Strathfield Council is moving to mandate more family-sized apartments in high-rise projects, reflecting the reality that many families are now raising children in units. The proposal would require developments with 10 or more dwellings to allocate up to 20 per cent as three-bedroom apartments under the council’s development control plan (DCP).

Key points for builders and developers

• Two-thirds of Strathfield’s homes are apartments, driving demand for larger layouts.

• The mandate could be approved at a council level without state government sign-off, although similar proposals have faced resistance from the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI).

• Neighbouring councils, such as Canada Bay and Inner West, already enforce similar dwelling mix requirements, with Inner West mandating up to 30 per cent three-bedroom stock in certain developments.

Notable quotes

• Mayor John-Paul Baladi: “Those buildings must be designed for families, not just studios or one-bedders for investors.”

• Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne: “The number of three-bedroom apartments for rent or sale is minuscule and we’ve got to fix that.”

Broader context
The NSW Government is pursuing housing diversity through its Housing Pattern Book and low-to-mid-rise housing policy, aiming to deliver up to 112,000 homes across NSW in the next five years. Baladi has urged other councils to do more, warning that growth should not fall solely on middle and outer suburbs.

Takeaways for industry

• Developers in Strathfield should prepare for potential changes to design requirements as early as next year.

• Larger apartments could become a stronger selling point as councils address family demand in high-density areas.

• Ongoing government policies continue to push for increased supply and more diverse housing options near transport hubs.