Government-backed architect designs now available for $1 each
The New South Wales government has introduced the NSW Housing Pattern Book, a collection of low-rise residential designs, alongside a new fast-track approval process intended to accelerate home construction and address the state’s housing shortage.
The Pattern Book features eight architect-endorsed designs for terraces, townhouses and manor houses, developed following an international design competition earlier this year. These designs, aimed at families, young people and downsizers, will be available for $1,000 each.
However, for the first six months, the government is offering each design for just $1, a move intended to make architect-designed homes more accessible. Typically, custom architectural designs can cost upwards of $20,000.
Each purchase also includes a complimentary landscape plan tailored to local biodiversity and climate, helping new homeowners create suitable gardens.
The state government has also launched a new Complying Development pathway, which will allow eligible homes based on the Pattern Book to receive approval within ten days, provided all necessary assessments are completed. The pathway will be available from 30 July 2025. This initiative is expected to reduce costs and delays often faced by home-builders.
The Pattern Book and the new approval process build on the government’s Low and Mid-Rise Housing reforms, which have expanded the types of homes permitted across NSW, particularly around transport hubs and town centres. The state government will promote the Pattern Book through a new advertising campaign targeting potential homebuyers and builders.
“For too long, too many people in NSW have been locked out of the housing market by rising costs and a system that made it too hard to build. We’re changing that,” said NSW premier Chris Minns (pictured).
“This Pattern Book is about giving people 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 downsizer looking to stay close to the community you know.
“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.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the new system streamlines the building process. “The NSW Housing Pattern Book allows people to select an architect designed home, that comes with a landscape plan and an approval pathway that only takes a week to complete so they can start building almost immediately.
“Much of Sydney was built on pattern books. They look great, they’re simple and cost-effective. We’re accelerating these designs with their own approval pathway so those wishing to build can get an approval in one week.
“The NSW Housing Pattern Book takes the guesswork and the delay out of homebuilding. 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.”
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