Do you have a large plot of land in Sydney? Think about getting two homes for the price of one. Isn’t it intriguing enough? If so, consider building a Duplex! Duplexes seem to be a great deal, don’t they?
Many Australian property owners are choosing to build a duplex house to maximise their assets as the price of local real estate continues to grow. Doubling the number of dwellings on a single block increases the value of the property and provides an extra source of income for the homeowners. Duplex designs are one of real estate’s shining stars, capable of providing high-value growth and substantial rental yields!
Continue reading this guide if this is your first time hearing about duplexes or if you are already planning to build your duplex home design. We’ll show you everything you need to know about building one.
Let’s get started!!
What is Duplex Design?
Duplexes are residential property in Sydney having two separate units that share a shared wall and a roof. Each unit has its entrance, utility connections, and amenities (kitchen, bathroom), all of which are similar to those found in a single-family house.
The land titles for these structures are either the same or separate. Homeowners of duplexes can take advantage of this land title flexibility by:
- Put one or both houses up for rent
- For a profit, sell one or both houses separately
Duplex Home Designs & Layouts
Duplex house plans come in a variety of styles and sizes. The two houses can be built side by side or one on top of the other, and the floor layouts can be symmetrical or asymmetrical, as long as they are made to look like a single home.
As both residences have street appeal, single storey and double storey side-by-side duplexes are quite common in Sydney. Up-and-down and front-and-rear duplex designs are also popular among homeowners. Every type of block obstacle has a solution!
Why Buy a Duplex House?
Duplexes are multi-family units or a type of multi-family real estate, which means they are designed to accommodate two families on a single block. Both investors and regular buyers can benefit from buying a duplex. If you’re an investor, purchasing a duplex will provide you with two rental revenue streams from a single asset. If you’re a regular buyer, the biggest advantage is the price, which is often half of what you’d spend for a similar-sized detached house in a similar location. This is especially exciting for first-time home purchasers and those on a limited budget.
You’ve probably noticed the advantages of it by now. You most likely have a plan for how you’ll use yours in the future as well. When it comes to building a duplex in Sydney, there are a lot of factors to consider, which might be complicated.
When you’re ready to start building a duplex design, we’ve put together a list of do’s & don’ts to assist you to succeed.
Do’s of Building a Duplex House
Connect with Professionals in the Early Stages
Even if you’ve engaged in real estate before, a duplex house plan is completely different. Early involvement of professionals will help you save time and avoid common mistakes. Consider contacting one of the following pros to ensure a smooth build:
- Town planner
- Professional architect
- Builder
- Expert on financial matters
- Lawyer
Thorough Research
Make sure you’ve done your homework before purchasing a plot of land for your duplex house. Consult with professionals to ensure that the council zoning will allow you to construct there. Keep in mind that duplexes are only permitted in certain areas, so make your decision carefully.
Your plot of property in Sydney must not only meet zoning requirements but must also be located in a location that will make your investment beneficial. You’ll get the highest return on your investment if you buy in areas with significant growth and high rental yields. Visit some open duplex home designs, speak with a real estate agent, and learn about the preferences of buyers and renters.
Budget
A duplex house plan involves several costs, especially for first-timers. If you don’t budget from the start, you could end up in a lot of trouble, from council fees to holding costs. Consider how you intend to use the duplex.
It’s a good idea to speak with a financial advisor who can assist you in determining your financial capabilities. These experts can explain the pros and cons of developing a duplex for you.
Last Survey
After the duplex design is completed, you must conduct a final survey. The goal of this survey is to ensure that the house and land are error-free.
Don’ts of Building a Duplex House
Underestimate Council Delays
Make sure to account for any potential complications and be prepared for lengthy delays, particularly when it comes to getting your plans approved by the council. Our best advice is to lock everything in early and don’t change it; otherwise, you’ll end up waiting longer than usual.
Ignore the Sloping Block
Although a sloping block might create a distinctive duplex home design, there is always the risk of unexpected costs during the construction and engineering stages. These can often hold you back, so get expert assistance while you’re still in the planning stages of your project.
Don’t forget Sunlight & Orientation
When building a duplex house, the lack of a strong light source – especially for one of your adjoining houses – can be a big problem, and orientation is key. If you can find a block with a north-facing backyard, you’ll have sun all day on both sides of your duplex.
You want to make sure that both of your properties have the best chance of getting the highest return, so having them both orientate in the same direction makes perfect sense — flood them with light, and you’re set.
Building a duplex is more than a project; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It, like other projects, has the potential to go wrong in specific areas. As a result, use our handy duplex house plan tips to eliminate the risk factors associated with it. In general, there are three key phases to constructing a duplex: plan, design, and construction. Mini benchmarks are included in each phase to assist you in moving your duplex project forward and closer to completion.
Make an appointment with a Choice Homes professional to plan and organise your duplex project and ensure a smooth procedure!
