What is dual occupancy?
Dual occupancy homes in Melbourne are properties that have two or more homes on the one block of land. A dual occupancy home can be a side-by-side duplex home design with a shared wall, or they can be multiple different units on the one block. A dual occupancy design can be a great option if you’re looking to maximise your investment and trying to get the most out of your land purchase, or if you’re building for the first time. Metricon Homes has been working with Australian families to build their dream homes for more than 45 years. And our dual occupancy developments are the next stage in this new-home evolution. Home designs range in size from 19 square metres up to 31, and offer modern floorplans, living areas, open spaces, and sophisticated features and fixtures.
What is a dual occupancy home design?
When you choose a dual occupancy or duplex home with Metricon, we partner with you to provide everything you need to get the job done, from working out which of our contemporary house designs can suit your block, through to the final lockup stage. It’s a partnership built on trust, experience and a team committed to helping you achieve your custom home goals. At Metricon, we approach every build journey with detail and care, and with your goals firmly in mind. Our Development Consultants understand the value of high-quality dual occupancy homes in Melbourne, and the importance of helping you develop yours exactly the way you want it. When you choose a dual occupancy design with Metricon, you’re getting more than just modern design and floorplans. You’re also benefitting from our:
- Expertise. The specialists behind our Dual Occ by Metricon range have years of experience in dual occupancy projects and duplex developments. As an Australian dual occupancy home builder leader, our buying power and building process can help you and your family create your dream home.
- Track record Metricon is one of the largest volume builders of dual occupancy homes in Melbourne and across Australia. We’ve been building projects that involve dual occupancy home since 2006 and have more than 2,000* town planning permit approvals under our belt.
- Our difference. We don’t just work alongside you to help you create the perfect custom design for your block, we go above and beyond. Our aim is to ensure your build journey is hassle-free.
Search our home designs to find the right dual occupancy one for you.
How does dual occupancy work?
From your first visit with our Development Consultants to the time we hand you the keys, we make the dual occupancy design and construction process as simple as it can be. When you choose to build with Metricon, you’ll have access to our range of leading suppliers and internal specialists. All our Development Consultants are focused on listening to what you want, and delivering. Metricon Consultants will guide with you through everything, from design, through the planning permit stage, and even after construction. Our process includes:
- The assessment. Metricon consultants will look at your block of land and talk you through the suitable options possible under your council’s planning laws.
- Preliminary contracts. These contracts will itemise each cost and inclusion to help you fit your development within your budget before taking the next steps.
- Planning permit. We will prepare the right documents and drawings and work with you and the local council on any conditions or alterations.
- Final contract. Adjust the contract to suit any planning conditions and get ready for the build.
- Construction. You’ll receive updates every week from our home builders in Melbourne, and you’re free to visit at any time.
Take a look at the entire process in our Dual Occ Diaries video series or watch a recent customer story. Every one is different when it comes to landscaping, so we’ll leave that to you. But we can recommend companies if you wish.
What is the difference between dual occupancy and duplex?
The main difference between a dual occupancy home and a duplex home is a shared wall. While both names are often interchanged, the technical difference is a duplex is two homes that share a wall. Dual occupancy homes are often defined as multiple freestanding homes on the one block of land. Both can be separate or shared titles (you can subdivide), which adds extra flexibility to your investment. And with Metricon’s contemporary designs, both dual occupancy and duplex properties are great value and functional for all kinds of renters and buyers. Duplex homes and dual occupancy homes can have different definitions in different states, so it’s important to understand what you can.
Answering these kinds of questions is where our specialists come into their own. Talk to us at the very start of your building journey and we’ll talk you through the options straight away, and which plans suit your land, your investment, and your property goals.
Is dual occupancy a good investment?
When it comes to price, dual occupancy is not a one-size fits all solution. Each block of land is unique, council planning laws can differ from area to area, and the costs of delivering services can vary. But overall, dual occupancy homes can be a smart investment if done right. And Metricon’s experience can help put you on that track. As property and rental prices rise, dual occupancy homes can be attractive to families and tenants. And being a new build means you may be able to charge a higher rent than other properties in the neighbourhood. The potential of multiple rents on the same property can also be attractive to those looking to invest. Dual occupancy developments are not the only Metricon home designs that can work out well for investors. We have a range of other options in Melbourne, including:
- House and land packages. We work with leading developers across Melbourne to deliver affordable and innovative homes in leading sought-after estates.
- KnockDown ReBuild. Love the address but not the home? This may be the perfect option for you.
Find out more about all our latest offers across Melbourne here.