Pricing & Fee Guide.
Every site has unique terrain, zoning, and stormwater infrastructure nuances. Here is what professional consents, boundary surveys, and civil designs typically cost across Auckland and the Waikato region.
What Consents & Surveys Typically Cost
Every site has unique terrain, zoning, and service connection nuances. We assess your property and provide a fixed-scope quote before work starts.
Initial District Plan due diligence, zone capacity check, and council pre-app meeting.
Full 2026 rule audit, AEE preparation, infrastructure coordination, and lodgement.
Single or minor infringements (e.g. yard setback, height in relation to boundary, site coverage).
Medium-density residential developments, multi-unit infill, complex site constraints.
Scheme plan preparation, subdivision consent, cadastral survey, LINZ lodgement, 223/224(c).
Eliminate cross-lease flat plan restrictions and establish separate Fee Simple titles.
Find legal boundary pegs, create 3D terrain CAD model (.DWG) for architects.
Stormwater detention, wastewater reticulation, overland flow path analysis, and driveway engineering.
Vary or delete unworkable conditions on an already approved resource consent.
Childcare centres, medical clinics, commercial retail, signage, industrial warehousing.
* Price ranges represent typical residential and commercial projects across Auckland and the Waikato region and exclude GST and direct council processing fees/development contributions. All projects receive a comprehensive formal scope breakdown prior to commencement.
Need a Complete Turnkey Budget Estimate?
We calculate combined professional fees, council application deposits, and development contributions so there are zero surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding the breakdown between council deposits, statutory processing, and professional engineering fees.
Q. Why do council fees vary between projects?
Councils charge an initial application deposit upon lodgement (e.g. $4,000–$6,500 for Auckland Council). Council planners and engineers then charge an hourly processing rate ($180–$240/hr) against this deposit. If the application is well-prepared, unspent funds are refunded. If multiple Section 92 information requests are triggered, council invoices additional fees.
Q. Are council development contributions (DCs) included in your quote?
No. Professional service fees cover the preparation, statutory assessment (AEE), surveying, engineering design, and council liaison required to obtain consent. Development contributions (DCs) and water connection charges are levied directly by Council / Watercare when new titles or additional dwellings are created.
Q. How do you keep our project costs under control?
By conducting early feasibility checks and providing council with comprehensive engineering and planning documentation on first submission, we minimize council review rounds and prevent costly rework.
Q. Can we get a fixed price quote for our specific site?
Yes. Simply provide your property address and project goals through our assessment form, and we will review your site records and email you a tailored fixed-scope fee proposal within 1 working day.
Get a Fixed-Scope Quote for Your Site
Submit your property address below. Our senior planners and surveyors will evaluate your title and council zoning and provide a transparent quote within 1 working day.
Request Received!
Thank you for reaching out to MSConsultancy. Our senior planning & surveying team is reviewing your property details against the District Plan and will email you within 1 working day.
Expertise made clear. Outcomes made certain.
Talk with our chartered planning, surveying & engineering team today. Get straight answers on council feasibility, project costs, and timelines.