Build complete. Now make it legal to move in.
"We completed our build 3 months ago but our original certifier disappeared. We've been unable to legally move in and our bank is threatening to withdraw. No1 Building Services reviewed the file, arranged the final mandatory inspections, and issued the OC within 5 business days."
An Occupation Certificate (OC) is the final legal approval certifying that your completed building is safe, code-compliant, and ready for occupation. It is a legal requirement under NSW law — no one can legally live in or use a newly built home without it.
- Issued by your Principal Certifier at practical completion
- For staged projects, an OC may be issued for an eligible completed part if statutory requirements are satisfied
- Required by lenders before final mortgage drawdown
- Issued via the NSW Planning Portal for full transparency
From final inspection
to legal occupation.
OC typically issued within 2–5 business days once final inspection is passed.
Day 1
Final Inspection Request
You notify No1 that construction is at practical completion and request the final mandatory inspection.
Day 1–3
Critical Stage Inspection
Our certifier attends site and verifies all works comply with the approved plans and NCC requirements.
Day 2–4
Conditions of Consent Review
We confirm all conditions attached to your original approval have been satisfied.
Day 2–5
OC Issued
Your Occupation Certificate is lodged on the NSW Planning Portal and issued — you are now legally cleared to occupy.
Have a question about the process? Call us - we're happy to walk you through it.
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Get a fast-tracked quote from a licensed NSW certifier. Most clients hear back within 2 hours.
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See the exact documents needed. No guesswork, no endless lists.
Final Fire Safety Certificate
Certifying smoke alarms and safety measures are compliant.
BASIX Completion Certificate
Confirming the home meets energy and water targets.
Survey Certificate
Showing structure is within boundary lines.
Compliance Certificates
Glazing, waterproofing, electrical, and plumbing certificates from contractors.
Missing something? Don't worry — we can help source it.
Start your applicationWhere We Provide This Service
No.1 Building Services provides fast, unrestricted certification across the following regions. Explore our interactive coverage map.
Occupation Certificates - FAQs
An OC authorises occupation or use of a building, or part of a building, after the Principal Certifier is satisfied statutory requirements have been met.
No. For new building work requiring an OC, you should not occupy until the OC is issued. This may also affect finance and insurance.
Avoid 'Interim OC'. For staged projects, an Occupation Certificate may be issued for an eligible completed part if statutory requirements are satisfied.
We may assist as a replacement Principal Certifier after reviewing the file, appointment requirements, completed inspections and outstanding compliance documents.
We typically aim to issue an OC within 2-5 business days after the final inspection is satisfactory and all required documents and conditions are complete.
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We'll review your project details and get back to you within 24 hours.
Unrestricted certifiers
Your project is reviewed directly by NSW-accredited certifiers - no middlemen.