If you own a heritage home in New New South Wales, you are the keeper of a piece of our history. These homes add so much to the character of our towns and cities. But many owners feel unsure when it is time to renovate. The rules can seem confusing. The fear of making a mistake can be a real worry.
This is where clear expert guidance can help. At Michael Bell Architects, we have been a leading firm of residential heritage architects in Sydney for over 25 years. We believe heritage should be celebrated, not feared. This guide is designed to make things clear for you. We will explain the key approval process for state-listed homes. This is the Section 60 approval. We will explain each step and the documents you need. We will also share useful tips from our deep experience in heritage architecture in Sydney.
Key Takeaways: What You Need to Know
- Check Your Listing: State-listed homes on the State Heritage Register need a Section 60 approval from Heritage NSW. Locally-listed homes need a council DA.
- Documentation is Key: A high-quality Statement of Heritage Impact (SOHI) is the foundation of a successful application.
- Experience Matters: The process is complex. Hiring a heritage architect early saves time, money, and stress.
- Conservation First: The goal is always to repair, not replace. Using the right materials and methods is very important.
Understanding Your Home's Heritage Status
Before you plan any work, you must confirm your property’s heritage listing. This single detail decides the entire approval path.
State Heritage Register (SHR)
This is a list of places with importance to the whole state. If your home is on the SHR, you need a Section 60 approval for most changes. You can search the register on the Heritage NSW website.
Interim Heritage Order (IHO)
An IHO gives temporary protection to a place while its importance is assessed. If your home is under an IHO, it is treated like an SHR property. You will need a Section 60 approval.
Local Environmental Plan (LEP)
Your local council lists properties of local importance in their LEP. For these homes, you need to submit a heritage-sensitive Development Application (DA) to your council.
In Sydney, a property can be on both state and local lists. This needs an Integrated Development process. In this case, your council DA must also be approved by Heritage NSW. As specialist architects, we manage these complex dual approvals all the time.
What are Section 57 Exempt Works?
Not every small job needs a major application. The NSW Heritage Act 1977 allows for minor works under Section 57 Exemptions. This can include routine upkeep and small, like-for-like repairs. But the word "minor" can be very strict.
It is always best to check with your heritage architect or council first. A quick phone call can protect you from fines and expensive mistakes.
The Section 60 Approval Workflow: A Step-by-Step Guide
The Section 60 application is a step-by-step process. Following these steps with a good architect makes the journey smooth.
- Step 1: Confirm Listing and Define Project Scope: First, we confirm your home’s listing status. Then, we work with you to define your project's goals. This detailed brief is the foundation for the whole project.
- Step 2: Engage a Heritage Architect and Prepare Documents: A successful application depends on expert paperwork. As your chosen architect, we lead this process. We prepare the reports and drawings that clearly explain your project to Heritage NSW.
- Step 3: Lodge Your Application Online: Applications are lodged online through the Heritage Management System (HMS) portal. We manage this whole submission for you. The timelines for review are:
- Standard Track: 40-day assessment target.
- Fast-Track: 20-day target for eligible minor works.
- Step 4: The Assessment Process: Heritage NSW reviews the application. For major projects, the application is also reviewed by the Heritage Council of NSW. This is a group of independent experts who advise the government. If they need more information, the 40-day clock pauses.
- Step 5: Receive Your Approval and Conditions: A successful application results in a formal approval. This often comes with legally binding conditions. These conditions are designed to protect the home’s character.
- Step 6: Manage Changes and Discoveries: Old buildings often have surprises. If plans need to change, a modification must be filed under Section 65A of the Act.
Your Documentation Toolkit: The Key to a Smooth Approval
Clear and detailed paperwork is the heart of a successful application. As your architectural consultant, we prepare this entire pack.
- Statement of Heritage Impact (SOHI): This is the most important document. It is a detailed report that explains your home’s importance. It assesses the impact of your proposed works. It also justifies why the changes are needed. A generic SOHI will almost always be rejected. It must be specific to your home.
- Conservation Management Plan (CMP): This is a long-term 'handbook' for very important properties. It guides their care and management. If a CMP exists for your home, your work must follow it.
- Architectural Plans: These are detailed drawings showing the existing home and all proposed changes. They must be clearly marked up to show heritage impacts in a visual way.
- Photographic Schedule: This is a full visual record of your property before any work begins. It provides a vital baseline for the project.
A lesson we have learned: A client came to us after their project in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs had been delayed for months. The reason? Their pre-work photos lacked detail. We had to use old archive images to prove the original state of a feature. It is a reminder that good paperwork from day one is not red tape. It is your project’s insurance policy.
Heritage Conservation Best Practices: The 'Right Way' to Renovate
Getting approval is the first step. Doing the work with care is what creates a beautiful result. Our design work is guided by the Burra Charter. Its main idea is simple but powerful: "do as much as necessary, but as little as possible."
| Principle | What it Means | Example in Practice | Why it Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimal Intervention | Keep the original parts of the building where you can. | Repair, don't replace. For example, we restore a historic timber window. We do not replace it with a modern replica. | This keeps the authentic character and history that makes your home special. |
| Like-for-Like Repair | Use materials and methods that match the original. | For an old brick wall, we use traditional lime mortar. Modern cement is too hard and can make old bricks crack. | Using the right materials is vital for the building's long-term health and look. |
| Reversibility | Make changes so they can be undone in the future. | When we add new air conditioning, we might run ducts where they do not cut through original ceilings. | This protects the home for the future. It allows others to adapt the house without damaging its core heritage. |
| Use Specialist Trades | Hire craftspeople with proven experience in heritage work. | A skilled stonemason knows how to repair a sandstone wall correctly. A general builder may not have this specific skill. | The quality of a luxury heritage renovation depends on master skills. We only work with the best. |
The Practical Realities: Cost and Property Value
Two of the first questions clients ask are about cost and value. It is important to be upfront about this.
