New South Wales (NSW) is introducing cost-effective terrace and townhouse designs aimed at making housing more accessible for residents hoping to enter the property market swiftly. Premier Chris Minns unveiled a housing pattern book featuring eight designs curated from internationally recognised architecture firms. These blueprints will be available for just $1 for the first six months and subsequently priced at $1,000, a stark contrast to the typical architectural design costs exceeding $20,000.
The government anticipates that this initiative will alleviate cost-of-living pressures and tackle the existing delays in housing construction across the state. This pattern book follows a competition from the previous year which focused on promoting denser residential developments, including duplexes and terraced homes.
“In NSW, too many individuals have found themselves excluded from the housing market due to escalating costs and a cumbersome building process,” stated Minns. He emphasised the importance of this pattern book in providing more options, facilitating quicker approvals, and delivering affordable, high-quality housing for various demographics, including young first-time buyers, growing families, and downsizers seeking to remain in familiar communities.
NSW government architect Abbie Galvin highlighted the book’s purpose of simplifying the construction of low-rise homes that cater to a diverse population. She noted that the designs presented are practical and sustainable, adaptable for various neighbourhoods while enhancing the local architectural character.
The initiative marks a significant step towards creating a fairer housing system, ensuring that future generations can afford to live and thrive in NSW. Interested parties can view the available designs on the government’s website.