Fresh designs, faster homes: NSW’s Pattern Book offers 9 new designs

New South Wales homebuyers just received a major dose of good news. The Minns Labor Government has unveiled nine new architect-designed mid-rise apartment patterns – another bold step in accelerating the delivery of well-located, beautifully designed housing across the state.

For buyers frustrated by slow build times, unpredictable design quality, and a general lack of options, this is a standout development worth paying attention to.

NSW Premier Chris Minns describes the initiative as a “practical way” to deliver more homes for young people and families, cutting delays and democratising access to high-quality design.

“We are leading the world with the use of pattern books to drive the delivery of new high-quality and affordable homes faster by cutting approval delays and making quality designs more accessible,” he said.

“These changes are another way we’re working to deliver more housing faster, with homes now being approved 15% faster than under the former Government and more homes under construction in NSW than anywhere else in the country.”

What’s new?

The updated NSW Pattern Book now features nine mid-rise apartment designs ranging from three to six storeys, complementing the eight low-rise patterns released earlier this year. These new designs span small lots, large lots, and corner lots, giving developers and communities far more flexibility.

Created by top architectural firms from Australia and New Zealand, the designs champion modern living:

• Light-filled interiors
• Cross-ventilation
• Smart solar access
• Energy-efficient layouts
• Compliance with the Australian Building Codes Board Liveable Housing Design Standard

In short, these homes look good, live well, and are easier to build.

“Mid-rise housing is built into our state’s story, from Art Deco apartments to the red brick walk-ups that are a much-loved part of many communities,” said Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully.

“These new patterns will write a new chapter for mid-rise homes in NSW, that not only have character but are affordable and sustainable.”

Why it matters for buyers

Housing affordability and availability have been front-of-mind across NSW, especially as Sydney continues losing young residents due to cost pressures. According to the Minns Labor Government’s Low and Mid-rise Housing Policy, more than 112,000 homes are expected to be delivered over the next five years, and these pattern-book designs will be key to meeting demand.

Crucially, the government is also smoothing the path to getting these homes approved. While a Development Application is still required, councils have been issued guidance aimed at halving average DA assessment times for the new patterns. Even faster approvals are on the horizon, with upcoming planning laws enabling a streamlined “targeted assessment pathway.”

Faster approvals = faster builds = more homes hitting the market sooner.

Beautiful homes, fraction of the cost

In a significant affordability boost, the NSW Government is offering the designs at a subsidised introductory price:

• $1,500 for small-lot and corner-lot designs
• $2,500 for large-lot designs

That’s roughly 1% of what buyers or builders would typically pay for architect-designed plans.

Government Architect NSW Abbie Galvin ensures their livability, having helped curate designs that are “beautiful, functional, and easy to build, helping more people move into homes that suit their lives, sooner.”

“Architecture plays a vital role in shaping places people want to live,” she said.

“These designs offer a clear pathway to delivering quality homes that contribute positively to the urban fabric.”

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