Duplex Builders Gold Coast
Duplex home designs allow you to maximise the value of your land by occupying it with two connected houses. Due to the increasingly popular trend of compact living, particularly in metropolitan locations, dual living is a sensible way to deliver optimal investment potential.
Award Winning Gold Coast Duplex Builders
As multi award winning builders of innovative duplex home designs throughout the Gold Coast, we specialise in the design and construction of dual living homes that accommodate your lifestyle, living requirements and budget.
Duplex Home Design
Home builders will often claim to possess templated designs that can be applied to different types of land, but such templates are simply not possible. Building a property with two conjoined houses has its own set of challenges that aren’t common in single home designs.
Dual occupancy homes require a bespoke design solution that factors in the style, size, and complexity of your block of land, along with your property goals and budget constraints. We’ll build you the dual living home you’ve always wanted in close collaboration with our experienced team of in-house designers.
Single or Two Storey Duplex Homes?
Both single and two storey duplexes carry their own set of benefits and drawbacks. Single storey homes are perfect for retirees, couples without children or those whose children have since grown up and moved out.
Families will often choose single storey homes, as staircases can be difficult to navigate for newborns and younger children alike. They also have faster construction times, which is a big advantage for those seeking to move into their home sooner or begin reaping the rewards of their investment sooner.
Double storey duplex homes optimise space, making them the ideal choice for highly crowded areas, while maximising income return if you plan to rent your properties out. Additionally, the second floor allows for better views, and the top and bottom storeys create a sense of privacy for parents with teenage children.
Benefits of Building a Duplex Home
The cost of designing and building a new Gold Coast duplex design is less than you may think, and the investment potential is highly attractive. For investors, there are several important advantages to building a duplex home, including:
NO COMMON ROOMS OR ENTRANCES
There are no common rooms or entrances, despite the fact that each unit shares a central wall. Each house is fully self-contained, with its own utilities, bedrooms, yards, and in most cases, garages.
EXCELLENT FINANCIAL OPTIONS
Duplex housing provides exceptional financial options, whether you desire to build a duplex home and live in it while renting out the adjacent home, or purchase it as an investment with the aim of leasing both dwellings.
BETTER THAN A GRANNY FLAT
When it comes to selling, duplex homes are often significantly more attracting to home buyers than a single family property with an attached granny flat.
STRATA TITLE IS OPTIONAL
With a duplex property, a strata title is optional. No strata title allows you to earn more money from your rental property.
Duplex Building Process
1) INITIAL CONSULTATION
The first step to acquiring your new duplex home involves a consultation with our design team. During this meeting, important aspects of your proposed build will be discussed including your budget, type of block you wish to construct on, and style of home.
2) SITE ASSESSMENT & DEVELOPMENT
We perform a comprehensive assessment of your nominated block of land, including soil testing and surveying. Based on the results of the assessment along with discussions that took place at your initial meeting with us, a cost estimate will be created for you.
3) BUILDING CONTRACT & DESIGN
A House Industry Association (HIA) contract is drafted, along with full documentation highlighting all the details of your proposed duplex build. Once the contract been signed off on, our designers will guide you through the selection of your colour scheme, lighting, fittings and fixtures.
4) COUNCIL APPROVAL & DEMOLITION
All necessary council approvals for the build are pursued using a skilled building certifier to guarantee that everything proceeds in a timely manner without minimal delays. Once approval has been obtained, Unique Built takes care of any demolition tasks, ensuring maximum efficiency.
5) CONSTRUCTION
During the construction stage of your new duplex property, you will receive ongoing updates from your designated Unique Built contact.
6) COMPLETION & HANDOVER
At the completion of your new duplex build, it’s almost time for you to move in. An onsite inspection of your property will be organised to ensure that you are happy with everything. 90 days following this, Unique Built will arrange a final onsite inspection with you, to check in with you and verify that you are satisfied with your new home.
Duplex Gallery
Why Unique Built?
- AWARD WINNING DESIGNS: We’ve received multiple accolades over the years, in recognition of our innovative home designs.
- RENOWNED BUILDER: As a home builder that has been operational since 1996, you can count on us to deliver a custom duplex home of the highest quality.
- EXPERIENCED CONTRACTORS: The utmost standards of excellence are present in everything we do. All contractors employed by Unique Built are experienced tradesmen that deliver exceptional work.
