- Published:
- Wednesday 3 June 2026
The Allan Labor Government’s planning reforms are driving a townhouse boom across Victoria.
Since the Townhouse Code was introduced in March last year, applications for homes have surged by almost 50 per cent – jumping from 4,800 to 7,000.
The Melbourne areas that saw the most applications for homes:
- Monash with 515 homes (51 per cent increase from previous year)
- Merri-bek with 452 homes (39 per cent increase)
- Banyule with 402 homes (98 per cent increase)
- Darebin with 345 homes (63 per cent increase)
Planning permits in Melbourne’s middle suburbs have jumped from 2,000 to more than 3,100 in just one year.
Regional Victoria is also benefiting, with Greater Geelong recording 664 homes (83 per cent increase) and Greater Bendigo recording 166 homes (207 per cent increase).
The Townhouse Code is a planning pathway that fast-tracks approvals for duplexes, townhouses, and low-rise apartments up to three storeys.
The Code sets clear standards for good development.
That means access to sunlight, tree coverage and open space, alongside better layouts, well-sized bedrooms and protection from overlooking.
If a project meets those standards, it can move through the planning system faster and homes can be built sooner.
The Code is part of the Labor Government’s housing reforms to build more homes close to transport, jobs and services while protecting the things people value about their communities.
Last year, Jess Wilson’s Liberals voted in Parliament to scrap the Townhouse Code.
If they had their way they would cut our planning reforms, stopping thousands of homes from being built.
Only Labor has the plan to build more homes and make housing more affordable for Victorians.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny
“Thousands more townhouse applications in a year shows our reforms are working.”
“These reforms are about giving young Victorians and families more housing choice in the communities they love.”
“The Liberals voted to scrap the Townhouse Code – now it’s delivering a townhouse boom here in Victoria.”