Duplex

Duplex properties have been a popular type of property investment for many years. Most LGA’s allow them, although not all do.

The main advantage of a Duplex is that it can be Strata Titled (split into two titles) after construction is completed. Strata Titling is not mandatory and some buyers choose not to, so as they only incur one set of Council rates. If the decision to Strata Title is made, a body corporate is formed to manage the common property and public liability insurance. The common property areas can often be minimised thus reducing some management issues etc. Even after a property is Strata Titled, in some circumstances it is possible to subsequently have the Body Corporate dissolved if the owners of both units agree.

Duplexes are commonly single storey or two storey. Depending on zoning and density allowances, they could even be 3 or 4 storey, with a lift and possibly a basement carpark.

A Duplex property is commonly the same floor plan (mirror reversed) on both sides although this is not mandatory, they are often different, particularly on corner or unusual shaped blocks of land. Some LGA’s have rules whereby a set number of bedrooms are allowed if a site is below the standard size required by Council. This could be an uneven number, so for example a 3 bedroom + 2 bedroom may be required.

It can sometimes be possible to build a Duplex as two separate buildings, depending on the LGA and site size, shape and allowable site coverage. A fire wall is required where the two units are adjoined.

Each unit is allowed to have its own egress (driveway crossover) so there is no requirement for the garages to be adjoined and in fact they could be located on different streets on a corner block.