Introduction to Dual Occupancy Property
Dual Occupancy/Auxiliary dwelling is the correct terminology for this type of building. Also known as a dual key, dual dwelling and various other names. They are two homes in one. They are not approved to be strata-titled like a Duplex, which means that both dwellings or units are on one title with one set of rates, therefore there are no body corporate fees.
If Town Planning rules were to change in the future and these dwellings were allowed on smaller block sizes, there would be no building changes required to allow the two units to be strata-titled, providing that it complied with the new minimum block size at that time.
Both self-contained units of a dual occupancy property are usually under the same roof, so from the street, the building looks like a normal house. If attached and under the same roof the units are separated by a fire wall which also provides great acoustic benefits.
The two units can sometimes be constructed as detached buildings (depending on the LGA) however this usually only occurs on larger blocks or where a property with an existing dwelling requires an auxiliary unit to be added. Modular buildings are ideal in this situation and can be built on awkward, tight access or sloping sites.
Typically, a Dual Occupancy/Auxiliary dwelling has 2, 3 or 4 bedrooms on one side (the ‘main dwelling’) which can be any size and configuration and 1 or 2 bedrooms on the other side (the ‘auxiliary unit’). Each unit has its own entrance and full facilities, including a kitchen, bathroom, laundry, bedrooms, living areas and car accommodation. The size of the auxiliary unit and the number of bedrooms allowed, varies from Council to Council in Queensland. Different rules also apply in other states. For example, NSW has overarching State legislation allowing dual occupancy/auxiliary dwellings in all Local Government Areas however each LGA can have their own variations to the requirements. Dual occupancy/ auxiliary dwellings can’t be built in Victoria. They are allowed in WA and other States vary.
In most cases, only a single egress (driveway crossover) is allowed so the garages for both units are usually sided by side using a common driveway. Some LGA’s have rules about the minimum number of vehicles that have to be parked off the street.
Dual Occupancy Benefits
Ideal for investors who wish to:
Ideal for owner occupiers who want:
Example Dual Occupancy Facades
Single Story
Two Story
Completed Properties
At New Property Australia we have Litereally Been Involved in Hundreds of Dual Occupancy Builds
Here is a small selection of some successful completed properties.
Dual Occupancy Property Case Studies
7 Things You Should Know To Build Dual Occupancy Homes in Brisbane
We’re getting a lot of inquiries on how to build a dual occupancy property the right way. Specifically on Queensland and the Logan Council Area
Why You Should Get Started In Real Estate Investment this 2021
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3 Simple Reasons You should invest in a Duplex right now
There many reasons to invest in a Duplex property. But our top 3 reasons are: Equity Uplift, Split Sale Opportunity, 2-4-1 Land Value. Find out more now!
Dual Occupancy Properties on the Rise
With the continued demand and declining availability of land, more and more Australians are looking to maximise their existing landholdings. Hence why building two or more homes on the one block is such an attractive option.
3 Reasons to Invest in a Dual Occupancy Property Today
There many reasons to invest in a dual occupancy property. But our top 3 reasons are: Rental Yield, Capital Growth and Market Demand. Find out more now!
Beenleigh, Dual Occupancy/Auxiliary, Stephenson
In this New Property Australia Case Study the client was living in Sydney and had been priced out of the Sydney first home buyer market.
Loganlea, Dual Occupancy/Auxiliary, Steven
In this New Property Australia Case Study a high net worth client required a cash-flow positive property to add to his Self-Managed Superannuation Fund property portfolio
Cornubia, Dual Occupancy/Auxiliary, Shane and Julie
In this New Property Australia Case Study read about a custom design that we came up with for a shallow block of land with a reasonably wide street frontage.
Dual Occupancy Land and Area Analysis
For each individual block of land our team undertake a detailed and thorough analysis of the individual block itself as well as the surrounding area
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The team at New Property Australia is readily available to discuss your property investment goals and what the next steps in your property investment journey should be.
