The latest concepts to join its Housing Pattern Book, NSW has revealed nine bold new designs that could be coming to a street near you.
The NSW government has launched nine mid-rise apartment building patterns as part of its Housing Pattern Book, designed to accelerate the delivery of new homes across the state.
Ranging from three to six storeys, the new designs build on the eight low-rise home patterns first released in July 2025. The newest designs include four apartment concepts for small lots, three for large lots, and two for corner lots.
An exterior render of Large Lot Apartments 01 by Silvester Fuller. Picture: NSW government
For the first six months, small lot and corner lot designs will be available from $1500, while large lot designs will cost $2500.
Created by architectural firms from Australia and New Zealand, the patterns are described as “light-filled and cross-ventilated” that have a focus on maximising solar access.
One example is Corner Lot Apartments 02 by Spacecraft Architects, a four- to six‑storey shop‑top building designed for corner infill sites. It offers a mix of studio, one-, two-, three‑ and four‑bedroom apartments, each with a balcony connected to the living areas. Residents also have access to a communal rooftop with shared amenities.
Another is Small Lot Apartments 02 by Nguluway DesignInc, a three‑ to four‑storey building featuring studios through to three‑bedroom homes. Communal spaces are provided on each level and in a shared rear garden. The design uses a warm, earthy palette that can be adapted to suit different locations across NSW.
According to the state, the patterns will support its Low and Mid-rise Housing Policy, which introduced planning controls to encourage more of these housing types to be built within 800 metres from town centres and transport hubs.
The housing policy is expected to deliver 112,000 homes across the state over the next five years.
Currently, the mid-rise patterns require a development application (DA) to be submitted to local councils, but the government has issued guidance allowing councils to halve average DA assessment times for these designs.
Coupled with recently passed planning laws, the aim is to make the approval process faster and simpler.
Take a look at the designs below
Corner Lot Apartments 01 by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer. Picture: NSW government
NSW minister for planning and public spaces Paul Scully said mid-rise housing has long been part of the state’s urban fabric.
“These new patterns will write a new chapter for mid-rise homes in NSW, that not only have character but are affordable and sustainable,” Mr Scully said.
“By streamlining approvals and offering ready-to-build designs, we’re removing barriers and helping more people access quality housing sooner.”
The Property Council of Australia welcomed the announcement, calling the new designs a strong step towards expanding well-designed housing supply.
NSW executive director Anita Hugo said success would depend on efficient planning processes.
“We’ve said consistently that good design doesn’t count for anything if projects get stuck for months waiting for a decision. Faster, predictable assessments are critical if the Pattern Book is going to shift the dial on construction starts and completions,” Ms Hugo said.
“The most recent ABS data showed quarterly completions fell from 10,336 to 9,638, and commencements dropped from 12,772 to 11,112. Those numbers spell it out — we still need the faster, clearer decisions flagged in the broader reform package if we’re going to lift approvals, drive commencements and claw back the lag in completions.”
Home designers can purchase a pattern via the NSW government’s website.
Are you interested in learning more about buying and building new? Check out our New Homes section.
English (US) · 