Developer insight: Detached Dual Occupancy
Affordable housing continues to be a major issue across the country with an increasing demand for more efficient use of land and innovative design.One solution may lie in whether you can subdivide your block to capitalise on the equity in the land you own while creating development options. That’s why this month we’re putting detached dual occupancy builds in the spotlight.
The appeal of two separate homes
Across NSW, councils are increasing the density of residential areas through the development of additional dwellings on existing properties. A relatively low risk development, the detached dual occupancy is ideal for a range of developers from experienced investors to owner-occupiers and even first homebuyers. There are more costs involved when compared to a standard attached dual occupancy (duplex) however for the investor, it’s important to remember that a detached dual occupancy often provides better resale value.
The return on investment is almost guaranteed in the current housing market as the detached dual occupancy dwelling makes an affordable home for first time buyers or those keen to downsize. The added appeal for buyers is the low maintenance of these smaller properties.
Detached dual occupancies are a flexible option, as they allow for subdivision into separate titles, offering greater opportunities for long-term asset management with the option of renting one property while living in the other.
Dual occupancies also make intergenerational living possible and are ideal for families with aging parents or adult children. It’s a design that allows you to enjoy living in close proximity while creating plenty of space in your ‘togetherness’.
Corner block advantages
A detached dual occupancy is the perfect property development for maximising the value of a corner block. Council requires dual frontage for detached dual occupancy designs on corner blocks so each house has its own street frontage.
Some new estates allow detached dual occupancies on corner blocks only so it’s best to engage an experienced builder like Valley Homes, or a town planner at council to confirm zoning and possible covenant to determine if detached dual occupancies are permissible on the block of land in question.
Suitable land for a detached dual occupancy investment property can be found in suburbs of growth around the Hunter Valley such as Heddon Greta, Lochinvar and Farley.
The ins and outs of subdividing land
Subdividing land in New South Wales in order to build a detached dual occupancy home involves a process of splitting a block of land into two smaller lots and constructing a single dwelling on each. On completion of the development, each dwelling is located on a separate Torrens Title with separated ownership of the lots. This means whoever buys it owns both the dwelling and the land it sits on. This offers greater autonomy, as they are solely responsible for their portion of the property and have no shared land or services.
Subdivision is determined by a number of factors such as the size of the block. It also requires a considerable number of surveys and reports be submitted to Council as part of the DA submission. This includes a Contour survey, a Geotech/Wind classification report, an engineered-designed stormwater plan, a landscape plan, a bushfire report if required, both ABSA and BASIX certificates and DA architectural plans.
The design needs to comply with council Development Control Plans (DCP) setbacks and private open space (POS) requirements. DCPs provide detailed planning and design guidelines to support the planning controls in the Local Environmental Plans.
Getting the right support to build a detached dual occupancy
Navigating the minefield of council’s extensive criteria in order to achieve a green light on your dual occupancy property development can be an overwhelming prospect – enough to deter you from the project entirely. That’s why it makes sense to draw upon the expertise of a Hunter Valley builder like Valley Homes.
Valley Homes has extensive experience with the design, planning and the construction of detached dual occupancy developments.
Valley Homes can manage the entire project including preparation and lodgement of DA plans and documentation, subdivision, Hunter Water requirements, stormwater design, slab & structural engineering, preparation, and lodgement of Construction Certificate application via a private Certifier as well as the construction itself. You can be assured that this includes everything from landscaping, driveways and fencing, right down to letterboxes and clotheslines. A quick look at our inclusions list demonstrates how serious we are when we say we really do offer a full turn key service.
We’re ready when you are
As a recognised and respected Maitland builder with a thorough understanding of local council regulations, it’s no surprise that we have a number of detached dual occupancy projects presently under construction in the suburbs of Lochinvar, Heddon Greta, Farley.
If you’re eager to build a detached dual occupancy home as part of your property investment plan, Valley Homes is the Hunter Valley builder to guide you from concept through to completion. Call us today.