Property Council NSW Executive Director Katie Stevenson said the announcement reflected key recommendations from industry and aligned with broader reform to unlock housing supply and reduce assessment timeframes.
"Releasing pre-approved, architect-led designs with a dedicated fast-track pathway is a clear step toward delivering the homes our communities need - faster, more affordably, and with confidence in the outcome. It's about cutting red tape without cutting corners," Ms Stevenson said.
The Property Council provided early and ongoing input into the development of the Pattern Book, including partnering last year with the NSW Government Architect to deliver a dedicated roadshow in Sydney, Wollongong, and Newcastle, engaging hundreds of industry stakeholders across NSW.
"This announcement reflects the value of true partnership. Industry input has helped to shape a system that can get more homes to market, more efficiently, and with strong design quality built in," Ms Stevenson said.
The Property Council has consistently supported the integration of the Pattern Book with low and mid-rise planning reforms and called for the introduction of complying development and streamlined DA pathways to speed up delivery. The organisation has also advocated for:
- A digital platform with visualisation tools to support strong uptake;
- Practical design standards that avoid unnecessary delays;
- A focus on ease of building and feasibility alongside good design and amenity;
- Clear policy alignment between the Pattern Book and the broader planning framework, including Transport-Oriented Development (TOD) precincts.
"The Pattern Book initiative will unlock more terraces, townhouses and mid-rise apartments in areas that need them most, around transport hubs and job centres," Ms Stevenson said.
"Having architect-led designs with an accelerated approval pathway available will save time and money for developers, councils and communities alike," she said.
Ms Stevenson said the Pattern Book would play a critical role in helping NSW meet its National Housing Accord target of 377,000 new homes by 2029.
"We've said from the start: this isn't about a one-size-fits-all approach. It's about high-quality, modest, sustainable housing options that are ready to go," Ms Stevenson said.
