NSW unveils apartment designs that can now get building approval quickly

The latest concepts that make up the Housing Pattern Book, NSW has unveiled nine bold new designs that could be coming to a street near you.

The NSW Government has launched nine mid-rise apartment patterns as part of its Housing Pattern Book, aimed at accelerating the delivery of new homes across the state.

The new designs, ranging from three to six stories, build on the eight low-rise housing patterns first released in July 2025. The latest designs include four apartment concepts for small plots, three for large plots and two for corner plots.

For the first six months, small lot and corner lot designs will be available starting at $1,500, while large lot designs will cost $2,500.

The patterns, created by architectural firms from Australia and New Zealand, are described as ‘light-filled and cross-ventilated’ and aim to maximize access to solar energy.

An example is Corner Lot Apartments 02 by Spacecraft Architects, a four- to six-story retail building designed for corner infill locations. It offers a mix of studios, one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments, each with a balcony connected to the living areas. Residents also have access to a communal roof with shared facilities.

Another example is Nguluway DesignInc’s Small Lot Apartments 02, a three- to four-storey building with studio to three-bedroom homes. Common areas are provided on each level and in a communal backyard. The design uses a warm, earthy palette that can be adapted to different locations across NSW.

According to the state, the patterns will support low- and mid-rise housing policies, which introduced planning controls to encourage the construction of more of these housing types within half a mile of city centers 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 the average DA assessment times for these designs.

Combined with recently passed planning laws, the aim is to make the approval process faster and easier.

View the designs below

Corner plot apartments 01 of Tonkin Zulaikha Greer. Photo: NSW Government

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NSW Minister for Planning and Public Space Paul Scully said mid-rise homes have long been part of the state’s urban fabric.

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

“By streamlining approvals and offering turnkey designs, we are removing barriers and helping more people access quality homes faster.”

The Property Council of Australia welcomed the announcement, calling the new designs a strong step towards expanding the supply of well-designed homes.

NSW chief executive Anita Hugo said success would depend on efficient planning processes.

“We have consistently said that good design goes nowhere if projects are stalled for months waiting for a decision. Faster, predictable reviews are critical if the Pattern Book is to push the dial on starting and completing construction,” Ms Hugo said.

“The latest ABS data shows that quarterly completions fell from 10,336 to 9,638, and starts fell from 12,772 to 11,112. These figures make it clear: we still need the faster, clearer decisions highlighted in the wider reform package if we are to lift approvals, boost starts and reverse the slowdown in completions.”

Home designers can purchase a pattern from the NSW Government website.

Would you like to know more about purchasing and new construction? Then view our New Homes section.