Block sizes are shrinking right across the nation, as planners and developers attempt to build enough housing to accommodate the growing population.

A decade ago, the average Australian block size was around 700sqm. Today many freestanding homes are built on blocks of less than 300sqm, and there has been a push for blocks as small at 80sqm.

Social demographer, Mark McCrindle believes these changes in block size reflect changing social preferences, but the reality is that many Australians don't want to live in a house without a backyard.

“In a lot of ways micro-lots are just a return to the older terrace housing style," said McCrindle.

McCrindle said there are a number of factors - other than affordability - that contribute to the take-up of smaller homes, such as walkability, proximity to shops and public amenities, and accessibility to public spaces. Smaller homes can result in a "more interconnected and socially active community" he said.

A new series of aerial photographs by Nearmap show smaller block sizes are appearing all over the nation.

Note the shallower back yards in the photograph above of new Sydney suburb, Oran Park, (left) compared with older suburb, Harrington Park (right).

Rob Newman, CEO of Nearmap, said, "Aerial imagery plays an invaluable role for developers and local governments, aiding the planning, construction and monitoring process required for successful urban development.”

See more aerial photography:

Cyclone Debbie's devastation

Aerial photographs reveal storm damage

How infrastructure is changing the face of Sydney

Barangaroo’s evolution