NSW Government
Planning

Benefits for you and your community

Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy

Dual occupancy housing with view of a lake in Fairview, NSW. Credit: NSW Department of Planning and Environment
 

The NSW Government is committed to housing the people of our state. Our households are changing, but for a long time we haven’t been building the kind of homes people want.

Meet Deeksha and find out how living in a mid-rise housing complex means she can enjoy convenience, a sense of community and connection to green spaces.

The Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy will help transform the way we approach housing in NSW. Here are 5 ways the policy will benefit communities.

More choice of homes

We need a variety of housing options to cater for different housing needs, preferences, and life stages. The diverse and well-located homes program will encourage more low rise and mid-rise housing to fill the gap between detached homes and high-rise apartments. This means better choices for the types of housing that suit people's changing needs.

Low-rise housing: one- to 2-storey housing

Mid-rise housing: 3- to 6-storey housing

Mt Druitt, NSW – Example of mixed density housing.

Homes close to transport, shops, services, and open spaces

It’s not just about delivering more homes; communities need access to the right infrastructure that supports them. Neighbourhoods that have good access to transport, schools, hospitals, shops, and open space help people live healthy and productive lives.

Fairwater, NSW – Example of dual occupancy housing.

Housing that is more affordable

NSW has some of the lowest housing density in the world. Building up, rather than out, not only saves money but it helps create housing supply – which creates affordability.

Building homes in well-located areas, close to transport hubs and town centres, can help reduce the cost of living by giving people access to walkable amenities, cost-effective transport options, and a variety of housing options.

Mowbray Road, Lane Cove, NSW – Example of more affordable homes.

Faster delivery of more homes

Building homes near existing infrastructure and amenities is more cost-effective. It also means quicker construction so people can get into homes faster. More development also offers an opportunity to revitalise urban areas.

New housing development at Bayside West Precinct, NSW.

Well-designed homes

Design criteria and a pattern book of endorsed housing designs will help encourage more well-designed and well-located low and mid-rise housing options for NSW households.

Read more about the proposed changes to create more homes across NSW at the NSW Planning Portal.

Lardelli Drive, Ryde, Sydney NSW - Example of Medium Density Housing. Credit: NSW Department of Planning and Environment / Christopher Walters

Types of homes in NSW

  • Infographic illustration of detached housing.
    Illustrative example of detached housing.
  • Infographic illustration of low-rise housing.
    Illustrative example of low-rise housing.
  • Infographic illustration of mid-rise housing.
    Illustrative example of mid-rise housing.
  • Infographic illustration of detached housing.
    Illustrative example of high rise housing.

More information

Mid-rise housing on Finlayson Street, Lane Cove NSW. Credit: James Grabowski/DPHI
Site selection
Example of low-rise housing on Darling Street, Balmain NSW. Credit: James Grabowski/DPHI
Unpacking low-rise housing
A modern, mid-rise apartment block on a leafy street. The building has curved, slatted corners, corrugated iron enclosed balconies and street-facing balconies with timber privacy screens.
MHNDU Architects: Pavilion.
Credit: Brett Boardman
Low- and mid-rise housing patterns
Example of low-rise housing on Smith Drive, Penrith NSW. Credit: James Grabowski/DPHI
Frequently asked questions