Owner Builder Victoria – Certificate of Consent Guide

If you’re planning to build in Victoria as an owner builder, there are specific requirements you must meet before construction can begin. This guide explains:

When you need an Owner Builder Certificate of Consent
What the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) requires
The steps to complete your application

Do You Need an Owner Builder Certificate of Consent in Victoria?

In Victoria, if the value of building work exceeds $16,000, you must obtain a Certificate of Consent from the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) before applying for a building permit.

This certificate is required as part of the approval process for owner builders in Victoria.

How to Get a Certificate of Consent

The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) requires you to complete an online eLearning assessment.

The assessment is based on information provided in the VBA Owner Builder Study Guide.

You must complete and pass this assessment before you can apply for your Owner Builder Certificate of Consent.

The steps to apply for a certificate are:

Check your eligibility to become an owner builder
Download and read the Owner Builder Information and Study Guide
Create a VBA eLearning account and complete the assessment
Complete Construction Induction Training and obtain a White Card (if required)
Register as a user with VBA360
Start your application and save it as a draft
Upload the required documentation
Carefully review all answers
Submit your application and pay the required fee
Track your progress via VBA360

To access the official VBA process and portal – click here.

What Supporting Documentation Is Required?

When applying for your Owner Builder Certificate of Consent in Victoria, you will need to provide:

Proof of identity with photo (e.g. driver’s licence or passport)
Proof of ownership of the property
Additional documentation in certain circumstances, including: If the land is jointly owned; If an applicant or co-owner has changed their name since the title was issued; If the land is owned by a company or owners corporation; If the land is owned by a trust

Ensure all documentation matches the property title details to avoid delays.

Construction Induction Training (White Card)

You must complete Construction Induction Training (White Card) to support your application for a Certificate of Consent.

The VBA provides a recommended list of approved providers.

To summarise, before applying for the Certificate of Consent you must:

Complete the mandatory VBA owner builder training course – click here.
Complete your Construction Induction training (White Card) – click here.

A little extra…

If you’re at the very beginning of your owner builder journey, your local Council is always a smart place to start. They can confirm whether you’ll need planning approval, a development application, or any other local approvals before you move forward.

Follow this link to find your local Council – click here.

Insurance for Victorian Owner Builders

Once your Certificate of Consent is approved and you’re preparing to build, it’s important to understand your insurance obligations.

In Victoria, if domestic building work is valued over $16,000 and you sell the property within the statutory warranty period, domestic building insurance may be required.

Most owner builders also consider:

• Public Liability Insurance
• Construction (Contract Works) Insurance
• Workers’ Compensation (if employing paid workers)

As the owner builder, you’re legally responsible for the project so having the right cover in place can protect you from significant financial risk.