The NSW Government has unveiled its Housing Pattern Book and a new Complying Development approval pathway aimed at accelerating the delivery of low-rise homes, amid growing pressure to increase housing supply across the state.
Premier Chris Minns and Planning Minister Paul Scully described the initiative as a practical response to affordability concerns, particularly for families, young people, and downsizers.
The new pathway promises approval in just ten days for select pre-approved designs.
“For too long, too many people in NSW have been locked out of the housing market by rising costs and a system that made it too hard to build. We’re changing that,” Premier Minns said.
“This Pattern Book is about giving people more choice, faster approvals, and affordable, high-quality homes – whether you’re a young person trying to get in, a family needing more space, or a downsizer looking to stay close to the community you know”.
The Pattern Book offers eight architect-designed terrace, townhouse, and manor house templates priced at just $1 per design for the first six months – which is a substantial discount on designs that would typically cost more than $20,000.
Each plan includes a complimentary landscape design to support biodiversity and climate suitability.
“The NSW Housing Pattern Book allows people to select an architect designed home, that comes with a landscape plan and an approval pathway that only takes a week to complete so they can start building almost immediately,” said Minister Scully.
“Much of Sydney was built on pattern books. They look great, they’re simple and cost-effective. We’re accelerating these designs with their own approval pathway so those wishing to build can get an approval in one week”.
The initiative complements broader reforms to permit more low and mid-rise housing near transport hubs and town centres.
It builds on the outcomes of a 2024 international design competition and follows a roadshow run in partnership with the Government Architect NSW to gather industry input.
Government Architect Abbie Galvin said the designs were intended to “positively contribute to the character of a street” and would support housing diversity.
“We are making it quicker and easier to build new low-rise homes that offer housing diversity for the whole community”.
Industry leaders have also welcomed the announcement, and Katie Stevenson, Executive Director of the Property Council of Australia (NSW), said the move aligns with long-standing industry recommendations and will help streamline delivery timelines.
“Releasing pre-approved, architect-led designs with a dedicated fast-track pathway is a clear step toward delivering the homes our communities need – faster, more affordably, and with confidence in the outcome. It’s about cutting red tape without cutting corners,” Ms Stevenson said.
The Property Council has also called for digital visualisation tools and better integration between the Pattern Book and broader planning frameworks, including Transport-Oriented Development precincts.
Ms Stevenson emphasised the need for “high-quality, modest, sustainable housing options that are ready to go,” noting the Pattern Book will be instrumental in meeting NSW’s target of 377,000 new homes by 2029.
Michael Howard, Chief Financial Officer at Bunnings, also expressed support: “This is a great step toward making sustainable, affordable homes more accessible, and I’m sure will be welcome news for those looking to build.
At a time when the construction sector is doing it tough, this initiative will provide much-needed support and boost housing options across NSW”.
The Complying Development pathway will be operational from 30 July 2025.