- PREMIUM MATERIALS: Every Unique Built Gold Coast duplex house design is constructed using the finest quality materials.
- FIRST CLASS SERVICES: From the initial consultation, through to the design, construction and handover, we guarantee that your entire building experience is an enjoyable one.
- PROFESSIONAL MANAGEMENT: Every duplex build is under the direct supervision of construction manager, Tyrone Taylor, who has presided over numerous luxury homes throughout the Gold Coast.
- 25 YEAR STRUCTURAL GUARANTEE: Financial stability, a peerless reputation, and unmatched experience developing first class homes, enables us to offer a 25 year structural guarantee with all homes built.
- FIXED PRICE CONTRACT: All properties developed by Unique Built utilise a fixed price building contract. No hidden fees or charges.
Master Builders and Other Prestigious Awards
Over 30 Awards Since 1996
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dual occupancy?
Dual occupancy is the construction of two or more individual houses with distinct contracts on the same block of land. Alternate terms for dual occupancy include side-by-side duplex, dual living, and detached townhomes. A duplex is a prime example.
Dual occupancy is an ideal choice for investors looking to extract maximum revenue from their land. They can either choose to rent out all the houses on their property give them multiple revenue streams, or they can live in one of the dwellings and rent or sell the other living space on their property.
How long does the dual occupancy process take?
Your project manager from Unique Built will discuss the estimated timelines with you at your first consultation. They will take you through the entire process, giving you precise information surrounding pre-construction, construction, and tenancy.
How long is the town planning process?
There is no definitive answer to this, as each council is unique. That said, your project manager will help you streamline the process.
What's involved in the planning process?
As experienced duplex house builders on the Gold Coast, we take the guesswork out of the planning process. We will help you process the pre-deposit payment and ensure that the planning phase proceeds without issue.
How long does construction take?
Construction typically takes 8 to 9 months, depending on the size and scope of the duplex build.
How can I determine if my property is suitable for dual occupancy?
Our team of skilled and experienced Gold Coast builders will assess your property and determine all building options for you. We do not charge for this service. Simply send us section 32 or the title documents, and we will take it from there.
What is the price of building a duplex or dual occupancy residence?
We include the complete project management of your site development in our upfront charge. A skilled project manager will guide you through the consultation, pre-construction, and construction stages. Schedule a meeting today with one of our development consultants, who will offer a free site evaluation and explore various possibilities for your property.
How do I apply for dual occupancy?
Our project manager will help you in every step of the application and construction stages. Simply complete our contact form to start a conversation and receive a free consultation, or phone us now on (07) 5535 0000.
How do dual occupancy and duplex differ?
Dual occupancy is a type of residential development concerning two separate dwellings situated on a single property. Depending on the occupants’ preferences, the property developer may choose to connect or disconnect these dwellings.
With a dual occupancy, residents may share common areas or facilities. Various layouts, such as a main house with a granny flat or two homes adjacent to each on the same property, can exist.
A duplex on the other hand refers to a type of dual occupancy involving two attached dwellings that share a common wall. These houses have their own entrances, living spaces, and amenities. Duplex builds help maximise available spaces in urban areas with premium property prices.
While not all types of dual occupancy are duplexes, all duplexes are an example of dual occupancy living. The latter has a broader scope, including various layouts, styles, and configurations while the former refers only to attached dwellings.
Is it possible to subdivide a dual occupancy?
Yes, it’s possible to subdivide a dual occupancy property when a development application is submitted. The council will often permit this scenario through a Torrens title or a strata subdivision depending on your Land Environmental Plan (LEP).
Subdivision means each individual dwelling within the premises will be developed as a Torrens title lot or as a strata title unit.
Can you sell a dual occupancy separately?
Yes, you can sell them separately, however, you will need to fulfil several requirements, such as:
- Subdivision: The property must be subdivided into two separate titles. Australian property law refers to this scenario as a “strata subdivision” or “Torrens title subdivision.”
- Council approval: The council will determine if the proposed subdivision is compliant with zoning and planning laws.
- Separate titles: Each dwelling will have its distinct title once the council approves the subdivision.
- Restrictions: The council might impose certain restrictions such as heritage considerations, when selling a dual occupancy separately.
