Few issues in Western Australia’s property market spark as much discussion as the question of how we accommodate our growing population while maintaining the lifestyle and affordability that Perth is known for.
Finding the right balance between greenfield and infill development, with an aim to consolidating growth and increasing housing choice is critical to Perth’s future, and in the context of the current housing supply crisis, essential to meeting housing demand.
An important piece of Perth’s housing supply puzzle is also supporting the delivery of medium density housing including townhomes and low rise apartments in a range of locations (including greenfield and infill areas) to suit buyers including singles and couples, downsizers and families looking for low maintenance, potentially more affordable housing options that are in proximity to activity centres or other amenities.
Despite the importance of medium density development to WA’s housing mix, as an industry this product type remains challenging to deliver in terms of making project feasibility ‘stack up’ due to high materials and construction costs, there are also other potential challenges in relation to community sentiment in existing areas, as well as the potential for lengthy and complex planning and approvals processes to navigate.
Medium density: the bridge between greenfield and infill
UDIA WA has long advocated for a balanced approach to Perth’s growth. One that recognises the essential role of both greenfield and infill development.
In greenfield areas, medium density can help create complete communities by supporting local centres, activating public spaces, and providing a mix of housing that allows residents to stay within their community as their needs change over time.
In infill areas, medium density provides an important transition between low rise, single residential homes and high rise apartment development, allowing suburbs to evolve gradually, and providing new housing options while maintaining the character and scale that residents value.
When delivered well, medium density enhances communities, and that is why capability, design quality and a clear understanding of the planning framework are all needed to execute outstanding developments that meet community expectations.
Navigating the new planning landscape
Changes to the R Codes and the broader planning system have created both opportunities and challenges for the delivery of medium density development in the WA context. The intent is to lift the quality of medium density outcomes and ensure they respond to market needs and community expectations, but navigating these changes requires a shared understanding across developers, planners, designers and project managers.
The industry is being asked to deliver more diverse housing in a more complex regulatory environment, at a time when demand is high and delivery pressures are significant.
Supporting industry uplift
To help meet this need, UDIA WA Educate has developed the Introduction to Medium Density professional development course, delivered by respected industry experts with deep experience in the WA context.
The course is designed to build practical, actionable knowledge across four key areas:
- Understanding the role of medium density in planning for Perth’s future
- Recognising the benefits of delivering medium density across single houses, grouped dwellings and multiple dwellings, and how these products can respond to different market segments.
- Navigating the planning framework, including recent R Code changes, approvals pathways and the processes required to achieve high quality outcomes.
- Learning how to plan, design and gain approval for medium density projects that meet market expectations and align with policy objectives.
Like many of UDIA WA Educate’s courses, Introduction to Medium Density Development is a practical, industry led program designed to equip participants with the tools, insights and confidence to deliver medium density well.
Presenters of this course include planners and development managers from well-known and respected organisations including CLE Town Planning + Design; TBB Planning, Hames Sharley; Niche Planning Studio; Celsius Property Group; Summit Homes Group; Stockland and Wolfdene.
A conversation WA must continue
Quality medium density development has the potential to improve the diversity and affordability of Perth’s housing supply, and it is important that as an industry we seek to continually improve and broaden our understanding of delivering housing that meets the needs of our community now, and into the future.
To find out mor about UDIA WA Educate’s Introduction to Medium Density Development, visit the website here.
By Tanya Steinbeck
