The Most Game-Changing Planning Reforms in 60+ Years

NSW has introduced sweeping low- and mid-rise housing reforms designed to deliver up to 112,000 new homes over five years by streamlining planning controls across Greater Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle/Hunter, and Illawarra-Shoalhaven regions

Permitting dual occupancies in all R2 zones across NSW (from 1  July 2024) unlocking immediate duplex potential
Stage 2 reforms (from 28 February 2025) enable terraces, townhouses, manor houses, low-rise apartments (up to 6 storeys), and shop-top housing within 800 m of 171 town centres and transit hubs
Non-discretionary planning standards for height, floor-space ratio, lot size, and parking override restrictive local council rules and a clear path for approvals

Instant Site Value Creation: Zoning uplift acts like instant equity, examples include homeowners doubling value (e.g. a house selling for $8M now commanding $16M)
Immediate Development Pathway: “Missing middle” housing types—like granny flats, duplexes, and small apartment buildings—are now legal in suburban areas, enabling fast-track development
Better Planning Certainty: State-level overrides reduce approval risks, limit council delays, and shorten consent timeframes—a major advantage for off-market deals

High-Yield, Low-Risk Opportunities: Granny flat and dual occupancy blocks in rezoned suburbs provide strong cash flow now, with development potential later.
Path to Manufactured Growth: Tap into off-market value before broader market catches on—then convert sites into high-value developments.
Strategic Timing Advantage: These reforms are recent (July 2024 & February 2025), so early movers can secure below-market sites with hidden upside.
Scaleable Strategy: Whether you're buying your first investment or your fifth micro development, these reforms unlock a repeatable, profitable playbook.

As your local property investment partner, we:

Map council zones, train lines, and town centres to find eligible dual and multi-dwelling sites.
Use non-discretionary standards to model feasibility before purchase.
Access off-market sites with instant equity potential.
Provide data-backed acquisition and development strategies aligned to your goals.