What’s new
On 16 July 2025, the NSW Government launched the Housing Pattern Book (Pattern Book) and a new Pattern Book Development Code in the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 (Codes SEPP 2008). The initiative provides a ten-day approval pathway for eligible sites, using selected residential housing designs.
Designs available now
The Pattern Book provides eight (8) selected designs for:
- semi-detached or dual occupancy homes
- terraces
- manor homes
- row homes
(mid-rise apartment buildings up to 6 storeys will be in a separate pattern book due late 2025)
(Pattern Book Designs)
Each Pattern Book Design normally costs $1,000, but is subsidised to $1 during the six-month launch period of the Pattern Book, currently listed as subsidised until 31 January 2026 on the official shop.
Legislation Amendments (in brief)
- Codes SEPP 2008 now includes Part 3BA – Pattern Book Development Code (Code);
- Environmental Planning & Assessment Regulation 2021 (EP&A Regulation 2021) now includes s131A, requiring a design verification statement from an accredited designer with Complying Development Certificate (CDC) applications using a pattern.
These amendments mean that proposed developments using the Pattern Book Designs can be approved via a CDC by an accredited certifier within a reduced timeframe, rather than through the usual development application to council.
Key Requirements to use a Pattern Book
The Code sets out the following requirements for using the Pattern Book:
- Location: the proposed development is in a low and mid-rising housing residential area, e.g. land within 800m walking distance of nominated town centres and nominated train/light rail stations in the following regions: Greater Sydney, Central Coast, Lower Huner and Newcastle or Illawarra-Shoalhaven. (See Chapter 6 of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021)
- Zoning: the proposed development must be on land in Zone R1 General Residential, Zone R2 Low Density Residential or Zone R3 Medium Density Residential.
- Lot Size: the proposed development is compliant with the minimum lot size requirements for the relevant development type under the applicable environmental planning instruments.
- Usage of the Pattern Book Design: the proposed development must be carried out “in accordance with the development standards, location requirements, technical drawing set and technical information specified in the pattern identified”.
- Sensitive Land: the proposed development is not permitted on specified sensitive land, including bush fire prone land, land in a heritage conservation area or containing a heritage item, flood controlled lots, battle-axe lots, sites for a secondary development or group home, unsewered land, and significantly contaminated land etc. See clause 3BA.6 of the Code for a complete list.
The Pattern Book and the recent amendments to the EP&A Regulation and Codes SEPP do not render previously impermissible developments permissible.
With each purchase of a Pattern Book Design, the NSW Government provides a complimentary Landscape Pattern to guide garden design, aimed at maximising biodiversity and responding to the site’s local climate.
Coming Late-2025: Mid-Rise Pattern Book
The NSW Government plans to release a mid-rise Pattern Book (up to six storeys), featuring designs for:
- compact apartments,
- infill apartments,
- corner lot apartments,
- greenfield area developments.
Get in touch
For advice on development pathways, including use of the Housing Pattern Book, please contact our Local Government and Planning team.
