Housing Estates Part 1: The way we live has changed

27 Aug 2014

Reproduced from the Penrith City Gazette
By Ian Horner
First published Aug. 27, 2014, 3:20 p.m.

Where did the idea for masterplanned estates come from and what are homebuyers getting for their money? We talk to UrbanGrowth NSW to begin our special three-part report. Words and pictures by IAN HORNER.

SO MUCH has changed since our parents’, and grandparents’, triple-fronted red-brick house on a quarter acre back in the Fifties and Sixties. We neither have the land available — nor the desire to spend all weekend looking after it.

Housing styles have had to change with the times. And after a few false starts and mis-directions, 20 years ago designers and developers hit upon what has gradually turned the whole industry on its head — masterplanned housing communities. These are self-contained estates completely planned before anyone lays a brick. With infrastructure, open spaces, community buildings, shops, schools and services all built into the blueprint and the types of housing specified before a lot is even offered for sale.

Click here to read the full article.

News and insights

Related articles

Annandale project plans submitted for assessment

To deliver our vision for The Joinery Annandale, in June 2025 we submitted two applications to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for assessment.

7 July 2025

Our draft Community Participation Plan is now on exhibition

27 Apr 2022

Transformation of Riverstone Scheduled Lands continues

14 July 2020
Sign up

Get the latest news

Stay up to date on insights into our plans, projects and partnering opportunities