The Minns Government has officially released the NSW Housing Pattern Book, a landmark initiative aimed at fast-tracking the delivery of affordable, high-quality housing across the state.
With housing affordability remaining the single biggest cost-of-living pressure for NSW residents, this initiative provides a bold and practical solution — architect-designed duplex, terrace, townhouse, and manorhouse plans for just $1 each, for a limited time.
Later in the year plans will be released to mid rise apartment development.
Affordable, Ready-to-Build Designs
Developed through an international design competition, the Pattern Book features eight architect-endorsed low-rise designs suitable for a range of residents from families and young professionals to downsizers. These ready-to-build homes typically cost over $20,000 in design fees, but for the first six months, they’ll be available for just $1 per plan for the first 6 months significantly reducing the cost to build.
Each design is:
- Architecturally refined and endorsed by the Government Architect NSW
- Compliant with NSW planning rules
- Livable Housing Standard-ready, including adaptable layouts and step-free access
- Paired with a free landscape pattern to promote climate-responsive, biodiversity-friendly gardens
How to Use the NSW Housing Pattern Book
Follow these simple steps to get started with your Pattern Book home:
1. Select the Design That’s Right for You:
✅ Duplexes, terraces, townhouses, and manorhouses and choose the option that best suits your lifestyle, budget and site.
2. Adapt the Design to Your Site and Preferences
✅ Tailor the selected design using a range of pre-approved variations to suit your land, orientation, and personal preferences all while staying compliant with planning rules.
3. Work with an architect or designer
✅ Collaborate with a registered architect or building designer who can help refine your design, provide expert advice, and ensure all requirements are met.
4. Prepare and Lodge Your Planning Documentation
✅ Finalise your documentation — including drawings, reports, and relevant approvals — and submit your planning application. If eligible, you may be able to build through the fast-tracked Complying Development pathway, starting from 30 July 2025.
Faster Approvals, Less Red Tape
Starting 30 July 2025, eligible developments using Pattern Book designs will be able to access a new Complying Development pathway, allowing construction to commence in as little as 10 days following application — a major shift from the typically drawn-out approval process.
This fast-tracked pathway aims to:
- Reduce delays and holding costs for builders and developers
- Speed up the delivery of new homes near key infrastructure and services
- Support small builders and homebuyers looking to simplify their path to home ownership
Backed by Low and Mid-Rise Reforms
The Pattern Book rollout builds on the Government’s recent Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms, which have made it easier to build terraces, townhouses and manorhouses around transport hubs and town centres. With this policy shift, it’s estimated that over 112,000 homes could be unlocked over the next five years.
Why It Matters
This initiative addresses several key challenges in the current housing landscape:
- Affordability: $1 designs make high-quality housing accessible to more people
- Efficiency: 10-day approvals remove major roadblocks to construction
- Inclusion: All homes are adaptable and support diverse community needs
- Sustainability: Climate-aware design and landscaping promote greener living
- Choice: More housing types across more suburbs for all life stages
What This Means for Buyers, Developers and Investors
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, downsizer, or small developer, the NSW Housing Pattern Book presents an unprecedented opportunity to build smarter, faster, and more affordably. With plans tailored for modern living, accessible price points, and streamlined approval pathways, this initiative is set to reshape the future of housing in NSW.
For more information or to access the Pattern Book designs, visit the NSW Government Architect website.