Victoria is overhauling its planning approvals, slashing red tape to expedite compliant apartment and townhome projects.  

This is a welcome boost for the industry, offering a more efficient pathway to delivering much-needed homes and supporting housing affordability. “It’s encouraging to see the state make the delivery of homes easier; this is urgently needed. It will make great strides towards balancing out the rising demand,” says Luke Kelly, National Managing Director of Built Form at RPM Group. 

A new era for medium density housing 

The government’s automatic approval process for compliant projects eliminates months of planning delays, offering developers greater certainty.  

The new Townhouse and Low-Rise Code sets clear guidelines to streamline approvals while maintaining a strong focus on quality design and sustainability. By making it easier to deliver well-located medium density housing, this change has the potential to boost supply in key areas without impacting liveability.  

In addition to the Code, the state is also pushing for increased residential density in key activity centres by adding 25 more suburbs to the original 10. Additions include South Yarra, Prahran, and Brunswick.  

These changes align housing growth with access to transport, jobs, and infrastructure investment, ensuring that new developments contributed to well-connected and vibrant communities.  

Balancing speed and quality  

This presents both opportunities and key considerations for developers.  

“We welcome any initiative that removes unnecessary barriers to delivering more homes,” said Steve Williams, Sales Director of Metro at RPM Group. 

Faster approvals will allow low rise apartment and townhome projects to move from conception to construction more efficiently – increasing feasibility. However, ensuring that speed does not come at the expense of quality is crucial.

With medium density housing playing an increasingly significant role in meeting Victoria’s housing needs, affordability is also front of mind.

Navigating the changes  

RPM Group recognises the importance of reducing barriers to housing delivery, however, maintaining build quality is crucial for long term success. Our Metro division closely tracks policy shifts and market trends to help developers navigate the evolving market.  

With expertise in site selection, market demand, and planning strategies, we ensure our clients are well positioned to capitalise on new opportunities while delivering high-quality, affordable homes that stand the test of time.