What are the advantages of custom designed homes?
With a custom designed home, you have an abundance of options. With a project home on the other hand, the construction process is very rigid and customisation is often very limited. Those who wish to have something that is even marginally different from the pre-existing floor plans, will quickly find out that doing so will have a big impact on the final cost.
With a custom built home, freedom of choice is central to the entire experience. You’ll be able to tell us what you desire to have built for you, instead of being shown a set of templated designs. Our design team will convert your ideas into a wonderful new duplex abode, and your ideas and input impact will influence the final home design.
Every component of your new duplex house design is determined by you, including the architectural style, interior and exterior colour schemes, lighting, floor plan, amenities, and everything in between.
A project home will often appear to be a decent deal at first, but once extras are thrown in or floor plans are modified, expenses rapidly increase. At this point, it quickly dawns on buyers that custom homes offer real value for money once they understand this.
We discuss your budget constraints with you during your initial consultation with us, and give you an idea of the size and quality of home you can expect to enjoy in your price range. We work on fixed-price contracts at Unique Built, which guarantees that the price on your contract agreement will never alter unless you decide to make extra changes to your design at a later date.
While the majority of the houses we build are on the larger side of the scale, we ensure that each one is eight-star energy efficient. Each home is fitted with the latest in eco-friendly features, such as rainwater systems and grey water recycling devices. We also utilise premium-quality insulation and building materials to enhance comfort naturally, while reducing dependency on power-hungry electrical appliances.
Our duplex home designs are cleverly designed to take full advantage of cool incoming breeze, while also integrating energy-saving lighting and energy smart appliances. All of these eco-friendly devices combine to create a home that has a reduced carbon footprint and saves you money on your energy bills.
Is a Duplex Home Design Suitable for My Block of Land?
Before you consider having a duplex home built, there are a few things to consider, such as:
- Zoning restrictions in your municipality – your block of land must be greater than the minimum necessary.
- Drainage – It must be proven that your site will not cause drainage or stormwater concerns.
To ensure that there are no misunderstandings about compliance standards, all local governments have building rules easily available for you to view.
What is the best way to profit from duplex home ownership?
Multiple properties on a same piece of property will usually boost your equity. Creating subdivisions and building several low-maintenance homes opens up a slew of money-making opportunities, including:
- Renting out each home to generate several streams of revenue
- Sell each property outright for a large one-time profit.
- Live in one home while selling the other.
- To help pay off your mortgage faster, live in one property and rent out the other.
Take The First Step
Schedule A Free Discovery Call
Reserve your free consultation now and start your journey to the home you have always wanted.
Client Stories
Discover Why Clients trust Unique Built
"From the initial consultation to the handover of our beautiful new home, Unique Built was outstanding. They were able to implement everything we asked for with ease and efficiency, and no task was ever too difficult. Everyone involved in the design and construction of the home went above and beyond to create a fabulous new residence, and I'm eternally grateful for all the hours of hard work that went into fine-tuning every aspect of it. Jim Taylor and his team were an absolute pleasure to deal with throughout the entire build. Our thanks extend to Jim and everyone else involved in the creation of our wonderful new homestead".
- Jack Patrick
"My wife and I recently had a custom home built here on the Gold Coast by Jim Taylor and his team at Unique Built. From the initial site inspection through to the final completion of the new residence, we found everyone to be very polite and professional to deal with, making the whole experience that much more enjoyable. The end result is nothing short of spectacular, and we wholeheartedly recommend them to everyone. We're looking to get another investment property built sometime later this year and will definitely be in touch with Jim and the team again for this project as well. Thanks again".
- Jeffrey O'Shea
"Our new home is an absolute masterpiece. No stuff-ups or unforeseen delays. As a self-confessed perfectionist myself and someone who is very self-critical and hard to please. I was taken aback by the remarkable workmanship and pristine build quality of our new residence. The advice care and communication we received throughout the entire build has been exceptional. Our utmost gratitude and thanks to Jim and the rest of the team at Unique Built".
- Peter Mason
"Now in my 60's my husband and I needed a house on one level but we had a sloping block to build on. From the design right through to when we received the keys, the whole process was a great experience This is the 3rd house we have built and by far the easiest. We'll be here until we are carried out thank you so much to Jim and the team we love our new house".
- Jo Kularni
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