With the housing market overheated in Australia – particularly in our major capital cities – many Australians are looking at alternatives to the traditional quarter-acre dream.  A property solution growing in popularity is dual occupancy, also known as DualOcc. DualOcc involves maximising a block of land by building two (or more) properties instead of one. It can unlock opportunities for people looking to live affordably in an area they love or for the savvy investor.

Why opt for dual occupancy?

DualOcc is a canny option for would-be new builders at all stages of life, as this versatile development gives property owners and buyers more options when compared with traditional buying.

Those who already own land might opt for DualOcc to optimise their block, and those looking for property might choose a block to optimise a DualOcc development specifically.

Dual occupancy is all about making the most of a parcel of land – be it to live on, or for financial return.

If you own a home on a decent-sized block, dual occupancy gives you the option to knock it down and rebuild two (or more) modern homes. You might opt to live in one, maintaining a connection to a beloved neighbourhood, while selling the other or opening it up to rental income. You might also choose DualOcc to bring elderly parents or adult children closer to you, while maintaining privacy and independence.

Many savvy property owners choose DualOcc for the investment potential it offers. Using existing land, or strategically buying a new block of land for multiple homes can provide income and rental returns if done thoughtfully with sound advice.

How does dual occupancy work?

There are two types of dual occupancy developments – the traditional side-by-side option, also known as a duplex, or stand-alone townhomes, generally tucked one behind another.

Duplex developments usually require separate driveways, whereas detached townhomes may be able to share one. There’s no magic number when it comes to ideal land size for a dual occupancy development. Appropriate land size will depend on your development objectives and the rules and regulations of your local council.

As a rule of thumb, if you’re on the hunt for land for a DualOcc development, look for blocks where the slope is no more than three metres, otherwise, it may complicate the build and increase costs.

What are the benefits of dual occupancy?

The benefits of a DualOcc, when done right, are many, with both emotional and financial gains on offer. For some people, simply being able to live affordably in an area they love is the biggest attraction, while for others, meeting investment goals is front of mind…