically take longer. Engaging a builder or architect experienced with Cumberland Council's current DCP requirements is the most reliable way to avoid delays.

Can I build a granny flat on my Auburn property, and what are the rules?

Secondary dwellings in Auburn are assessed under the Affordable Housing SEPP 2021. Compliant designs on lots of 450 m² or more in R2 zones can be approved as a Complying Development Certificate (CDC), bypassing the full DA process, in as little as 10-20 days. Site area, existing dwelling coverage, and setbacks all affect eligibility. A builder or certifier familiar with Cumberland Council's controls can confirm your lot's compliance quickly.

How do I choose the right builder for an Auburn renovation or extension?

Auburn's housing diversity, heritage cottages, brick veneers, and multi-generational family homes, demands a builder with direct local experience, not just a Western Sydney licence. Verify NSW Fair Trading contractor licence status, check Cumberland Council DA history for the builder's past projects, and ask for references from jobs within the 2144 postcode. The Auburn professionals directory lists contractors active in this area.

Why Auburn Is a Distinct Construction Market

Auburn's position within Cumberland Council's LGA places it alongside neighbouring suburbs including Greystanes, Merrylands, Lidcombe, and Guildford, all assessed under the same planning framework. However, Auburn carries several characteristics that set it apart as a construction market.

The suburb hosts 12 schools within postcode 2144, including 5 government and 5 independent institutions (PLDL local data, 2024). High-enrolment institutions such as Al-Faisal College (2,282 students, K-12) and Trinity Catholic College (1,313 students, 7-12) generate significant school-catchment value pressure on surrounding residential streets. Renovations that add bedrooms, secondary dwellings, or dual-occupancy configurations within these catchments consistently attract buyer and investor attention, making renovation return-on-investment calculations more favourable than in comparable Western Sydney suburbs without such anchors.

The suburb's LBOTE population, exceeding 90% in most local schools (PLDL local data, 2024), reflects a community with specific functional requirements for residential design: multi-generational layouts, enhanced kitchen infrastructure, and flexible living spaces. Builders and architects who understand these requirements as design briefs, rather than afterthoughts, consistently deliver projects that hold higher resale value in this market.

Auburn's median taxable income of $35,430 (ATO, 2021-22 income year, PLDL local data) means cost transparency is a commercial necessity. Homeowners and investors in this market are financially literate and comparison-active. Builders who provide clear, staged, itemised quotes, and who can articulate the cost impact of different design choices, win more work here than those who rely on lump-sum estimates.

Your Next Steps in Auburn

Whether you are planning a renovation, extension, secondary dwelling, or new build in Auburn, two tools will give you an immediate information advantage: real-time DA alert notifications when applications are lodged near your property, and direct access to builders and architects who work within Cumberland Council's planning framework. Sign up for free Auburn DA alerts to stay ahead of local development activity, or browse the Auburn professionals directory to find verified builders and architects covering the 2144 postcode today.