Looking to build your first home? Are you looking in a medium-density area? The NSW Government has just released its Housing Pattern Book, which contains eight architect designed patterns, each available to purchase for the next six months for the low sum of $1. The NSW Planning Minister, Paul Scully, says these designs will speed up the delivery of new homes in NSW. This is because the perk of using one of these designs is that they are pre-approved by the Government, meaning the process of seeking approval to build by developers and homeowners is fast-tracked.

After these first 6 months are up, the plans will be available for purchase for $1,000, still a heavy discount from the industry standard of $20,000.

The designs in the Pattern Book were selected through a competition launched by the NSW State Government in 2024 as part of major changes to the state’s planning systems. Eight different architects from across Australia had designs selected, and the options include terraced homes, townhouses and manor house apartments, but it does not include free-standing homes. The idea of the designs is to densify existing suburbs by creating ecologically conscious and economic homes situated in what the state government calls Transport Oriented Development zones – meaning they are close to railway lines and shopping centres. Further, each of the designs is adaptable for different sizes, requirements regarding parking and geographical constrains like steep blocks.

One of the designs by Walyalup based firm Officer Woods has already won an international design competition for their proposal. The base design of three terraces, all fitting neatly on a single lot, boasts flexible and spacious interiors that leave enough space for families to enjoy gardens and trees.

Carter Williamson Architects, from Sydney’s leafy Inner West suburb of Summer Hill, twist the classic Sydney terrace house with a sleek modern red brick exterior and a hidden internal courtyard. Similarly to Officer Woods’ design, the minimum number of homes is 3, but can stretch down a whole street – even the steep streets of Sydney.

Surry Hills’ own Studio Johnston, who specialise in multi-residential projects, have adapted the classic eastern suburbs two-up-two-down apartment design in their Manor Homes. Their apartments offer elegant and refined living within the convenience of a smaller building, so their personality doesn’t get lost in the large developments seen in inner Sydney. While the buildings themselves look like one single home, they allow for density while integrating seamlessly into established neighbourhoods.

This new pattern book is an exciting look into the future of Sydney housing, where not every new development has to be large scale. This will mean medium-density areas of Sydney like Surry Hills, Milson’s Point or Coogee can continue to develop, without having to give over large swathes of land to 100+ apartment dwellings.

As NSW Premier Chris Minns says: “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.”