The Western Australian state government is developing a pattern book of pre-approved home designs to slash red tape and accelerate residential construction across the state.
Funded as part of a AU$4.7 billion housing package in the 2026-27 State Budget, the AU$2 million initiative aims to streamline the often-convoluted planning process. By providing a library of high-quality, architect-designed templates, the government expects to drastically reduce the time developers and builders spend on design and approvals.
The pattern book will specifically target medium-density infill projects, such as townhouses, tailored to fit common urban lot sizes. The move is designed to boost housing density in established suburbs, particularly those located near METRONET stations and major public transport hubs.
Treasurer Rita Saffioti said the initiative was about providing more choice and making it easier and cheaper for the industry to deliver quality homes.
“We want more Western Australians to own their own home which is why we are investing in innovative construction methods to deliver more housing choice right across our suburbs,” Saffioti said.
“It will help deliver more homes around our METRONET stations, delivering on our vision to create well-connected communities close to public transport, jobs and services.”
To ensure the new builds meet modern expectations, all designs in the book must adhere to strict standards for energy efficiency, universal access, and climate-resilient construction.
The project is being spearheaded by the Government Architect of Western Australia, following similar successful models recently implemented in New South Wales.
Planning and Lands Minister John Carey said that the government is focused on tackling the housing crisis by cutting red tape and unlocking land.
“The development of a pattern book will further enable us to get housing out the door faster, especially for much-needed medium density projects,” Carey said.
