Erecting a duplex is a wise financial decision, particularly in regions like New South Wales and Queensland, where the demand for duplexes has increased significantly.
To give you an idea, the Sydney Morning Herald reports that the approvals for duplex builds have increased by 24% in recent years. We say, this number is a good enough indication, reflecting the growing interest in semi-detached dwellings among Australian residents.
As the market continues to grow, now is the perfect time to connect with a trusted custom home builder in Sydney and invest in this venture. Trust us – the effort you put in now will pay off in the long run, whether you’re building to rent, sell or live in one half while renting out the other.
Common Steps Involved in Planning a Duplex in Australia
Listed below are the steps you’ll need to take in your planning phase for your NSW duplex:
Step 1: Know Your Block and Local Regulations
The very first thing you’ll want to do is check the block of land you’re working with.
Every plot of land is different, and that means the zoning laws and regulations can vary. For example, in New South Wales (NSW), duplexes need to be built on a block of
at least 400 square metres, and the block must have a minimum 12m-wide frontage.
Make sure you check these specifics with your local council. These regulations can even vary from one street to another, so getting that info upfront is super important.
One thing to keep in mind is the slope of your block. If you’ve got a steep block, it might make construction a bit more difficult and expensive. You’ll need to hire an experienced duplex builder in Sydney who knows how to handle tricky sites. It’s not something you want to overlook at all.
Step 2: Get Your Budget Sorted
Before anything else, you need to nail down your budget. Your budget should cover everything including land, materials, labour, permits and even some buffer for unexpected costs.
A good way to start is by sitting down with a home builder in Sydney who can help you get a realistic idea of what it’ll cost to build a duplex or a house extension. They’ll be able to give you an estimate based on the design, location and current market prices.
Once you’ve got a clearer idea of your budget, you can talk to a mortgage broker and figure out how to finance the project. Your broker will help you with loan options and make sure your finances align with your building goals.
Step 3: Find the Right Lot
Not every area allows duplexes, so double-check the zoning laws before you make any decisions. You’ll also want to make sure the lot is big enough to fit two homes comfortably.
You would also have to think about location. Proximity to schools, public transport, and shopping centres are all things you need to consider if you’re planning to rent out the duplex. The more convenient the location, the more desirable it will be to tenants, of course.
Step 4: Do a Feasibility Study
Before you get too far into the planning, you should do a feasibility study. This is basically a check to make sure your project is financially viable. This study will take into account things like zoning regulations, building code compliance and the potential costs of construction.
A good feasibility study will help you understand whether your dream duplex is realistically going to work out or if adjustments are needed.
Step 5: Confirm the Property Title
Before construction starts, you need to confirm the type of property title that your duplex will have. Duplexes can either be on a single land title or have separate titles for each unit. This will affect whether you can sell the units individually or together. Here are
some of the typical titles you’ll have to confirm:
- Strata Title: With this arrangement, the duplex is owned jointly by all occupants. A strata company usually manages common areas. This could be a good option if you want to share maintenance costs, but it can be more difficult to make changes to the property unless all owners agree.
- Torrens Title: Here, each side of the duplex is owned individually, meaning more control over the property but also full responsibility for maintenance costs.
- Company Title: In this case, you don’t directly own the title, but rather, you own shares in a company that holds the title. This option is often used for investment properties, but it can come with restrictions, such as who can buy in or rent out the property.
Step 6: Get the Design Right
Designing your duplex is where things really start to come together. One of the first things to consider during the design is the layout. The design should ensure privacy for both residents, while still allowing easy access for the owner.
You don’t want your tenants to feel cramped, so you have to work with custom home builders in Sydney to plan for separate living areas and entrances. Also, make sure there’s enough space for them to have their own outdoor areas too. This could be a backyard, balcony or patio.
Durability is important, especially in a duplex where there will be more wear and tear. You have to choose materials that are low-maintenance, durable, and easy to clean. Since the duplex will likely have higher traffic than a single-family home, try to think about how materials will hold up over time.
Also, think about parking. At a minimum, you’ll want one or two parking spots for each unit. If you’re on a busy street, or you intend to add a 2-bedroom granny flat, you might want to make sure there’s enough space for cars to park without blocking the driveway.
You also want to think about things like privacy, noise and access. Make sure there’s enough space between the two units to allow for fire protection, sound buffering, and general privacy overall.
Step 7: Plan for Utilities and Services
Each duplex unit needs its own utilities such as water, electricity, gas, and even internet. Make sure you plan out how to divide these services between the two units.
For example, you’ll need separate water meters, electrical panels, and HVAC systems for each unit, and if you intend to add a granny flat to the structure, you need to plan for the costs of that as well. A good granny flat builder in Sydney will make sure everything is set up properly from the start.
You also need to consider plumbing and sewage. A lot of duplexes use back-to-back bathrooms to simplify plumbing runs. If necessary, you’ll need separate sewer lines for each unit, too.
Step 8: Get Your Zoning and Permits Sorted Out
Every building project needs to follow local zoning laws, and duplexes are no exception. Before starting construction, you’ll need to check the zoning laws in your area. Some areas may restrict the height, size or the number of house and granny flat units you can build.
Before you start any construction, you’ll need the necessary permits. These will depend on your location and the scope of your project. You might need general building permits, and you could also need additional permits for things like electrical work, plumbing and parking spaces.
It would also help to be informed about the housing policies in NSW, and whether or not you intend to rent out the property.
Let Brickwood Homes Handle All the Strategic Planning for Your Duplex
Planning a duplex takes strategy, foresight and the right team to make sure everything comes together smoothly. Having been in the industry for over 20 years, Brickwood Homes has all it takes to handle the planning and construction of your Sydney duplex from start to finish.
The key to any great duplex is a floor plan that works for you. Maybe you need separate living spaces for two families. Or maybe you want one side to be an investment property while the other is your home with a custom granny flat by the side. We know how to make this happen.
We kickstart the process by first understanding how you live, how you want the duplex to function, and how you’ll use the space day in, and day out. We work with a team of experienced duplex home builders who share our commitment to quality.
We don’t cut corners, and we don’t rush the job at all, unless you have a deadline, of course. And even then, we can guarantee both speed and quality.
You’ll be updated regularly, and we’re always available to answer any questions or concerns you might have. This is your house and granny flat project, and we want you to be as excited as we are about bringing it to life.
Let’s have a chat about your project. We’d love to show you why Brickwood Homes is the best choice for your duplex in Sydney and Australia as a whole.
