The benefits of Low Rise Medium Density Housing

16/11/2018
Article by: Urban City Group

Currently, most new homes built in NSW tend to fall into two categories; traditional freestanding houses and apartments. Low rise medium density housing provides an alternative, as a more affordable housing option.

 

Medium density housing enables families to have a greater choice about where they'd like to live, grow, raise a family and retire. For the Jabbours (watch the video below), building a dual occupancy means that they can choose to live in the same neighbourhood that they grew up in and stay close to their family and friends.

 

The NSW Government is helping to provide more housing diversity that suits NSW’s changing and growing population. To support this need the NSW Government released the Low Rise Medium Density Housing Code.

 

Low rise medium density housing infographic - Our population is getting older, More housing diversity to suit a range of lifestyles and needsLow rise medium density housing infographic - A growing population 1.7 million by 2036, Sydney needs more affordable housing options

 

Background

With a changing and growing population, Sydney needs more housing choice. The NSW Government is helping to provide more housing diversity that suits the needs of residents.

 

In 2015, we released the Discussion Paper: Options for low rise medium density housing as complying development which sought feedback on allowing low rise medium density housing to be carried out under a fast tracked complying development approval pathway. The aim is to make approvals for these housing types faster and more straightforward, providing greater housing choice and supply. 

The draft Medium Density Design Guide and Explanation of Intended Effect (EIE) was exhibited from 12 October until 23 December 2016. The draft Design Guide and EIE proposed changes to allow low rise medium density housing as complying development to promote these types of housing as an alternative to freestanding houses and apartments.

The full article can be found on the NSW Governments Department of Planning & Environments website here: https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Policy-and-Legislation/Housing/Medium-Density-Housing