Chem Property / Vendor Resources / Mosman Master Plan

MOSMAN MASTER PLAN 2026

Mosman is navigating its biggest planning shift in decades. The Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy is currently live, but the Mosman Master Plan is poised to replace it with a more concentrated growth strategy. The window for owners to understand current development potential is open now. Winners and losers will be determined by those who are prepared for the changes and those who are not.

Owner Impact

What these changes mean to landowners

Under the current LMR, 27% of Mosman's LGA, approximately 180 hectares, has development uplift. Both masterplan options substantially reduce this footprint, to either 13% or 9% of the LGA.

Whether your property is proposed to be removed, stripped of its low and mid-rise provisions, or benefit from increased density under the proposed master plan, you must ensure you are informed and prepared to protect and enhance the value of your property.

Key Dates
Feb2025
NSW Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy commences
The NSW Government's LMR policy takes effect, overriding parts of Mosman's existing controls. A significant portion of the LGA becomes subject to new development controls.
Policy active
Late2025
Mosman secures agreement for a council-led masterplan
Mosman Council secures agreement from the NSW Government to prepare a long-term strategic masterplan as an alternative to the LMR.
Agreement reached
Mar-Apr2026
Formal masterplan work begins
Council progresses the strategic framework and begins community consultation around density options and growth principles.
Framework developed
May2026
Now
Exhibition period
This is where the proposed options are on exhibition for the Mosman community to provide feedback. Critical window for owners to understand the potential implications for their properties.
Critical window for owners
Aug-Sep2026
Draft masterplan submitted to NSW Government
The draft masterplan package is expected to be submitted to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for review.
Late2026
State review, exhibition and planning proposal process
Following State review, the formal planning proposal, LEP amendment, DCP amendment and public exhibition process would progress.
Estimated late 2026 into 2027
Mid2027
LEP amendment gazetted
The Mosman LEP is expected to be amended and gazetted. Masterplan controls replace the LMR across affected parts of the LGA.
Estimated mid 2027
Owner Questions

What owners are asking

Under the proposed Mosman Masterplan, a number of properties currently benefiting from the NSW Government's Low and Mid Rise Housing Policy (LMR) may be removed from the Masterplan catchment.

If the new planning controls are ultimately gazetted in their current form, properties excluded from the final catchment are likely to revert to the underlying planning controls that applied prior to the LMR reforms. For landowners, this will dissolve future development potential and developer demand.

The period before the finalisation of the masterplan is therefore important. During this time, owners can:

  • Understand how the proposed planning changes may affect their property
  • Assess whether their site currently attracts developer interest
  • Explore amalgamation opportunities with neighbouring properties
  • Consider locking in value before new controls are finalised

If your property falls within the proposed Mosman Masterplan boundaries, the introduction of additional density and height controls may significantly increase its value to developers.

For owners, the key is understanding how your property fits into the broader planning framework and position your site strategically before the market becomes crowded with competing opportunities.

Early planning and commercial advice can help owners:

  • Understand the realistic development potential of their site
  • Identify whether amalgamation could improve value
  • Gauge current developer demand
  • Time the sale to maximise value
  • Navigate negotiations with developers from a more informed position

As the Mosman Masterplan evolves, competition between sites is likely to increase. Sites that are well positioned, strategically assembled, and timed well will attract stronger developer interest and outperform.

Site Assessment

Not sure where your Mosman property sits under the masterplan?

Chem Property can assess your site against the current LMR controls, the proposed masterplan options and likely developer demand.