Duplexes

What is a duplex?

A duplex is a pair of dwellings attached by a common wall on one block of land. This smart set up is a type of dual occupancy, which consists of two attached or detached homes built on a single lot.

Done right, duplexes offer a clever way to cut your land costs and earn some passive income - all whilst providing an energy-efficient living solution. Yet given the average size of an Australian block, these builds usually have to be more compact than a typical standalone house.

That’s where our small home specialists come in. Whatever your goals, we’ll guide you through the entire building process from floor plan selection and council approval to construction and handover.

Maximise returns with a duplex investment property

Duplexes can be a golden ticket for switched on investors. With two homes on one piece of land, this dual occupancy build gives landlords the opportunity to enjoy two streams of rental income at the same time. And that’s without the added costs of buying individual properties.

Prefer to have your cake and eat it too? By living in one side of the duplex and renting out the other, you’ll generate a steady source of income from the comfort of your own home - quite literally.

Halve the expense of your first home

With the steep rise in property prices across Australian cities, it’s becoming tougher for first time buyers to make their dream homes a reality. By allowing you to join forces with families or friends as a way of easing this expense, a shared duplex provides style and functionality for a fraction of the cost of a traditional house.

And once it’s yours, this versatile home can accommodate a variety of lifestyles, needs and budgets. From growing families to shifting investment strategies, duplexes offer flexible living arrangements for life.

Want to learn more before building your dream duplex? Check out the frequently asked questions below or have a chat with one of our team members on (02) 4947 2800.

Frequently asked questions

Can you build a duplex on R2 zoning?

Yes, you are allowed to build a duplex on R2 zoning. To top it off, as of July 2020, the Low Rise Housing Diversity Code permits owners of properties zoned R1, R2, R3 and RU5 in New South Wales to fast-track the approval process with a Complying Development Certificate.

How long does it take to build a duplex?

With Smart Footprint Homes, building a duplex takes approximately 12 to 18 months. Of course, your project’s duration depends on multiple factors from planning permits to design features, so it’s best to contact our team for a tailored time estimate.

Can you build a granny flat on a duplex?

No. Both duplexes and granny flats are viewed as dual occupancy dwellings, so you’ll have to choose one or the other.

Are duplexes a good investment?

In most cases, yes. Building a duplex is often considered to be a savvy investment strategy in both the short and long term.
Here’s why. By constructing two homes on a single property, you’ll enjoy the option to rent both out simultaneously and maximise your returns. Alternatively, live in one home while renting out the other to pay off your mortgage repayments. And when you’re ready to move on to the next venture, you can sell one home to cover the majority of your construction costs or both to rake in the full profits!

That said, it’s important to consider your distinct circumstances when contemplating any sort of investment - what works for your neighbour isn’t necessarily the right option for you. For further advice on the investment property market, call our team on (02) 4947 2800.

How big does a lot have to be to build a duplex?

You can build a duplex on your block land if it complies with NSW legislation (that is, measures at least 400 square metres or the minimum size stated by your local council). That said, you’ll also need to consider a range of additional factors before building your dream duplex so get in touch with our experts today to chat through your options.