From navigating council approvals to designing spaces that balance functionality and appeal, dual occupancy projects require thoughtful planning and strategic decision making.

Here are our essential tips to ensure you get the most out of your dual occupancy build. 

1. Aim to acquire the best land for the project

Before purchasing land for your dual occupancy project, thorough research is essential. Consider factors such as:

• Size and Slope: Ensure the land can accommodate dual dwellings comfortably.

• Orientation: Affects energy efficiency and livability.

• Council Restrictions: Local council regulations may impact what you can build.

Engaging a professional building team or consultant early in the process can help you make an informed decision.

Many builders offer pre-purchase consultations to ensure the land aligns with your dual occupancy goals.

Simonds Homes Chief of Sales and Marketing Shaun Patterson explains that finding the right block can feel overwhelming.

"There’s a lot to consider, and it’s helpful to have experts who can guide you through the process before making a commitment.”

“Clients of our dual occupancy range, Masterpiece, will often bring properties to us that they’re considering buying.

"We encourage this, as we can then ensure that it’s suitable for us to build on, before they put in a bid.”

2. Envision your unique ideal home

Understanding your overall goal will guide your decisions throughout the project, especially if you’re creating a home for a specific stage of life or to meet unique needs.

What your end result will look like could change depending on if you’re building with the intention to sell, rent or occupy. 

Patterson also emphasises the importance of this clarity in your planning process.

“We have a lot of multi-generational clients looking to build dual occupancy to accommodate their family across two homes on one lot.

"The non negotiable for these clients look a lot different to our investors who are looking to build and rent or sell after handover,” he says.

“Knowing what you’re working towards will guide our team to recommend design solutions and inclusions that are more suitable to your situation.

"No two clients are the same, so our team takes the time to understand exactly what each one needs.”

3. Craft the right floorplan

Like all new home builds, a well-considered floor plan is important for dual occupancy projects.

Understanding the purpose of your project comes into play here too as it will impact the design choices you make.

You’ll want to consider:

• Amenities for resale: consider how the amenities in your home will impact resale. For example, consider a floor plan with two living spaces and a bathroom on the ground floor.

• Lifestyle requirements: especially if you intend to live in one of the homes, consider how you use your home now and how you wish it enhanced your lifestyle currently. 

When it comes to tailoring homes to meet unique needs, Simonds’ Masterpiece team prides itself on flexibility and collaboration.

“Our Masterpiece team customise designs to suit either your lifestyle or your investment plans, with the ability to enhance the design as you see fit” Patterson says. 

“Working with a collaborative team can help refine your vision to become better than you imagined.”

4. Visit display homes

Selecting the right builder involves more than just comparing prices; taking the time to visit their display homes can provide valuable insight into the quality of their builds.

It also gives you a better sense of space, helping you understand how living in a dual occupancy home may feel in real life, rather than on a plan. 

“Visiting a display can help you understand the flow of a design in a more practical sense, giving you a proper sense of space and proportion.

"We find that walking through a display gives visitors a great idea of just how spacious our dual occupancy designs are, even though we’ve added two homes on one block of land,” says Patterson.

“We open our displays in Bentleigh and Beaumaris by appointment only, in order to give our clients the opportunity to soak in the space and ask as many questions about materials and finishes as they need.”

Check out some of these display locations to gauge the quality offered by Masterpiece:

• Bentleigh East: The Milford, Bentleigh East  

• Beaumaris: The Milford, Beaumaris

5. Crunch the numbers and understand the costs

Understanding the costs of your dual occupancy project is crucial for successfully staying on budget.

Key tips below for staying within budget.

• Define your budget: Clearly outline your financial limits and objectives from the start.

• Prioritise spend in key areas: Identify where to splurge (e.g., structural elements) and where to save (e.g., non-essential upgrades).

• Obtain a detailed cost breakdown: Work with professionals to get a comprehensive estimate covering all aspects, from land acquisition to interior finishes.

• Consider long-term investments: Spend wisely on energy-efficient systems and durable materials for lasting benefits.

• Monitor expenses: Regularly compare actual costs against your budget to make necessary adjustments and avoid overruns.

“Like with any project, following a budget is going to be your secret to success. We recommend working closely with your New Home Specialist to keep your initial quote within budget,” says Patterson. 

6. Partner with a trusted builder

A reliable builder is essential for streamlining your dual occupancy journey.

Look for a team with experience, clear communication, and a collaborative approach to ensure your project runs smoothly from start to finish.

Partnering with a professional team can save time, reduce stress, and deliver results tailored to your vision.

Builders with a strong track record in dual occupancy projects can provide valuable insights and recommendations to help you achieve your goals.

This article was originally published on real.estate.com.au.