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Intro

Medium-density housing — townhouses, duplexes, terraces, and low-rise apartments — is one of the most powerful but underused tools in Western Sydney’s housing mix. It offers more space than an apartment, more affordability than a freestanding home, and the potential to create vibrant, walkable neighbourhoods. Yet despite its benefits, it remains rare in our region’s housing supply. This post explores why medium-density matters, what’s stopping it from being built, and how the Greater Western Sydney Advocacy Network (GWSAN) is working to make it part of our housing future.

What is Medium-Density Housing? 

Medium-density housing sits between detached houses and high-rise apartments. It includes housing types such as:

• Townhouses – multi-level homes sharing side walls.
  
  

• Duplexes – two homes on one lot, sharing a central wall.
  
  

• Terraces – rows of narrow, attached houses with private entrances.
  
  

• Low-rise apartments – 2–4 storey buildings, often walk-up style without lifts.
  
  

These housing forms work well in established suburbs with good access to shops, schools, parks, and public transport. Globally, they are a normal part of the housing mix, providing choice for people at different life stages and incomes. In Western Sydney, however, they make up only a small share of new builds.

Why It Matters for Western Sydney 

Medium-density housing addresses multiple challenges at once:

• Affordability: Shared walls, smaller lots, and more compact designs lower both construction and land costs. This can make home ownership or renting more attainable for first-home buyers, young families, and downsizers.
  
  

• Choice: It provides an alternative to the “either/or” of a freestanding house or a high-rise apartment, which is particularly important as household sizes diversify.
  
  

• Efficient Land Use: Higher dwelling density per block supports more people living close to jobs, schools, and transport — reducing sprawl into greenfield areas.
  
  

• Community Vitality: Areas with more medium-density housing often have the population base to support local shops, better public transport, and improved services.

Barriers to building Medium-Density Homes 

Planning Restrictions

Many council planning controls still favour detached housing. In some suburbs, medium-density housing is only permitted on a small fraction of land, often far from transport hubs. Height limits, minimum lot sizes, and restrictive zoning codes further constrain development.

Infrastructure Gaps

Residents often oppose medium-density proposals because they fear added pressure on roads, schools, parks, and public transport. In many areas, infrastructure is delivered years after housing is built — or not at all — fuelling resistance to change.

Financial Feasibility

Small and medium developers — who are best placed to deliver high-quality medium-density projects — face disproportionately high costs and risks. Lengthy approval processes, expensive compliance requirements, and limited access to financing can make projects unviable.

Lessons from other Cities

• Brisbane: Introduced its “Missing Middle” initiative, streamlining approvals for townhouses and duplexes in designated zones. Approval times dropped, and supply increased without sacrificing quality.
  
  

• Vancouver: Rezoned most single-detached lots to allow duplexes and triplexes citywide, boosting housing diversity in established neighbourhoods.
  
  

• Auckland: Relaxed height and density restrictions near transport corridors, leading to a surge in low-rise apartment and townhouse construction.
  
  

These examples prove that policy reform can unlock medium-density housing while maintaining — and even enhancing — neighbourhood character.

How GWSAN is Driving Change

At GWSAN, we believe medium-density housing is a cornerstone of a fairer, more sustainable Western Sydney. Our work includes:

• Policy Advocacy: Promoting the Fair Share Framework to ensure infrastructure funding keeps pace with housing delivery.
  
  

• Community Engagement: Hosting discussions and workshops to show residents how medium-density can improve liveability.
  
  

• Case Studies: Highlighting developments that have successfully integrated into local communities without causing negative impacts.
  
  

🔗 Related: The Fair Share Framework: A New Way to Fund Infrastructure

What you can do

• Join the conversation: Share your views on our LinkedIn page.
  
  

• Contact decision-makers: Send this article to your local councillor or MP to highlight community support for smarter housing options.
  
  

• Stay informed: Sign up for our updates to get the latest on housing policy changes, community forums, and advocacy campaigns.

Conclusion

Medium-density housing can help deliver a fairer, more liveable Western Sydney — but only if we tackle the policy, infrastructure, and financial barriers standing in its way. By learning from other cities, reforming planning rules, and engaging with communities, we can create neighbourhoods that are affordable, diverse, and sustainable for generations to come.