New Industry Benchmarks

The State Government has released the highly anticipated Better Apartment Design Standards.

These Standards will apply to all apartment development across Victoria once they are introduced into the Victorian Planning Provisions from March 2017.

All current developments will be assessed under the existing provisions. 

Following months of close collaboration with Government, the Property Council is satisfied that these Standards have achieved a balance between affordability and the liveability of apartments in Victoria. 

A brief overview of the Design Standards can be found here. 

Key highlights include:

• Accessibility provisions being reduced to per cent of apartments in a development and altered to allow for flexibility in bathroom design;
• Natural ventilations being reduced to 40 per cent of apartments in a development;
• Room depth being increased to 9 metres with dual aspect apartments being exempt;
• Storage provisions including internal storage in the bedroom as well as the kitchen and bathroom;
• A snorkel ratio being included under the windows provisions; and 
• The mandatory setback provisions being replaced with a provision that considers urban context and local planning provisions.

Going forward, the Property Council believes that education for industry and councils is going to be crucial to ensure that this policy delivers the quality outcomes expected.

The Property Council also encourages the State Government to review the Standards in a year’s time to ensure that results match the vision. 

To access the full Design Standards, click here.

The Property Council’s media release can be found here. 

For more details, please contact Daniella Stutt, Senior Policy Advisor, Property Council of Australia on 96 8300.