We have been doing dual occupancy investment properties for some time now; in fact with close consultation with the Logan City Council we produced the very first dual occupancy properties in Logan. The numerous builds that we have been involved in has enabled us to refine the designs and come up with the best possible plans to suit the investment market.
As mentioned in previous blog posts the restrictions and guidelines are different across different Council areas. We 
have done many dual occupancy properties in the SEQ area with properties in Logan City Council (LCC) and Ipswich City Council (ICC) areas proving the most popular with our clients. As an example of the key differences an auxiliary dwelling in LCC has a maximum of 70m2 of living and two bedrooms, where as in ICC the Auxiliary has a maximum of 50m2 of living and one bedroom. These square meterage restrictions of the auxiliary dwellings require us to be very cleaver in the way that we utilise and maximise the space of our designs.
Some examples of ideas that we can incorporate for space utilisation in the auxiliary dwellings are as follows:
- No hallways where possible. By limiting the amount of space that is allocated to non functional space such as hallways, we are able to increase the amount of liveable space.
- Smart Laundries. The laundry counts towards the square meterage so we either have it located at the end of the garage or in an opening cupboard.
- No Breakfast Bars. By not having a built breakfast bar, a kitchen table can be used and there isn’t a fixed unit taking up floor space.
- Two-way Bathroom. This allows the bathroom to double up as an ensuite.
- Incorporation of Alfresco and entrance.
As there aren’t the restrictions to the main dwelling that are imposed on the auxiliary, we don’t have to be quite so tight in our design work, but we always maximise our use of space. The maximisation of space is a very important concept with investment properties as it allows the best use of space, and by reducing the square meterage of a property you can reduce the cost, and therefore increase the yield.
Key Design Aspects
There are a number of key design aspects that we try to incorporate into all of our builds where possible. It has taken lots of trial and error with design work with architects and draftspeople to refine our designs to include some of these important points. Unfortunately there aren’t any standard blocks these days; as such every design has to be drafted specifically for the block of land that it sits on. This enables the best possible design to be drafted for each block.
Key design fundamentals that we include in each design are as follows:
- Attractive and aesthetic facades without over capitalising.
- Adequate outdoor alfresco areas.
- The best use of the back yards and appropriate fencing plans
- Appropriate pathway and driveway plans.
- Entry to both dwelling through garages (where possible)
- Adequate privacy including ensuring that the walkways don’t go past the other dwellings windows or living areas.
- One entrance visible from the street so that property still looks like a house.
As you can see from above there is quite a number of elements that go in to each dual occupancy / auxiliary design that we put forward to clients. These design elements have been refined over a number of years of design work and professional consultation, as well as numerous completed dual occupancy projects. It is this experience and expertise that allows us to provide the best outcome for our clients.
