Sydney expects smaller households while 52% of its 2026 housing stock remains detached

Single- and two-person households grow in number

The Sydney Plan projects that Sydney's average household size will fall from 2.6 people in 2026 to 2.5 in 2046. The average changes by 0.1 people. Single-person households increase from 438,000 to 607,000, while two-person households increase from 466,000 to 616,000.

Couples with children also increase in number, from 669,000 to 805,000, even though their displayed share falls from 34% to 32%. Counts and shares can move in different directions when the total number of households grows.

Several household types grow as the average falls

Several household groups change at the same time, which moves the average from 2.6 to 2.5 people. The figure does not show that every council will follow the same path. It also does not show tenure, price, dwelling preference or how many bedrooms households will need.

Sydney's 2026 housing stock remains majority detached

Figure 20 estimates that detached homes make up 52% of Sydney's 2026 stock. Low-rise attached homes make up 19%, mid-rise 13% and high-rise 16%. The regional results differ sharply. Western Sydney is 80% detached in the figure. Eastern Sydney (South) is 73% attached across the three attached categories.

Current housing form sets a different starting point in each region

A region with 80% detached housing starts from a different position than a region that is already mostly attached. The figures do not support one housing-mix assumption across Sydney. A local decision still needs evidence about existing stock, centres, transport, infrastructure and feasibility.

Average household size is higher in western and outer councils

Appendix D reports 2026 average household size for each council. Liverpool and The Hills are highest at 3.1 people per household. Blacktown, Camden, Cumberland and Fairfield follow at 3.0. The City of Sydney is lowest at 1.9, and North Sydney is 2.0.

Council averages set context for a local housing-demand test

The map shows an LGA-wide average. It does not show the mix of household types inside each council, and it cannot identify the right dwelling type for a site. Each council contains different centres, suburbs, household groups and housing markets. The map identifies where to ask a local question. It does not answer that question.

Appendix D defines four profiles for councils to test locally

Appendix D describes four profile archetypes. Type A starts with a high detached share and limited medium-term change. Type B starts above 50% detached with more movement to mid- and high-rise housing. Type C has a more even attached mix. Type D describes higher-density areas with larger mid- and high-rise shares.

Councils must select and combine the profiles locally

Appendix D tells councils to determine which profile or combination of profiles fits their local evidence. We did not colour LGAs by profile. The Type D headline and illustrated detached range also do not align exactly, so a threshold-based assignment would create false precision.

Approvals measure activity; housing mix needs separate evidence

ABS Building Approvals counts approved dwellings. We hold the 2025 LGA totals in our frozen analysis packet, but we did not use them as a housing-mix proxy. An approvals total does not establish household preference or future housing demand, and it cannot assign the Plan's four housing profiles.

Local evidence should determine the housing mix

Sydney is projected to add more small households, but couples with children also increase in number. Current housing stock remains majority detached and varies sharply by region. Average household size also varies by council.

The local planning question is what mix of homes can meet changing household needs in a place with a specific stock, centre pattern, transport network, infrastructure position and feasibility context. The Plan's profile framework helps councils compare those evidence layers. It cannot decide the answer for a council or site.

Methodology, limitations and sources

How we built the comparison

Household change

We transcribed the 2026 and 2046 values displayed in Figure 6. We retained both counts and shares. The four displayed household categories are not exhaustive, so we recorded that limit with the values.

Current housing mix

We transcribed the four housing types for each programme area in Figure 20. We checked that every row totals 100%. These are 2026 stock estimates, not future mix targets.

LGA context and profiles

We recorded all 33 average household-size values from Appendix D and joined them to LGA 2025 boundaries by code. We also recorded the four profile ranges. We did not assign a profile to any LGA because the department does not publish those assignments.

Limitations

• The household categories displayed in Figure 6 are not exhaustive.
• Household projections do not determine tenure, price or dwelling preference.
• Figure 20 describes the 2026 stock estimate, not a future target mix.
• An LGA average hides variation within the council.
• The profile archetypes are guidance, not official LGA classifications.
• The Type D headline and illustrated detached range do not align exactly.
• The analysis does not assess parcel controls, feasibility, infrastructure or market demand.