NSW Launches $1 Housing Designs With 10-Day Approval

The NSW Government has launched a new Pattern Book offering low-cost, fast-tracked housing designs to ease the state’s housing crisis.

Each design will cost just $1 for the first six months, rising to $1,000 thereafter – a steep discount from the usual $20,000 fee for similar architectural plans.

The Pattern Book includes eight low-rise home designs, ranging from terraces to townhouses and manor houses. These were selected through a competitive process and formally endorsed by the Government Architect.

Each design prioritises adaptability, catering to various household structures and lifestyles. Features include an emphasis on natural light, ventilation, energy efficiency, and insulation. Some designs allow flexible use of space, such as converting garages into bedrooms, adding home offices, or creating shared gardens.

“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 for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully.

“These designs offer choice, with less complexity, making it easier to build homes in NSW.”

Unlocking access to homes

A new Complying Development pathway will accompany the Pattern Book and is available from 30 July.

The government says the initiative will reduce both professional design and approval costs, encouraging more residents to build near transport hubs and town centres, and enabling the delivery of affordable, medium-density housing across the state.

“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 Chris 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.”

Historic style, modern speed

NSW Government Architect Abbie Galvin said: “I am excited to be able to share these patterns that can be used by the development industry, architects, planners, councils and communities.”

“The pattern book offers practical and sustainable designs that can be adapted to suit many neighbourhoods, positively contributing to the character of a street,” she added.

The Pattern Book draws inspiration from Sydney’s historical tradition of pattern-book housing, known for being attractive, efficient, and cost-effective.

The government will promote the Pattern Book to prospective homebuyers and builders through a public campaign.