a day ago
NSW Government unveils New Housing Pattern Book amid Sydney pinch with designs for just $1
The new face of Sydney's terraces and townhouses has been revealed as the state government opens up its design book for would-be home builders for just $1.
The NSW Labor government's New Housing Pattern Book will launch on Wednesday morning with eight terrace, townhouse, and manor house designs.
Aimed at families, couples, and downsizers, the designs have been endorsed by the Government Architect following a 2024 design competition.
For the first six months, the designs will be available for $1 each before rising to $1000, much less than the typical $20,000 price-tag for an architecturally-designed home.
Premier Chris Minns said the government's Pattern Book was intended to give home buyers '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 downsizers looking to stay close to the community you know,' he said.
'This is a practical step to make the housing system fairer – and make sure NSW remains a place where the next generation can afford to live and thrive.'
Planning Minister Paul Scully said the government was accelerating the designs, which he described as being 'simple and cost-effective'.
'The NSW Housing Pattern Book takes the guesswork and the delay out of home-building,' he said.
'These designs are high-quality, easy to build, and for the first six months, they'll cost $1.
'These designs offer choice, with less complexity, making it easier to build homes in NSW.'
Housing remains the single biggest cost of living pressure in NSW, with the Productivity Commission finding Sydney was losing twice as many young people as it gained.
The designs contained in the book are intended to be adaptable to different family sizes and housing needs, including different room formations and layouts.
Each design will also be accompanied by a complimentary Landscape Pattern to help new homeowners design their own garden that 'suits the climate'.
A new approval pathway will also be implemented to fast-track building of the design-book homes, which will be subject to an advertising campaign.
Bunnings CEO Michael Howard said the design book would provide much needed to support to the construction sector in NSW and boost supply.
'Bunnings is ready to help builders, developers and homeowners bring these architect-designed homes to life,' Mr Howard said.
The design book comes as the Minns' government continues to face pressure over housing following the failure of the Rosehill Racecourse sale.
The project would have seen 25,000 new homes and a Metro station erected on the site, but was shot down by members of the Australian Turf Club.
Mr Minns is yet to formally unveil the state government's 'Plan B' following the failed sale, with a focus on new housing developments located close to the CBD.
