Western Australians are set to have greater choice when it comes to affordable housing, with the State Government backing the development of micro lot projects across certain areas of Perth.

A new policy direction from the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) will pave the way for developers to build very small homes – or micro lots – in new residential areas and transit precincts.

Micro lots are typically two-storey homes that sit on subdivided 80-100sqm blocks, but aren’t subject to any strata fees.

The release of the WAPC guidelines comes off the back of a successful micro lot pilot project in Ellenbrook which won the best Small-Scale Infill Development Award at the 2018 Urban Development Institute of Australia Western Australia (UDIA WA) Awards for Excellence.

Residential builders Now Living teamed up with developer LWP Property Group and the Department of Communities to create a micro lot precinct of 11 double-storey homes, 10 of which were on 80sqm lots.

Buyers had the choice of two housing plans – a two-bedroom, one-bathroom layout, or a two-by-one – with the house-and-land package priced from $299,000.

With the WAPC position statement providing a level of certainty for developers when dealing with small lot products, Now Living General Manager Paul Spadanuda said there were now options for builders to increase density in applicable areas.

“There is a lot of talk in the industry about the ‘missing middle’ and alternate ways to increase density other than the current options available,” he said. “Micro lots are a great alternative that showcase density and affordability without the need to compromise on liveability or quality.

“One of the main advantages to this style of product is the low-maintenance lifestyle as well as the ability to build on a green title lot so there is no requirement for strata fees and other ongoing costs.”

The new policy direction is part of the State Government’s push to reduce urban sprawl and encourage urban infill as Perth’s population increases. Research has predicted 3.5 million people will be living in Perth and Peel by 2050.

The micro lot strategy also ties into the government’s $4.1 billion Metronet railway project which will see new public transport links sprout up around Perth.

Prominent Perth architect Suzie Hunt said the WAPC statement supported the community’s need for affordable, well-designed homes close to infrastructure.

“I see this as a welcome change of policy direction – providing affordable houses in places where people can actually afford to live and work,” she said.

“It will help provide opportunities for young people to purchase their own home in community centres close to shops and public transport and for older people to downsize in the areas they have lived for years with the support networks they know and trust.

“Building poorly designed ‘affordable’ houses to the extreme north and south of Perth, in areas that have no public transport or established community hubs, is not actually affordable if you can’t afford to fill your tank to drive for hours to get to your job, or there is no flexible childcare or healthcare providers or support networks.”

Ms Hunt, the immediate past President of the WA chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects, said as long as design was well considered, micro lots would be a welcome addition to Perth.

With the Ellenbrook project proving a success in the eyes of industry and the general public, Now Living Executive General Manager Troy Gorton said there had already been a number of discussions around incorporating the micro lot product into other developments.