Architecture Site Feasibility & Desktop Studies: Why They Matter Before You Commit

Buying a property or preparing a site for development is exciting, but it’s also one of the biggest financial commitments you’ll ever make. Whether you’re planning a new home, an addition, or a larger development, understanding what you can and cannot do on a site is essential before you sign the contract.

Site feasibility studies or desktop investigations provide a clear, professional overview of a site’s constraints, opportunities, and risks, helping you make informed decisions early in the process and avoid costly surprises later.

What is a Site Feasibility Study?

A site feasibility study is essentially a high-level assessment of a property to determine whether it is suitable for your intended use or development. It does not provide the fine details of design or construction but instead focuses on the bigger picture:

• Can you build what you want on this site?

• What restrictions or requirements will apply?

• What are the risks – financial, environmental, regulatory etc.?

It’s like a map before starting a journey. It provides a high-level assessment of a property to determine whether it’s suitable for your intended use or development.

The First Layer of Investigation

A site feasibility or desktop study involves gathering and reviewing existing information about a site before any physical investigation takes place. Most of this data is publicly available through council portals, state government resources, or specialist databases.

A site feasibility study usually includes zoning and planning controls, environmental factors, services and infrastructure, site history, and topography or physical conditions. By collecting and analysing this information, an architect can quickly identify whether a site is suitable for your goals or if it presents serious challenges.

Why do a Site Feasibility Study Before Buying a Property?

Many people fall in love with a block of land or house or have development goals for a site without realising the hidden limitations it carries. Imagine buying a site only to discover later that:

• It’s flood-prone and requires the ground floor to be raised.

• A heritage listing prevents major alterations.

• The slope makes construction significantly more expensive.

• Council restrictions stop you from building the size of home or development you imagined.

A site feasibility study helps prevent these scenarios. By engaging an architect early, even before purchasing, you gain clarity on whether the site can realistically support your aspirations, saving time, stress, and money.

Key Elements of a Site Feasibility Study

A comprehensive site feasibility study looks at multiple angles. The core areas covered are:

1. Planning & Zoning Controls

Every council has a Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and Development Control Plan (DCP) that outline what can be built. These documents set rules around:

• Land use zoning (residential, mixed-use, commercial, industrial etc.)

• Height limits

• Gross floor area and floor space ratios

• Minimum lot sizes

• Building setbacks from boundaries

• Heritage and conservation areas

An architect will interpret these controls and explain how they apply to your project.

2. Topography & Physical Features

The way a site is positioned can greatly influence design decisions. For example:

• Solar orientation – maximising natural light and passive solar design.

• Topography – a steep slope may require retaining walls or split-level design.

• Waterways – natural watercourses require significant setbacks.

• Vegetation – protected trees may limit building footprints.

• Access and views – street frontage, driveways, and outlooks all matter.

Understanding these factors early helps align your design with the natural attributes of the site.

3. Environmental & Risk Assessments

Australia’s diverse climate brings unique challenges. A site feasibility study will check whether your site is:

• Bushfire-prone, requiring compliance with AS3959 and BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) ratings.

• Flood-affected, possibly requiring elevated floor levels or stormwater solutions.

• In a mine subsidence area, which can restrict building methods or design.

• Coastal or erosion-prone, leading to setbacks or restrictions.

• Environmentally sensitive, such as containing wetlands, habitats, or biodiversity restrictions.

Identifying these risks early prevents unexpected permissibility issues or compliance costs later in the process.

4. Services & Infrastructure

For any development, basic services are crucial. The study will check availability and capacity of:

• Water and sewer connections

• Electricity and gas supply

• NBN or telecommunications

• Stormwater drainage

It will also assess where these connections are located, whether any existing infrastructure creates setbacks or easements, and if a new easement may be required on neighbouring land – which can be costly and time-consuming. Where services are missing or inadequate, connection costs can escalate quickly.

5. Heritage & Cultural Considerations

Some sites are subject to heritage controls that restrict demolition, alterations, or even colours and materials. A site feasibility study will confirm whether your property is:

• Individually heritage-listed

• Within a heritage conservation area

• Adjacent to significant heritage buildings

This knowledge is essential before committing to any major works.

6. Site History

The history of a site can reveal valuable insights into potential risks or limitations. This includes:

• Previous use – Was the land formerly industrial, agricultural, or residential? Prior uses can influence contamination potential or structural conditions.

• Contamination – Old fuel storage, asbestos, or chemical usage can require remediation before development.

• Existing structures – Any remaining buildings or foundations may need to be demolished or incorporated into the new design.

• Title restrictions – Covenants, easements, or previous approvals can impact future development options.

• Archaeological or cultural value – Sites with known artefacts or Aboriginal heritage significance may trigger additional assessments.

Understanding a site’s past helps anticipate costs, delays, or compliance requirements that could affect your project.

7. Opportunities & Constraints

Finally, an architect will highlight both the opportunities (such as ideal orientation for solar access or scope for additional dwellings) and the constraints (such as limited site coverage or overshadowing concerns).

The Benefits of Doing a Site Feasibility Study Early

A site feasibility study is not just about avoiding risks; it’s about unlocking potential. The key benefits include:

• Confidence in decision-making – know whether to proceed with purchase or development.

• Clarity on costs – anticipate additional expenses like flood mitigation or retaining walls.

• Time savings – prevent delays caused by hidden planning or compliance hurdles.

• Better design outcomes – start your project with an informed foundation.

Ultimately, the study ensures your vision aligns with reality before major financial commitments are made.

What is in a Site Feasibility Study

When you engage an architect for site feasibility or desktop studies, you can expect a document that:

• Summarises the planning controls

• Provides maps, overlays, or diagrams of constraints, opportunities, and potential building footprint

• Outlines risks and potential costs

• Identifies opportunities unique to the site

• Gives recommendations on how to proceed and possible next steps.

How Does it Fit into the Design Process

A site feasibility study is the first step in the architectural journey. Once you’re confident in the site’s potential, the process usually moves into:

1. Sketch Design – exploring floor plans and layouts.

2. Detailed Design – developing elevations, materials, and 3D concepts.

3. DA Documentation – preparing drawings for council approval.

4. CC/CDC Documentation – finalising plans for construction approval.

5. Tender & Contract Administration – managing costs and construction delivery.

By starting with feasibility, you build on a strong foundation that supports smoother approvals and a better outcome.

Final Thoughts

Buying or developing a site is a huge investment, and the last thing you want is to discover hidden restrictions or risks after it’s too late. A site feasibility study or desktop study is a smart, relatively low-cost step that gives you clarity, confidence, and control from the very beginning.

It’s about more than just avoiding pitfalls – it’s about maximising the potential of your site and ensuring your project aligns with your goals.

If you’re considering purchasing land, developing your property, or simply want to understand what’s possible, a professional site feasibility study is the best place to start.