Homes in Parramatta and Western Sydney
Suburbs like Merrylands, Toongabbie, Seven Hills and much of Blacktown were built out from the 1950s to the 1970s with fibro, weatherboard and brick-veneer cottages on decent blocks, many since extended or replaced with duplexes. Granny flats are common. Parramatta itself has a mix of Federation homes, older red-brick unit blocks and a fast-growing skyline of new apartment towers near the river and the station. Westmead, Wentworthville and Harris Park have older houses and plenty of 1960s and 70s units. The ground across the region is mostly Cumberland Plain clay, which moves with the seasons and affects footings, driveways and paving.
Councils and approvals
The City of Parramatta covers Parramatta, Westmead, Epping and North Rocks. Blacktown City Council covers Blacktown, Seven Hills and Toongabbie's northern side, while Cumberland City Council covers Merrylands, Granville, Wentworthville and Auburn. Parramatta has heritage items and conservation areas around its historic centre and in Harris Park. Low-lying land near the Parramatta River, Toongabbie Creek and the creeks feeding Prospect and Blacktown may be flood-affected. Each council's Section 10.7 certificate shows heritage, flood and other constraints before you plan a build.
Jobs Western Sydney homeowners ask for most
Bathroom renovations lead the list, especially in 1960s and 70s homes with their original tiles and plumbing. Kitchen renovations and laundry renovations follow closely. Concrete driveways, fence installation and carport builders are steady requests on suburban blocks, and pergola builders are busy for outdoor living. Roof restoration and gutter replacement keep older tiled roofs going. Where clay movement has caused cracking, homeowners ask about underpinning. Cladding installation is popular for updating tired fibro and weatherboard exteriors.
Councils and suburbs
Councils: City of Parramatta, Blacktown City Council, Cumberland City Council.
Suburbs include: Parramatta, Blacktown, Merrylands, Toongabbie, Seven Hills and surrounds. If your postcode is nearby, we’ll still look for crew members who cover it.
Local service guides
Common questions
Do I need council approval for a new driveway in Western Sydney?
Work on your own land usually doesn't need a development application, but the crossover between the footpath and the kerb is council property and needs a separate permit from the City of Parramatta, Blacktown or Cumberland councils. Ask each quoting concreter who will handle the crossover approval and whether it's included.
My old fibro home might have asbestos. What should I do?
Many homes built before the mid-1980s contain asbestos cement sheeting in walls, eaves, bathrooms and fences. Don't drill, sand or remove it yourself. Have it identified before work starts, and use a licensed asbestos removalist for anything more than a small amount. Tell trades about it when you describe the job so they can plan safely.
Is my block flood-prone?
Parts of Parramatta, Blacktown and Cumberland near rivers and creeks are mapped as flood-affected. The quickest check is a Section 10.7 certificate from your council, which lists flood, heritage and other constraints. Flood controls can affect floor levels for extensions and granny flats, so find out early.
Can I fit a granny flat in my backyard?
In NSW a secondary dwelling can often be approved as complying development if the block is big enough and the design meets the standards. Heritage, flood and easements can get in the way. The NSW Planning Portal and your council can confirm what's possible, and a builder will tell you what's realistic for the site.