Understanding LHDS - The Livable Housing Design Standards

When you're building a new home, it's easy to focus on must-have features, say, the floor plan, the kitchen, the facade and block size. But a truly future-proof home takes it further. It anticipates how you live now and how you might live in years to come. That’s where the concept of liveable housing design comes in.

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) created a liveable housing design guide. This guide is essential for new home builds. If you know these standards, you can design a home that’s perfect for now and adaptable to future needs.  
 

What is the Liveable Housing Design Standard?

On October 1, 2023, significant changes came into effect across much of Australia with the introduction of the Liveable Housing Design Standard under the National Construction Code (NCC) 2022. These standards were derived in part from the previous Liveable Housing Design Guidelines, and form part of the regulatory framework for Class 1a homes (single dwellings) and Class 2 sole-occupancy units.

The Liveable Housing Design Standard is a set of technical provisions created by the ABCB that ensures new homes fit a wider range of people. These could be elderly family members, anyone with mobility issues, families with little kids or anyone who wants a home that's easy to move around in.

In simple terms, the Liveable Housing Design Standard is all about building homes that are suitable for whatever is ahead.
 

What are the Liveable Housing Design Guidelines?

Liveable Housing Design Guidelines are a set of voluntary standards published by Liveable Housing Australia (LHA). The guidelines include 15 critical items of design and provide three performance levels (Silver, Gold and Platinum) to help homes exceed the minimum accessibility and flexibility requirements.

Although they are only guidelines, they set a high level of quality and sustainable living. For buyers who construct homes according to these guidelines, it demonstrates that they are looking ahead and choosing a home that will be secure and accessible throughout all life phases. 

The difference is, the guidelines provide the roadmap, while the standards set the minimum legal requirement.

Eden Brae Homes incorporates Liveable Housing Design standards and guidelines into our Universal Housing designs. 
 

Why These Design Principles Matter

When you build with the liveable housing design guide in mind, you’re doing more than ticking boxes. You’re investing in:

• Long-term comfort: Features like step-free entry or wider doorways make everyday living easier, whether you’re carrying groceries or need a walker one day.
• Adaptability: Instead of costly renovations later, a home built to these standards is ready for change, such as having children, ageing and catering for family members or guests with mobility need.
• Resale value and market appeal: Houses that meet or exceed liveability requirements draw a wider clientele and stand out in the marketplace.
• Cost-effectiveness: The extra cost is usually very low. Typically, these features account for only 1% of the overall build cost.

Features from the liveable housing design guide reflect a smart, functional approach to building, making your investment more stable.
 

Key Features of the Liveable Housing Design Standard and Guidelines

Here are some of the practical features you’ll find under the liveable housing design guidelines and standards.

Step-Free Entry and Accessible Pathways
One of the most important requirements is a clear, step-free path from the boundary or driveway to the entrance of the house. No steps or obstacles, just easy access for everyone.

Wider Doors and Corridors
The standard sets minimum widths for internal doors and hallways so movement around the home is easier for people using prams, mobility aids or simply moving furniture. With Eden Brae Universal Housing designs, you can expect an 870 mm wide front entry door and 820mm clearance around doorways. 

Accessible Bathrooms and Toilets
Essential rooms, such as a toilet and shower, must have clear circulation space and step-free access. Eden Brae is able to make adjustments to bathrooms and ensuites. These could include installing hobless showers and reinforced walls with grabrails near toilets and showers.

Ground-Level Bedroom or Entry-Level Living
While the standard focuses mainly on single-storey homes, the guidelines often encourage the addition of a ground-level bedroom or adaptable living area so the house is still practical in case the mobility of a family member changes.

Adaptable Infrastructure
Homes built under these standards may also feature aspects like solid walls in wet areas and easy-to-reach light switches and power point locations.
 

What This Means for You as a Buyer

When you're purchasing a home through a builder like Eden Brae Homes, here's what you need to consider:

• Ask if the design is applicable for Universal Housing options (this means it meets the liveable housing design standard) and which features are included.
• Inspect plans to make sure pathways, doorway sizes, bathrooms and doors meet or exceed minimum requirements.
• Consider your future. The home you choose today must also work just as well in 5, 15 or 25 years.
• Know your builder’s guarantee. Some designs may go beyond the minimum standard to meet Silver or Gold levels under the guidelines, which can enhance both quality and resale appeal.
• Recognise the long-term value. The design features add comfort, convenience and market appeal.
   

How Eden Brae Homes Supports Liveable Housing Design

At Eden Brae Homes, we know that building a home is one of life’s biggest decisions. We also know that life changes. Families grow, needs evolve and accessibility becomes more important over time. That’s why we include Universal Housing designs that support liveability and long-term comfort.

When you choose one of our home designs:

• We ensure compliance with the liveable housing design standard and stay updated with changes to the NCC.
• We explain how your design covers important features, like step-free access, wider doors and adaptable bathrooms.
• We work with you through every step so you’re not just buying a home but investing in a lifestyle that lasts.