The NSW government has introduced sweeping reforms to allow duplexes and semi-detached homes across 97 per cent of local councils, aiming to increase housing supply in well-located areas.
The new amendments have significantly reduced the requirements for duplex development, with blocks now only needing a 12m frontage on a 400sq m block, down from the previous requirement of 15m frontage and 600sq m block.
Housing Industry Association senior economist Thomas Devitt told realestate.com.au that the reforms address a critical gap in Australia’s housing market.
“Australia’s capitals do have a challenge in terms of that missing middle between the endless sprawl into the outside suburbs of low density and the huge apartment sky rises, and there really needs to be that in between around other amenity and other infrastructure exists,” Mr Devitt told realestate.com.au.
“Australia’s capitals do have a challenge in terms of that missing middle between the endless sprawl into the outside suburbs of low density and the huge apartment sky rises, and there really needs to be that in between around other amenity and other infrastructure exists.
He said that “local voices,” were ensuring houses still needed to be of a certain size, deterring the risk that this reform could create shoebox homes, as well as near transport to avoid the issue of further congestion.
Builder Ari Aristides, who has been constructing duplexes for two decades, said the changes will significantly impact housing supply across metropolitan Sydney.
He said that multi-generational families and those helping adult children enter the property market would benefit most from these reforms.
“It gives opportunities now for those parents who have children who want to be able to afford a property but can’t, to make it a lot more affordable,” Mr Aristides said.
The reforms are also attracting downsizers who want to remain in their communities while moving to more manageable properties.
He said councils are now embracing the change, with many developments falling under complying development, reducing barriers to construction.
“Especially in metro Sydney, this will help with supply, some areas or blocks you can’t build units … big areas with single homes now they’re allowing you to have two and supply has been the biggest problem in Sydney in the last two years,” Mr Aristides said.