Is Renovating a Heritage Home More Expensive?
In many cases, yes. The key reasons are:
- Specialist Trades and Materials: Skilled craftspeople and traditional materials often cost more than standard options.
- Longer Timelines: The design and approval process is more detailed. It can take longer and add to professional fees.
- Unforeseen Discoveries: You never know what you’ll find in a 100-year-old building. We always advise clients to have an extra 10-15% in your budget for surprises.
Does a Heritage Listing Improve Property Value?
A well-kept and thoughtfully renovated heritage home is often in high demand. Its unique character, story, and quality can be major selling points. A quality renovation that honours the home's heritage can greatly increase its value. In contrast, illegal or poor-quality work can severely lower it. You are investing in a unique piece of Australian architecture.
On Site: Construction Oversight and Compliance
Receiving your approval is a big step. Making sure the vision is built correctly is where our experience becomes so important.
"A heritage home tells a story. Our job as architects is to help write the next chapter, not erase the old ones. That means being on site to ensure every detail honours that promise."
Our hands-on oversight includes briefing the builder and making regular site visits. We also manage the required photo logs. We solve problems on site in a way that protects your home’s heritage and your vision.
Choosing the Right Heritage Architect in Sydney
Picking the right team is the most important choice you will make. When looking for an architect in Sydney for your heritage project, think about these points:
- A Strong Heritage Portfolio: Look for architecture firms in Sydney with a proven history of successful heritage renovations. Their past work should show a clear respect for different historical styles.
- Deep Knowledge of NSW Rules: Your architect must be an expert in the Heritage Act and local council controls. This knowledge is key for a smooth approval process.
- A Team Approach: The best results happen when the client and architect work together. Look for a firm that listens to your needs and goals for modern living.
Case Studies: Blending Heritage with Modern Living
The best results respect a home's past while making it perfect for today.
Challenge-Solution-Result: Victorian Townhouse, Bondi
The Challenge: A beautiful but cramped heritage terrace needed a modern update for a family that loves to entertain.
Our Solution: We restored the historic facade. We then completely remodelled the rear to create a light and open living area. This new space flows to a garden and pool.
The Result: A home that can host 100 guests but still feels warm and respects its origins. This project received a special mention in the Waverley Council Heritage Awards.
Challenge-Solution-Result: Federation House, Centennial Park
The Challenge: A young family needed more space and modern features in their stunning Federation home without losing its soul.
Our Solution: We designed a large family living area and kitchen. This space seamlessly connects to a covered outdoor area.
The Result: A home that honours its grand Federation character while providing a beautiful and strong space for family life.
Ongoing Stewardship: Your Role as Custodian
A successful renovation sets your home up for the future. Proper ongoing care protects your investment and honours the building’s history. We advise our clients to:
- Keep a Maintenance Schedule for routine tasks.
- Know When to Get Approval for any new, major issues.
- Keep All Your Documents as a vital part of your home’s history.
Your Questions Answered (FAQ)
It is a legal permit from Heritage NSW. You need it for work on a property on the State Heritage Register in NSW. It is different from a local council DA.
It often can be. This is due to specialist trades, special materials, and a more detailed approval process. But a quality renovation can also greatly increase your property’s value.
Restoration means returning a building to how it looked at a specific time in the past. Renovation means updating a building for modern use. This can include new additions while still respecting its heritage.
Of course. This is a key part of modern heritage architecture. We can add green solutions like good insulation and discreet solar panels. This is done in a way that respects the building's historic character.
Look for a registered architect with a strong portfolio of heritage projects. An expert residential heritage architect in Sydney will understand the rules and know how to blend classic design with modern life.
The standard target is 40 days. This can be longer if the project is complex. The clock also pauses if Heritage NSW asks for more information.
Conclusion: Partnering to Protect Our Shared Heritage
At Michael Bell Architects, we see heritage rules not as problems, but as a guide to creating excellent work. They help us make homes that are not only beautiful and useful, but also important to our culture. Your heritage home is a special asset. The journey of renovating it should be an exciting and rewarding one.
You can navigate the Section 60 approval process with confidence when you have a clear plan and an experienced partner. We hope this guide has provided that clarity. As one of Sydney's trusted architecture firms for heritage projects, we believe in working closely with our clients. We combine our deep knowledge of heritage with your unique vision. The result is a timeless space that honours the past and is perfectly designed for your future.
Ready to start your heritage renovation?
Michael Bell Architects is a premier firm for custom residential and heritage homes. We provide full architectural services to guide your project from concept to completion. Contact us today to book a consultation and discuss your vision. Explore our Heritage Projects Portfolio to see our restorations in action.