The low-rise designs can be developed under the complying development pathway, significantly reducing assessment timeframes. However, as with other complying development, high-risk or constrained land – including sites prone to bushfire or flooding, or battle-axe lots – are excluded. A Complying Development Certificate (CDC) must include a design verification statement prepared by an architect or accredited designer to ensure that the proposed development complies with the pattern design intent.  

Each pattern includes:

The low-rise (2 storey) pattern drawings include semis, terraces, manor homes and row homes. They are currently being offered at a subsidised rate for $1, although this is expected to increase to $1,000 in 2026.  

Mid-rise (3 to 6 storey) designs for small, corner and large lot apartments have also recently been released and are available at a subsidised introductory price ranging between $1,500 and $2,500 per design, depending on the lot type, for the first six months.

A streamlined development application (DA) is the primary approval pathway for mid-rise developments. The mid-rise patterns serve as a foundational framework to fast-track the DA drawing process but not necessarily the assessment process itself. Each pattern has been endorsed by the Government Architect NSW and aligns with the intent of the Apartment Design Guide (ADG), though it does not necessarily achieve full compliance with the ADG.  

While the patterns are based on general metric assumptions, each design must be refined to suit specific site constraints, compliance requirements and sustainability standards. Eligibility requirements include demonstrating appropriate solar access for the development and neighbouring sites, ensuring proposed driveway crossings match permitted locations, and providing adequate waste management and storage provisions.  

The mid-rise patterns can be used on sites where LMR Housing Policy and Transport Oriented Development (TOD) reforms apply, and the large lot apartment patterns can apply elsewhere across NSW where residential flat buildings are permissible with consent. 

A mid-rise pattern design can still be used on an ineligible site if the development is permissible. A standard DA, even if using a pattern, will be subject to a full merit assessment by the assessing local council, including consideration of the local planning controls and the ADG.   

The relevant legislation for mid-rise design patterns will be a dedicated Chapter in the Housing SEPP. 

The relevant legislation to refer to for low-rise patterns is the Pattern Book Development Code 2025.