NSW’s new $1 Housing Pattern Book offers architect-designed home plans with fast-tracked approvals.
Each design purchase also includes a free Landscape Pattern, to help homeowners create gardens that support local biodiversity.
The initiative removes key barriers to getting quality homes approved faster and more affordably.
It’s not every day you hear the words “architect-designed” and “one dollar” in the same sentence. But that’s exactly what the NSW Government has launched this week: a collection of high-quality home designs made available for $1 as part of a bold new plan to make housing more accessible, efficient, and affordable.
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said in his statement to press, “For too long, too many people in NSW have been locked out of the housing market by rising costs and a system that made it too hard to build. We’re changing that.
“This Pattern Book is about giving people more choice, faster approvals, and affordable, high-quality homes – whether you’re a young person trying to get in, a family needing more space, or a downsizer looking to stay close to the community you know.”
Let’s unpack what this really means for everyday homeowners.
What you’re actually getting for $1
You’re buying a set of architectural drawings that the government explains would normally set you back up to $20,000. The NSW Housing Pattern Book features eight (and this is the important part) pre-approved designs by top architects like Sam Crawford, Carter Williamson, and Anthony Gill.
The designs cover townhouses, terraces and dual occupancies, the kinds of homes urban planners have been asking for as a solution to the "missing middle."
Each design purchase also includes a free Landscape Pattern, designed to help homeowners create gardens that support local biodiversity and are tailored to their regional climate.
Each design is available for $1 for the first six months, as part of the government’s introductory offer. After that, the cost will rise to $1,000 per design.
But these aren’t full working drawings ready to send straight to a builder. What you’re getting is:
A set of architectural concept plans
Plans that are already pre-vetted for fast-tracked planning approval if they're in an eligible zone
Designs that meet NSW planning rules for medium-density housing
They’re good-looking, functional, and compliant. The $1 plan is not the full kit to break ground tomorrow, you’ll still need:
Site-specific engineering and certification
Adaptations for things like bushfire zones, slope, or soil
A builder willing to work with and cost the design
Council or private certifier sign-off via a Complying Development Certificate (CDC)
So yes, it’s a massive head start. But it’s not a plug-and-play solution.
Image Source: Carter Williamson Architects
Skipping the red tape
The big win here isn’t just the price, or the beautiful designs, it’s the process. Use one of these Pattern Book designs, and you can bypass a lot of the planning rigmarole. Submit it as a Complying Development and councils can then give you approval in 10–20 business days, provided the project meets all required planning controls. No drawn-out DA process. No six-month waiting list with local planners.
For homeowners and investors who’ve spent years in development limbo waiting on council meetings and local outrage over two-storey builds, this is a functional policy lever.
The designs are available to homeowners where low- and mid-rise housing is permitted with consent, the eligibility for fast-tracked approval may not apply. In these areas, developments would need to go through the standard Development Application (DA) process, which typically involves longer approval times and may require additional assessments.
Image Source: Studio Johnston
What NSW’s $1 housing pattern book does not solve
Land supply or affordability
Labour and construction bottlenecks
Infrastructure shortfalls (schools, sewers etc)
The reality is that many Australians struggle to afford the $20K cost of a custom design. When faced with the option of a basic, standard home or a beautiful pre-approved design that offers more flexibility, the Pattern Book is a great option. While you’ll still need some professional guidance, it saves you from starting from scratch and offers a practical solution.
If you’re an upgrader, landowner or investor trying to make a savvy next move, this is a tool worth knowing about. You could potentially:
Cut months off your build timeline
Save on design costs
Bypass the red tape that slows most medium-density projects to a crawl
And while this won’t bring prices down overnight, it signals something bigger: a shift in policy thinking.
The NSW Government’s $1 house designs are a serious attempt to bring speed, design quality and affordability into the planning system. As Premier Minns said, “This is a practical step to make the housing system fairer – and make sure NSW remains a place where the next generation can afford to live and thrive.”
If you’ve got the land, the builder and the appetite to move quickly, it might be the fastest way to get a quality home out of the ground without getting stuck in approval quicksand.
Image Source: Sam Crawford Architects
FAQs about the $1 NSW house designs
How many home designs are available through the NSW Pattern Book?
The Pattern Book currently includes eight architect-designed templates, covering housing types like dual occupancies, terraces, and manor houses. These designs were created by award-winning NSW firms, including Sam Crawford Architects, Carter Williamson, Saha, and Anthony Gill Architects.
How much do the designs cost?
Each design is available for $1 for the first six months, as part of the government’s introductory offer. After that, the cost will rise to $1,000 per design. This includes the architectural plans and approval pathway, but not construction drawings or site-specific documentation.
Are these designs pre-approved for fast-tracked planning?
To qualify for fast-tracked approval under the NSW Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy, your site must meet specific planning requirements. Additionally, the site must comply with non-discretionary development standards such as minimum lot size, frontage, building height, and floor space ratio, as outlined in the policy.
Do the $1 plans include everything I need to build?
The Pattern Book includes architectural drawings, layout guidance, and key documentation for planning approval. Each design purchase also includes a free Landscape Pattern, designed to help homeowners create gardens that support local biodiversity and are tailored to their regional climate. You’ll still need to engage a builder, engineer, and potentially a certifier to:
Adapt the design to your site
Provide structural, drainage, and energy efficiency documentation
Apply for a Construction Certificate
Are there ongoing fees or licensing costs?
No. Once you purchase the design, it’s yours to use on your approved site. There are no ongoing licensing fees or usage restrictions beyond those related to local planning and compliance.
Will more designs be added to the Pattern Book?
Yes. The NSW Government has stated that the Pattern Book will expand over time, with additional designs and housing types planned for future releases. The aim is to provide a broader mix of styles and layouts to suit different sites, budgets, and family needs.
Where can I access the designs?
You can browse the Pattern Book and purchase designs via the official NSW Government website here.