If you’ve been thinking about developing your property, maybe adding a second dwelling, creating a townhouse pair, or building something for family and future investment, now might be the best time in years to do it.

Recent planning changes have made it easier and faster to develop medium-density housing such as dual occupancies, duplexes, and small townhouse projects.

But the opportunity also comes with complexity.

What qualifies? How much can you build? And how do you avoid getting stuck in months of council back-and-forth?

In this article, we’ll break down what the new medium-density push means, how it affects approvals, and how strategic, compliant design can help you unlock the full potential of your site.

What’s Changing in Victoria’s Medium-Density Housing Policy

Victoria’s housing market is at a turning point.

With population growth and affordability pressures mounting, the state government is making it easier to build more homes on existing residential land.

Under the Victorian Housing Statement (updated 2024), the goal is to deliver 800,000 new homes over the next decade, with a strong focus on medium-density projects, including dual occupancies, duplexes, and small townhouse developments.

To do this, the state is making it easier to build two or more dwellings on existing residential lots, especially if the design meets ResCode and local planning standards.

In short:

  • Councils are now encouraged to fast-track smaller, compliant developments.
  • There’s less red tape for well-designed, policy-aligned projects.
  • Homeowners can unlock more value from their land, without entering full-scale development territory.

That means the opportunity is there, with fewer obstacles, simpler planning, and faster approval, but only for designs that get compliance right from the start.

(Source: Victorian Housing Statement 2024 – More homes for Victorians)

What This Means for Homeowners and Small Developers

If you own a home on a generous block, or you’re thinking about buying one, these changes open up real possibilities:

  • Build a second home at the rear of your property for family or rental income.
  • Develop a duplex (side-by-side design) and live in one while selling or renting the other.
  • Subdivide your land to create long-term equity or fund your next project.

The Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) highlights that medium-density infill housing will play a key role in meeting future demand, particularly near public transport and existing amenities.

The key consideration is every local council still applies strict planning controls.

That means setbacks, site coverage, overshadowing, parking, and neighbourhood character still matter.

Even a small non-compliance, like a window overlooking a neighbour, can delay your approval or trigger advertising and objections.

(Source: Biggest Planning Shake-Up In Decades Will Deliver More Homes)

Compliance is the Key to Unlocking Your Site’s Potential

Think of compliance as the passport to fast, stress-free approvals.

To qualify for fast-track assessment or VicSmart-style processing, your design must fully comply with ResCode - the framework that governs height, setbacks, open space, and privacy standards.

Key factors councils check include:

  • Building height and site coverage
  • Front, side and rear setbacks
  • Overshadowing and overlooking impacts
  • Vehicle access and private open space

If your design ticks every box, it can qualify for fast-tracked VicSmart-style approvals, with decisions in as little as 10 business days in some cases.

But if it doesn’t, you could be looking at 6–10 months of waiting, public advertising, and potential objections.

According to the Victorian Auditor-General’s Office (2024), non-compliant documentation remains a leading cause of planning delays.

So the difference between 10 days and 10 months? It’s all in the design.

(Source: Victorian Auditor-General’s Office (2024))

Why Smart Design Now Delivers Faster Approvals (and Better Outcomes)

The new planning framework rewards projects that are well-designed and fully compliant.

That’s where the value of a strategic architect comes in.

At BQ Architects, we design with compliance and creativity in mind.

We make sure your design isn’t just beautiful, it’s approval-ready.

Here’s how we do it:

  • We stay ahead of policy. Our team stays up to date with every change to planning policy and ResCode, so your design always meets the latest standards.
  • We collaborate early. We involve planners, surveyors and consultants from concept stage, preventing issues before they reach council.
  • We design strategically. Every line, setback, and window placement is considered, so your design complies without compromise.
  • We communicate clearly. Our documentation and council submissions are complete, precise, and built for quick assessment.

The result? Fewer revisions, faster approvals, and smoother progress to construction.

How BQ Architects Helps You Make the Most of the New Rules

Our clients are already seeing the benefits of this approach:

  • Two-townhouse development in Melbourne’s east: approved in 12 business days through the VicSmart pathway.
  • Dual-occupancy project in Glen Waverley: approved without advertising or objections.

These results aren’t luck.

They come from good design, precise compliance, and proactive communication, the three pillars of how BQ Architects work.

Ready to See What’s Possible on Your Land?

If you’re considering a townhouse, duplex, or second-dwelling development, now is the time to explore what’s possible.

Victoria’s new housing reforms are creating opportunities for well-planned, compliant designs, and we’re here to help you make the most of them.

Talk to BQ Architects today to design something that’s not only beautiful, but ready to build, approved faster, and built smarter.