Development Due Diligence & Feasibility Reports Sydney

What’s included in the report

• Pre-Purchase Site Assessment — desktop analysis of zoning (LEP, DCP, SEPP), overlays, setbacks, floor space ratio (FSR), height limits and site-specific constraints before you commit to purchase
• Development Feasibility Report — massing study, yield calculation (units, GFA, NFA), unit mix optimisation, parking and bicycle provision
• LEP / DCP Compliance Analysis — detailed review of Local Environmental Plan and Development Control Plan requirements, including special character areas, design excellence and design review panel triggers
• Site Constraint & Risk Assessment — identification of flood, bushfire, acid sulfate soils, contaminated land, noise corridors, aircraft overflight and other risks with mitigation strategies
• Comparative Market & Competitive Analysis — review of recent comparable sales, approved developments and pipeline projects to inform pricing, positioning and absorption rate assumptions
• Pre-DA Advisory Report — council pre-lodgement meeting preparation, summary of likely conditions and estimated timeline to support funding and project scheduling decisions

How giantA delivers due diligence reports

1. Brief & site identification — property address, intended use, target yield or return, and any known concerns. We confirm the scope and issue a fixed-fee quote.
2. Desktop analysis — council zoning maps, LEP/DCP/SEPP review, overlay checks (heritage, flood, bushfire, conservation), title search and easement review.
3. Site inspection (where required) — visual assessment of topography, adjoining buildings, access, services and any physical constraints not visible on plans.
4. Massing study & yield calculation — preliminary building envelope, floor plate efficiency, unit mix and parking ratio optimised for the zoning envelope.
5. Cost modelling & financial summary — preliminary construction cost, projected end-value, gross realisation and a sensitivity analysis on key assumptions.
6. Risk matrix & recommendation — red/amber/green ratings for each constraint, with a clear go / no-go recommendation and suggested next steps (e.g. engage heritage consultant, order geotech, proceed to DA).

Who needs a due diligence report?

Due diligence costs & timelines

All reports are issued on a fixed-fee basis after scope confirmation. Urgent turnaround and additional specialist inputs (geotech, arborist, heritage consultant) are quoted separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a development due diligence report and when do I need one?

A development due diligence report is a pre-purchase or pre-commitment analysis that assesses whether a site can support your intended development. It examines zoning, overlays, site constraints, yield potential and compliance requirements. You need one before signing a contract on a development site, before approaching investors or lenders, and before lodging a Development Application. The report reduces the risk of costly surprises after purchase — such as discovering the site is flood-prone, heritage-listed or subject to design review panel requirements that limit your design flexibility.

What does a feasibility report include?

A feasibility report from giantA includes: site and zoning analysis (LEP, DCP, SEPP); massing study and yield calculation (units, GFA, NFA); unit mix optimisation; parking and bicycle provision; preliminary construction cost estimate; projected end-value and gross realisation; and a risk matrix with red, amber and green ratings. For multi-residential and commercial projects, we also provide a comparative market analysis and absorption rate estimate. The report is designed to support go / no-go decisions and lender or investor presentations.

How much does a due diligence or feasibility report cost?

Pre-purchase site assessments start from $1,750 for a standard residential lot. Full feasibility reports for multi-unit or commercial sites range from $2,750 to $7,500+ depending on complexity, number of constraints and the depth of market analysis required. Complex sites with multiple overlays (heritage, flood, design excellence) or large-scale masterplanned developments require customised quotes. We provide a fixed-fee quote after an initial site review and client brief.

How long does a due diligence report take?

Standard pre-purchase site assessments: 2–5 business days. Full feasibility reports with massing study and market analysis: 1–2 weeks. Urgent turnaround is available for contract cooling-off periods — we can deliver a desktop assessment within 48–72 hours for an additional fee. Timeline depends on: council records access; the number of overlays and constraints; and whether a site inspection is required.

Can giantA help me decide whether to buy a development site?

Yes — that is exactly what our due diligence service is designed for. We provide an independent, objective assessment of the site's development potential, including a clear go / no-go recommendation with supporting evidence. Our reports have helped clients avoid overpaying for constrained sites, negotiate better purchase prices, and identify hidden development opportunities (such as subdivision potential or dual-occupancy rights) that were not immediately apparent. We do not receive commissions from sales agents or developers, so our advice is unbiased.

Do you provide feasibility reports for knockdown-rebuild projects?

Yes. For knockdown-rebuild projects, our feasibility report assesses: the demolition and disposal cost; existing site constraints (trees, easements, slope); the maximum permissible dwelling size under current zoning; BASIX and energy compliance requirements; and a comparison between renovating versus rebuilding. We also identify whether the existing dwelling has heritage value or is subject to a heritage conservation area, which can significantly affect demolition rights. See our knockdown-rebuild service for more detail.