From the South Coast to Port Stephens, Metricon is proud to help customers across New South Wales bring their dual occupancy (DualOcc) dreams to life. With soaring property values and a growing demand for flexible living, it's no surprise that duplex developments are particularly popular in Sydney.
To explore why - and how recent planning changes have made it even easier - we spoke with David Shorten, Metricon’s New South Wales General Manager, who leads the team helping families and investors unlock the full potential of their blocks.
“Many of our customers already own older homes that have been in the family for years - sometimes passed down through generations,” David says.
“In particular, Sydney has a large number of ageing properties built in the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s. These blocks are perfect candidates for a KnockDown ReBuild, making way for a dual occupancy development that has the potential to offer strong returns in the competitive Sydney market.” David Shorten
Why choose to build a dual occupancy home?
DualOcc homes suit a wide range of lifestyles, offering flexibility, independence, and the opportunity to generate rental income or accommodate extended family.
“If you’ve got the capital, we see all kinds of motivations,” David says. “Some parents knock down the family home they’ve lived in for 30 years to build a brand-new duplex - one for them and one for their adult children.”
It’s also a smart solution for multigenerational living, allowing ageing parents to maintain independence while staying close to family.
“Perhaps your block is in a high-demand area with Airbnb potential, or you're a property investor looking to build and sell a modern dual occupancy home. There are so many flexible and financially appealing pathways.” David Shorten
So what’s changed - and why is building DualOcc easier now?
In the past, all dual occupancy applications in New South Wales had to go through the Development Application (DA) process, which meant navigating complex local council rules and often waiting months for approval.
“We were regularly waiting three months or more to get through the local council process, and it wasn’t unusual for it to take over a year,” David explains.
Now, that process is significantly faster and more consistent.
What is a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) - and why does it matter?
Planning NSW has since introduced Complying Development Certificates (CDCs) for dual occupancy builds - a shift that was previously only applicable to single dwellings. This change is designed to help accelerate housing supply while making the process more accessible for homeowners and investors.
“Instead of submitting to council, you work with a private certifier,” David explains. “As long as your dual occupancy design complies with CDC standards and the location permits CDC, it's possible to get approval within days – not months.”
Another major benefit? CDC standards apply state-wide, providing a more consistent set of guidelines regardless of location. However, it’s essential to confirm whether CDC is permitted in your specific council area before proceeding.
Technically, CDCs do require neighbour notification, but not in the same way as a DA. For CDC, the applicant must notify adjoining property owners at least 14 days before work begins. However, this is after the approval is granted, not before or during assessment, and is intended to inform rather than invite objections. Metricon’s certifier will manage this notification process for you, ensuring a smooth and compliant experience.
More design freedom for DualOcc builds
It’s not just about speed - CDC guidelines also allow for more generous and practical duplex home designs.
“With DAs, councils often restricted the floor space ratio. For example, a 600m² block in Parramatta might have been limited to 300m² of buildable area - just enough for two small three-bedroom homes.”
With a CDC, there’s much more flexibility.
“The calculation is 25% of your block size, plus 300m². So on a 600m² block, you can build 450m² instead of 300m². That extra space can turn a three-bedroom layout into a spacious five-bedroom dual occupancy home.”
Setbacks are also less restrictive.
“CDC only requires a three-metre rear setback. Most buyers of duplex properties aren’t expecting massive backyards, but this allows space for a covered alfresco, barbeque area, or even a plunge pool if the site suits.”
Why build your dual occupancy home with Metricon?
If all this sounds a bit overwhelming, don’t worry – Metricon handles the hard parts for you.
“When you build a DualOcc with Metricon, we manage the entire process,” says David. “From checking if your block qualifies for a CDC to managing all the reports, plans, and approvals – you’ll have a dedicated team guiding you every step of the way.”
“We prepare your documentation, tenders, contracts, and more. And when it’s time to build, we deliver two (or more) beautifully crafted homes ready for you or your buyers to move into.”
While Metricon manages the CDC application process, we currently do not provide subdivision registration or related services. We are reviewing this for potential future offerings.
Start your DualOcc journey today
Whether you're looking to accommodate family, invest for the future, or unlock the value of your land, now is the perfect time to explore your options for a dual occupancy build in New South Wales. With Metricon’s expert team and streamlined processes, building your DualOcc dream home has never been easier.
Get in touch with one of our Development Specialists by calling 1300 METRICON or enquiring here.
