An Estimated Development Cost (EDC) Report is a critical component of the planning and approval process for many developments across New South Wales. It provides an independent assessment of the anticipated cost of a proposed development and is used by councils and planning authorities to assist with statutory assessments, development contributions and planning pathway requirements.
While all EDC Reports serve the same fundamental purpose - to establish the estimated cost of a development - the level of detail, complexity and professional input required can vary significantly depending on the scale, nature and value of the project.
A properly prepared EDC Report is not simply a calculation based on a construction rate per square metre. A qualified professional Quantity Surveyor (Certified or Chartered) considers the full scope of works, including building construction, services, external works, civil infrastructure, landscaping, site conditions and project-specific requirements to develop a transparent and defensible cost assessment.
An EDC Report is a professionally prepared estimate of the total cost of carrying out a proposed development. It is generally prepared from architectural drawings, consultant documentation, specifications and available project information.
The purpose of an EDC Report is to provide confidence that the proposed development cost has been independently assessed using appropriate construction knowledge, measurement techniques and current market conditions.
For smaller developments with an estimated development cost below $3 million, the level of reporting is generally less complex. However, the estimate must still provide a reasonable and accurate assessment of the anticipated construction costs.
Typical projects may include:
Although these projects may not require the same level of cost analysis as major developments, an experienced professional Quantity Surveyor remains essential to ensure the assessment reflects realistic construction costs and complies with council requirements.
For developments exceeding $3 million, councils generally require a greater level of detail and transparency within the EDC assessment.
Depending on the relevant council requirements and planning pathway, the report may need to be prepared and certified by an appropriately qualified Quantity Surveyor who is a Certified Quantity Surveyor (CQS) or Chartered Quantity Surveyor, and a full Member or Fellow of a recognised professional institution such as the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS) or the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
At this level, the quality of the estimate relies heavily on the experience of the Quantity Surveyor in interpreting design information, assessing construction methodology and applying appropriate market-based rates.
Large-scale and strategically important projects may be assessed under the State Significant Development (SSD) or State Significant Infrastructure (SSI) pathways within the NSW planning system.
While SSD is often associated with projects currently exceeding $75 million, this threshold only applies to certain development types, such as some residential developments. The actual trigger requirements vary depending on the proposed land use, industry sector and criteria established under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Planning Systems) 2021.
State Significant Infrastructure (SSI) generally applies to major public infrastructure projects that are considered essential to the State, including transport, rail, roads, water, energy and other government infrastructure projects.
For SSD and SSI projects, the EDC assessment requires a significantly higher level of detail, accuracy and professional judgement. The report must consider the complete scope of the proposed works,
Given the level of review undertaken by government agencies and consent authorities, SSD and SSI cost reports should be prepared by a suitably qualified Chartered or Certified Quantity Surveyor with experience in major project cost planning and statutory cost reporting.
At Quantum QS (QQS), we provide independent Estimated Development Cost Reports for residential, commercial, industrial, institutional and infrastructure projects throughout Australia.
QQS focuses on delivering transparent, independently assessed cost reports that provide confidence to developers, architects, planners, certifiers, financial institutions and government authorities.
Whether the project is a small residential development or a complex State Significant Development, our approach is tailored to the level of detail and accuracy required for the specific approval pathway.
Quantum QS is led by Isik Bozdag FRICS, FAIQS, CQS, a Chartered and Certified Quantity Surveyor with more than 30 years of experience within the Australian property and construction industry.
Isik is a Fellow of both the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS) and is currently the NSW Chapter President of AIQS.
Through Quantum QS, clients receive independent professional advice supported by extensive construction knowledge, recognised professional qualifications and a commitment to delivering accurate, transparent and defensible cost assessments.
For any development requiring an Estimated Development Cost Report, engaging an appropriately qualified Quantity Surveyor ensures the project cost assessment is prepared with the expertise and professional integrity expected by councils, regulators and industry stakeholders.
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