Discover 4 ways duplexes improve Victorian homes with better options, financial flexibility, and modern designs.
For people who love their neighborhood but need to downsize, upgrade, or improve their finances, building two homes on one property—a duplex—offers a smart way to maximize land use.
This approach highlights 4 ways duplexes improve Victorian homes by making better use of available land and providing practical benefits.
With land becoming more scarce and expensive, duplexes provide an efficient solution.
This approach aligns with Australia’s long-standing push to increase housing density, creating more sustainable urban spaces by making better use of available land and resources.
This approach not only enhances infrastructure and cuts down commute times but also addresses housing affordability by increasing the number of available homes.
Anne Flaherty, a senior economist at PropTrack, believes this strategy could be especially useful given the current housing shortage.
This is a great way to boost housing supply, especially in middle-ring suburbs where there’s a significant shortage,” she says.
“So, whether you want to rent out the second property, provide housing for your children, or sell it to help fund the new development, 4 ways duplexes improve Victorian homes is a valuable option.”
Drew Glascott, General Manager of Sales and Marketing at Metricon, which offers modern DualOcc home designs, notes that the trend towards duplexes has been supported by more innovative urban planning policies.
“By adopting creative housing solutions like DualOcc homes, we’re tackling the housing crisis with practical and financially appealing options,” he says.
1. Maximising space
Dual occupancy homes, or duplexes, make the most of land by fitting at least two properties onto a single block. These homes can be set up side by side, sharing a wall, or stacked one behind the other with a shared driveway.
Although they share the same street number, each property has its own separate entrance and utilities.
“Great design in dual occupancy projects requires a deep understanding of functionality, adaptability, livability, and light to make the most of the space,” says Glascott.
“Duplex designs need to provide the same rooms and living areas as standalone homes, even though they have a smaller footprint.”
Glascott notes that most inner-urban and middle-ring suburbs can support dual occupancy developments, but each site must be evaluated for space, council requirements, and overall project feasibility. This can be quite complex and daunting for many.
This is where Metricon’s expertise comes in:
“Metricon offers 28 dual occupancy home designs to meet various customer, site, and council needs. Our team of development specialists has years of experience in dual occupancy solutions,” he says.
“This includes all types of multi-dwelling developments, supporting up to 10 units on a single block.”
2. Financial flexibility
People considering a dual occupancy build often compare the costs with other options, like building a new standalone home or buying a new property. However, they are often drawn to the financial flexibility it offers.
“With dual occupancy, you have the option to live in one home, sell one, rent one or both, or even sell both homes. This flexibility allows you to diversify your income streams and potentially earn extra money, making it a smart financial choice,” he says.
Depending on your situation, there might also be potential tax benefits with a dual occupancy build, such as financing it through a self-managed super fund. However, it’s important to seek expert financial advice to explore these options.
3. Lifestyle options for all
Dual occupancy builds not only offer potential financial benefits but also cater to various lifestyle needs, such as for downsizers, young professionals, and first-time buyers.
They are also ideal for multigenerational families who want to live close together but still enjoy the privacy of separate homes on the same block.
“These homes provide an innovative solution that addresses the diverse needs of today’s buyers by combining affordability, functionality, and investment potential,” says Glascott.
He adds that dual occupancy builds allow people to remain in their current area while adapting to their changing housing needs. They also offer the latest in contemporary design without the hassle of complex renovations.
“Features like three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and open-plan living can be seamlessly incorporated, ensuring every inch of space is used effectively and enhancing overall livability,” he says.
4. Dream homes for right now
Flaherty explains that there is often a gap between the types of homes available on the market and what people are actually looking to buy. She says that dual occupancy builds can help bridge this gap, resulting in a property that is likely to attract many buyers or renters.
“Over half of Australian homes were built 30 or more years ago, and most are three- or four-bedroom houses. However, the average household size is just two-and-a-half people, meaning there are often many unused bedrooms.
“If we can build homes that offer people the option to live in a smaller space while still enjoying a backyard, it’s very appealing,” she says.
Dual occupancy homes are also gaining popularity as a way to address climate sustainability. New builds can be designed to better support reductions in emissions and energy costs compared to older homes.
“With energy costs rising, constructing homes that help lower energy bills is a significant advantage,” she adds.
