On February 28, 2025, the NSW government launched the second stage of its housing policy aimed at promoting the development of low and mid-rise housing options.
This initiative is focused on increasing the availability of dual occupancies, terraces, townhouses, apartments, and shop top housing across key regions including Greater Sydney, Central Coast, Lower Hunter and Newcastle, and Illawarra-Shoalhaven. View an
indicative map of the low and mid-rise housing areas.
Key Features of the Policy
- Strategic Location: Targeting residential zones within an 800-meter walking distance from nominated town centers and train/light rail stations.
- Planning Controls: To facilitate the construction of different housing types. These include dual occupancies, multi-dwelling housing, and residential flat buildings, each with specified standards for lot size, floor space ratios, and building height.
- Housing Variety: To offer a broad range of housing options, from one- to two-storey low-rise housing to three- to six-storey mid-rise housing, catering to diverse needs and life stages.
3 of the 5 key dwelling provisions are listed below. For the full list and more information is provided in the summary of key provisions.
DUAL OCCUPANCIES
Low and Mid-Rise Housing areas in R1, R2, R3 and R4 zones (where permitted):
Lot size: min 450 m2
- Lot width: min 12 m
- Floor space ratio: max 0.65:1
- Height of building: max 9.5 m
- Car parking: 1 space per dwelling
- Subdivision (R1, R2, R3 only): min 225 m2 per lot / 6 m width per lot
MULTI-DWELLING HOUSING
Multi-dwelling housing apply in Low and Mid-Rise Housing areas in R1, R2, R3 and R4 zones (where permitted):
- Lot size: min 600 m2
- Lot width: min 12 m
- Floor space ratio: max 0.7:1
- Height of building: max 9.5 m
- Car parking: 1 space per dwelling
MULTI-DWELLING HOUSING (TERRACES)
Multi-dwelling housing (terraces) apply in Low and Mid-Rise Housing areas in R1, R2, R3 and R4 zones (where permitted):
- Lot size: min 500 m2
- Lot width: min 18 m
- Floor space ratio: max 0.7:1
- Height of building: max 9.5 m
- Car parking: 0.5 space per dwelling
- Subdivision (R1, R2, R3 only): min 165 m2 per lot / 6 m width per lot
Ingenuity Home Design can facilitate in the successful implementation of these policies and committed to fostering housing solutions that are not only well-designed but also meet the evolving needs of today’s residents.
