The Minns Government’s Plan to Fix the Housing Crisis: More Homes, Less Headaches

Let's face it: finding a place to live in New South Wales these days feels like trying to win the lottery—except the prize is a shoebox-sized apartment with a view of your neighbour's laundry. But fear not, because the Minns Labor Government has rolled up its sleeves and unveiled a new policy that brings a ray of hope to the housing crisis, making the prospect of finding a home a little less daunting.

Introducing the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy, a plan to deliver 112,000 new homes across NSW over the next five years. That's right—112,000 roofs over heads, 112,000 places to call home, and hopefully, 112,000 fewer people couch-surfing at their in-laws' place.

What's the Big Idea?

The policy is all about filling the "missing middle" in housing. No, this isn't about finding lost socks—it's about creating more options between towering skyscrapers and sprawling suburban estates. Think terraces, townhouses, and low-rise apartment buildings—the homes that used to be everywhere but have somehow become as rare as a polite comment on social media.

Here's the kicker: the new rules will allow these types of homes to be built within an 800-metre radius (or a 10-minute walk) of 171 town centres and train stations across Sydney, the Central Coast, Illawarra-Shoalhaven, and the Hunter regions. That means more homes where people want to live—close to shops, schools, and public transport.

Why This Matters

Let’s be honest: NSW is in a housing crisis. Prices are through the roof (pun intended), and renting feels like a never-ending game of Monopoly where you’re always paying rent, never collecting it. Without these changes, the government warns that NSW risks becoming a state where the only people who can afford a home are those who've been saving since the invention of the wheel.

The new policy aims to:

• Boost the housing supply (because we're running out of places to live).

• Improve affordability (because no one should have to sell a kidney to afford a deposit).

• Maintain the character of neighbourhoods (because no one wants their street to look like a dystopian sci-fi movie).

What's Changing?

Right now, the rules around housing are stricter than a bouncer at a fancy nightclub. For example:

• Only 2 out of 33 councils in Greater Sydney allow terraces and townhouses in low-density zones.

• 60% of medium-density zones don't allow residential flat buildings.

The new reforms will:

• Allow terraces, townhouses, and low-rise apartments in low-density (R1 and R2) zones.

• Permit medium-rise apartment buildings in medium-density (R3 and R4) zones.

• Let councils still assess important issues like parking, light access, and building design (because no one wants to live in a dark, cramped box).

Where Will These Homes Be Built?

The government has picked locations based on the following:

• Access to shops, schools, and services (no one wants to drive 30 minutes for a loaf of bread).

• Public transport (because sitting in traffic is the worst).

• Infrastructure capacity (because no one likes a flooded street or a power outage).

• Local housing targets (because we need homes where people want to live).

Oh, and before you ask—yes, the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, and Wollondilly areas have been excluded from the reforms due to bushfire and flood risks. These areas, while scenic and desirable, present unique challenges for housing development due to their topography and environmental factors. Because, you know, safety first.

What About Heritage Areas?

Good news for history buffs: the new rules won't apply to heritage-listed buildings. However, they will use  heritage conservation areas only with council approval. So, your grandma's Victorian terrace is safe—for now.

The NSW Pattern Book: Fancy Homes, Fast-Tracked

Here's where things get cool. The government is rolling out the NSW Pattern Book, a collection of architect-designed housing plans that can be built in the newly zoned areas. Think of it like IKEA, but it is pre-designed, stylish, and ready to go for homes.

And the best part? If you use the Pattern Book, you'll get fast-tracked planning approval. That means less waiting and more time to argue with your partner about paint colours.

What the Bigwigs Are Saying

Premier Chris Minns had this to say:

“These homes have played an important part in delivering housing over the last century, but recently councils have effectively banned them. This reform changes that. Housing is the single largest cost-of-living pressure, and these changes will deliver more homes for young people, families, and workers."

Planning Minister Paul Scully added:

"This policy fills a gap in new housing supply. Allowing low- and mid-rise housing in more locations will help increase the number of homes in our state, improve affordability, and give people a choice in the type of home they want to live in."

When Does This All Happen?

Mark your calendars: the new rules kick in on 28 February 2025. So, if you've been dreaming of a townhouse near the train station or a low-rise apartment close to the shops, your time is coming.

The Bottom Line

The Minns Government's Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy is a bold move to tackle the housing crisis head-on. Creating more homes in well-located areas gives young people, families, and workers a fighting chance to find a place to live without selling their souls.

So, whether you're a first-home buyer, a downsizer, or just someone tired of living in a shoebox, there's hope on the horizon. And who knows? Maybe one day, finding a home in NSW won't feel like winning the lottery.

For more info, check out the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy.

If you’ll excuse me, I'm off to measure my living room to see if it qualifies as a "low-rise apartment."