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.
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
What is low-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.
What is mid-rise housing?
Mid-rise housing is 3- to 6-storey apartment buildings. These can be freestanding or within a mixed-use residential development.
Featured case studies
Replacing a single-storey bungalow near Bondi Beach, these townhouses present differing faces to the street, while internally the floor plans are mirror images. Each is designed in an L-shape around 3 lightwell or courtyard spaces.
Gantry carefully integrates new residential buildings with existing industrial building fabric to preserve the rich history of the site. The mixed-use neighbourhood comprises 4 apartment buildings and 26 terraces.
The Abbey is an amalgamation of 2 lots containing a heritage-listed community church and 2 dwellings sold by the church. The proposal turns the site into 7 homes to create a new community.
The project’s response to the existing lot grain and warehouse typology has led to the establishment of a three-storey street frontage, featuring apartments and flexible spaces that project a strong civic presence.
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.
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.