We need more housing choice to suit people’s changing lifestyles and fill the gap between detached homes and high-rise apartment buildings.
By delivering more variety in low- and mid-rise housing, we can strike a balance between preserving the character and value of our existing neighbourhoods while catering to changing community needs.
We want stakeholders and the community to interact with the map to see that the low- and mid-rise housing we are proposing in our reforms, already exist and are successful across the state. Visit the housing map to learn more about low-and mid-rise housing, see what good housing looks like and use it as inspiration for future housing across NSW.
Watermark proves that infill buildings with a small footprint can deliver excellent amenity for residents, sunlight for living rooms and balconies, and natural ventilation for a high proportion of apartments. 
Tubbs View + Hamilton Corner is within the grounds of the Sulman Award-winning UTS campus in Lindfield. 
The Treehouse apartments in Beaconsfield live up to their name. Vertical gardens, lush communal courtyards, and a rooftop terrace have created an urban oasis in Green Square. 
Traces is a mixed-use warehouse block of 20 units in the heart of Sydney’s Surry Hills. 
Thornton Terraces showcase quality innovative housing on small lots, specialised housing for people with disabilities, resilient design, affordable housing and apartment living 
The Pavilions at Freshwater take a modern, urban approach to the typical beachside townhouse.
Good design for low- and mid-rise housing
Well-designed low- and mid-rise housing projects contribute positively to neighbourhood character and streetscape. They have a built form, scale, and density suited to their context. They sensitively consider amenity, neighbours and privacy and can include landscape spaces that allow good tree canopy cover. You will see many of these features in the houses included on the map.
Low- and mid-rise housing
Low-rise housing is one- to 2-storey buildings that range from dual occupancies (2 dwellings on the same lot), to terraces, townhouses, and manor houses.
Mid-rise housing is 3- to 6-storey apartment buildings. These can be freestanding or within a mixed-use residential development.
Featured case studies
Thank you to our valued partners Australian Institute of Architects, Regional Architects Association, Planning Institute Australia and Property Council Australia, whose members have helped Government Architect NSW curate this database of low- and mid-rise housing.
We're always looking for more great projects to feature on our interactive map. If you know of other examples in your neighbourhood worth sharing with the people of NSW, email [email protected]
Diverse and well-located homes reforms
The department is focused on creating more diverse housing types with proposed reforms underway to unlock more low- and mid-rise housing in well-located areas. These reforms are now under review following a community consultation. The reforms will be finalised later in mid-2024 through changes to planning legislation.
Pattern book of housing design
Government Architect NSW is developing a pattern book of endorsed low- and mid-rise housing designs. The book will give patterns and guidelines for more high-quality, sustainable housing that suits our existing neighbourhoods. Learn more about the pattern book.