Why Victoria’s Mid-Rise Code Risks Creating “Harry Potter Bedrooms” With No Light

You might remember the cupboard under the stairs where Harry Potter grew up — small, dark, and airless.

That’s exactly what many Victorians fear will become reality under the State Government’s new mid-rise apartment code — a proposal that could allow bedrooms without windows in the push for higher density housing.

In Camberwell, Boroondara Council officers recently refused to sign confidentiality agreements about the draft reforms, and details began to leak out. Among the concerns: buildings of up to six storeys in quiet residential streets, and relaxed daylight and ventilation standards that could see “bedrooms without windows” approved under a streamlined planning code.

This isn’t a fantasy novel. It’s real planning policy, and it’s being written now.

What the Mid-Rise Code Is Trying to Do

The State Government says it needs more homes — fast.

The goal is to create a “deemed-to-comply” path for mid-rise apartments (typically four to six storeys) across activity centres and inner suburbs. Developers who meet the checklist can bypass normal council discretion, avoiding delays and community objections.

In theory, that means faster housing approvals and more supply.

In practice, it may mean weaker design oversight and lower liveability standards for future residents.

When ‘Faster’ Becomes ‘Darker’

Critics say the reforms could allow cramped floorplans with internal bedrooms and minimal natural light — a concept urban designers are calling “Harry Potter bedrooms”.

Here’s why it’s a problem.

1. Health and wellbeing
Natural light is essential for sleep, mental health and hygiene. Bedrooms without windows trap moisture and stale air, creating mould and health risks that no modern code should permit.

2. Fire safety and egress
Windows often serve as emergency exits or rescue access points. Without them, residents rely entirely on internal corridors, which can quickly become smoke-filled escape routes in an emergency.

3. Market impact
Even if such designs meet technical standards, they fail the market test. Few buyers or tenants willingly choose windowless rooms, meaning these buildings risk becoming tomorrow’s slums.

4. Neighbourhood character
By prioritising yield over design, the policy undermines the very liveability that makes Melbourne desirable. Heritage homes, tree canopy and local amenity are all at risk if councils lose control over built form.

The Council Pushback

Boroondara Council has publicly objected to the reforms, warning that the “catchment extension” around Camberwell Junction would rezone hundreds of heritage-protected homes without proper consultation or impact studies.

Council’s position is simple: density can be delivered without destroying amenity — and windowless bedrooms aren’t the answer.

Other councils are quietly preparing similar resistance, arguing that the proposed code represents an overreach by the State into local planning controls.

The Real Choice Ahead

Victoria’s housing challenge is real. But liveability, daylight, and community character can’t be afterthoughts.

If density is the destination, design quality must be the vehicle.

Every bedroom in Victoria deserves natural light, ventilation, and safety — not a cupboard under the stairs.

Our View

As a conveyancing practice that sees the long-term impact of planning decisions, we believe home buyers deserve clarity and quality.

Future Victorians shouldn’t be forced to trade sunlight for supply.

Poorly planned reforms risk repeating the mistakes of the past — and turning “affordable housing” into uninhabitable stock that no one wants to live in.

If you’re considering buying into a mid-rise or high-density development, talk to us before signing. We’ll explain what to look for in the plans, the contract, and the Section 32, so you can make an informed choice — not a dark one.

Victorian Property Settlements – Trusted for over 25 years by Victorian buyers and sellers.
Visit: www.victorianpropertysettlements.com.au