A simple idea that could help solve our housing crisis

August 12, 2026 — 5:35pm

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The proposal by the former NSW building commissioner David Chandler to help people priced out of the property market by building cheaper dwellings seems straightforward – but ideas that have large consequences are often simple.

Chandler envisages government-approved pattern book designs that use economies of scale to deliver newly built apartments priced at less than $1 million to help people on the cusp of owning a home. Chandler claims his model could reduce building costs by at least 20 per cent, noting developers normally needed to attract a $1.2 million sale price and generate profit margins of about 20 per cent.

Australia is in the midst of a housing crisis that shows no sign of abating. The big squeeze on renters and aspirational home........

© The Sydney Morning Herald