More and more homeowners are turning to dual occupancy arrangements, redefining their living spaces and reaping various benefits. But what exactly does dual occupancy entail, and why is it becoming increasingly popular? Let’s delve into the advantages of dual occupancy homes in Brisbane, along with essential considerations to ponder before taking the leap.
1. Understanding Dual Living
Dual occupancy essentially involves having two dwellings on one lot of land. This can be achieved through various means, such as building a granny flat or a dual key unit, or by subdividing the property and selling the second dwelling.
Granny flats have gained significant popularity as they offer a compelling opportunity for dual living. They can be constructed at the rear of the property or even attached to the main house, typically featuring a separate entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and one or more bedrooms.
On the other hand, dual key units comprise two self-contained dwellings within a single building. They usually share a common wall and have independent entrances, without individual outdoor spaces.
Is a Duplex Considered Dual Occupancy?
While duplexes are indeed dual occupancy homes, they generally consist of two semi-detached dwellings on a single block of land, each with its own yard and outdoor space. Therefore, while a duplex is considered dual occupancy, the converse is not always true.
2. Benefits of Dual Occupancy Homes in Queensland
The advantages of dual occupancy homes are plentiful, particularly in Brisbane. These homes can provide rental income, additional space for a growing family, and even offer accommodation for elderly parents or extended family members. Notably, they are often more affordable than purchasing two separate properties, making them an attractive option for first-time buyers or investors.
Dual occupancy homes also contribute to greater social and environmental sustainability, promoting density and fostering a sense of community. Additionally, they are often conveniently located near public transport and other amenities, enhancing accessibility.
3. Embracing Dual Living Rentals
Dual occupancy homes present an appealing option for investment, as they can yield rental income from two dwellings instead of one. They also offer a more affordable entry point for first-time investors, potentially doubling the rental income compared to investing in two separate properties.
For instance, if you were to invest in a dual occupancy Brisbane house for $600,000 and it achieved a rental return of 5%, you could potentially earn $30,000 per year in rent. In comparison, investing in two properties separately, each costing $300,000 and achieving the same rental return, would yield only $15,000 per year in rent.
4. Dual Occupancy and Brisbane City Council
Before embarking on the journey of dual occupancy, it’s crucial to consider various factors. Firstly, checking with the local council to ascertain if dual occupancy is permissible in the area is essential. Each council has its specific regulations around dual occupancy, underscoring the importance of thorough research prior to proceeding.
Dual occupancy is indeed an approved form of development in the Brisbane City Council area. Homes designed for dual occupancy must adhere to the council’s dual occupancy code, outlining the prerequisites for dual occupancy development.
5. Navigating the Conversion to Dual Occupancy
Converting a property into dual occupancy, whether by utilizing an unused granny flat or a garage, demands careful consideration. It’s imperative to confirm if dual occupancy is permitted in the area through consultation with the local council.
Moreover, the type of dual occupancy desired, whether attached or detached, requires careful consideration. Attached dual occupancy homes share common walls, while detached dual occupancy homes are situated on separate lots of land.
6. Tailoring Dual Occupancy House Designs
Dual occupancy homes come in diverse shapes and sizes, from granny flats to dual key units. When envisioning dual occupancy design, factors such as block size, desired type of dual occupancy, and budget must be taken into account.
For smaller blocks, creativity in design is key. For instance, crafting dual key units with separate dwelling units sharing a common wall can optimize space utilization on a smaller block.
