NSW Offers $1 Home Designs with Fast-Track Approval
July 16, 2025
The NSW Government has released a set of housing templates to fast-track new homes in established suburbs. The NSW Housing Pattern Book, published on 16 July, contains eight low-rise designs that may qualify for construction approval within 10 days.
This initiative forms part of the Minns Government’s broader housing strategy. It follows recent zoning reforms that expanded where terraces, townhouses and manor houses are permitted across the state.
Fast-Tracked Approvals and Low-Cost Access
From 30 July 2025, the new templates will be eligible for a complying development pathway. If a project meets all planning rules, and the site is appropriately zoned, approval can be issued within 10 days.
Each package includes PDF and CAD drawings, a BASIX summary, a landscape guide, and a verification statement template. To proceed, a registered architect or building designer must confirm that the application matches the selected pattern and complies with all requirements.
The full price for each design is $1,000 per lot. However, the government is offering the templates for $1 per lot until 31 January 2026 to lower barriers and encourage early use.
Semis 01 by Anthony Gill Architects
Designs Originated from Open Competition
The eight templates were selected through a public design competition in 2024 and endorsed by the Government Architect NSW. Notably, the contributors include Anthony Gill Architects, SAHA, Sam Crawford Architects, Carter Williamson, Officer Woods, and Studio Johnston.
Although each design is fixed in principle, they include flexible room configurations to support a variety of household types and lot sizes. The current release covers only low-rise typologies such as semis, terraces, row homes and manor houses. At this stage, the Pattern Book does not include walk-ups or mixed-use formats.
A Technical Toolkit, Not a Policy
While the Pattern Book supports recent planning reforms, it is not a statutory control. Its use is optional. Councils are not required to adopt or reference it in assessments outside the fast-track process.
To evaluate feasibility, the government has commissioned pilot projects through Landcom and the Land and Housing Corporation. These demonstrations will test construction efficiency, site fit, and delivery timeframes. As a result, the patterns may evolve over time.
Political and Planning Context
The launch builds on wider reforms to boost supply around town centres and public transport. At the same time, it responds to long-term warnings from the NSW Productivity Commission. That body recently reported that Sydney is losing more young residents than it attracts — raising concerns about affordability, migration, and demographic balance.
Premier Chris Minns said the release aims to provide faster approvals and more choice.
“This Pattern Book is about giving people more choice, faster approvals, and affordable, high-quality homes,” he said.
Planning Minister Paul Scully added that the templates reflect a return to proven development methods.
“Much of Sydney was built on pattern books,” he said. “They look great, they’re simple and cost-effective. We’re accelerating these designs with their own approval pathway so people can get an approval in one week.”
Terraces 01 by Carter Williamson
Advertising and Rollout
To support take-up, the government will run an advertising campaign targeting buyers, builders, and designers. The eight designs are now available on the Planning NSW website.
The 10-day assessment pathway will open on 30 July 2025. Until then, industry can review the designs and prepare for lodgement.
Participating Architects
The following firms contributed to the first eight designs in the NSW Housing Pattern Book:
