THE $50K SHED RULE: WHAT PROPERTY OWNERS NEED TO KNOW

From 1 July 2026, the WA Government has lifted the builder-registration threshold for certain low-risk buildings – including sheds, carports, private garages and patios – from $20,000 to $50,000.

In plain English?

If you’re building a qualifying Class 10a structure valued at less than $50,000, you no longer necessarily need to engage a registered builder to do the work.

That sounds like a small regulatory change.

For property owners, it could be anything but.

More choice. Potentially lower costs. More flexibility.

But here’s the important part:

It doesn’t mean “no rules”.

A building permit may still be required. Planning requirements may still apply. The structure still needs to comply with the relevant building standards. And if you’re thinking about turning that shed into a little extra living space, office, games room or Airbnb-style accommodation…

That’s a very different conversation.

The Government has made it easier to build certain low-risk structures – not easier to bypass the rules.

And that’s an important distinction for property owners to understand.

Because when you’re investing in your property, the question isn’t simply:

“Can I build it?”

It’s:

“Can I build it, approve it, insure it, value it and ultimately sell it without creating a problem for the next owner?”

That’s where good property advice matters.

A shed might be an asset.

A shed that wasn’t approved properly?

Potentially a liability.

Before you reach for the tape measure, check with your local government about the approvals that apply to your property.

Because the best property improvements aren’t just the ones that look good today.

They’re the ones that make sense for your property’s future.

Not every dollar you spend on a property adds a dollar to its value. And some improvements can deliver far more return than others.

Knowing where to spend – and where not to – is where good property advice can make all the difference.

Before you renovate, build, landscape or make your next big property investment, have a conversation with one of our sales representatives about what buyers are actually looking for and which improvements are likely to add value to your property.

Thinking about your property’s next move? Get an appraisal and talk to our team about where your money could work harder for you.

Information current as at September 2026. Regulations and approval requirements can vary by property and local government area.