SDA design categories explained

SDA dwellings are enrolled under one of four design categories. Each category describes a set of physical features the home is built or modified to include. Your NDIS plan usually specifies which category your funding sits under.

Improved Liveability

Homes with better viewing, hearing and reasonable location features. Suited to people who benefit from good lines of sight, contrast and clear layouts, but who do not need highly specialised equipment.

Fully Accessible

Homes designed to remove key environmental barriers. Wider doorways, level access, accessible bathrooms and kitchens, and provision for assistive technology.

High Physical Support

Homes with significant physical-support features and technology — structural provision for ceiling hoists, back-up power, emergency communication, and space for support workers to work safely.

Robust

Homes built with resilient materials and layouts for people who may occasionally experience complex behaviours. Focus on durability, safety and reduced risk to the person and those around them.

Choosing a category

You do not choose your category by preference — it reflects your assessed needs. The category on your plan should match the category of the home you enter, or the arrangement may not work as intended.

Reviewed 2026-07-16 by SDA Listings editorial. SDA Listings is an independent property-listing and connection platform. It is not the NDIA, the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission or an NDIS funding decision-maker. Property information is supplied by advertisers and should be independently verified. SDA Listings does not determine participant eligibility, approve SDA funding, enrol SDA dwellings or guarantee property suitability, availability or occupancy.