With housing demand strong and regulations shifting, the recent reforms around duplexes and dual occupancies present a compelling opportunity. More than a quarter of Australian households are expected to include multiple generations by 2046. The new NSW rules are ideal for families wanting flexible, future-ready homes.
Whether you’re investing, building for family or exploring multi-generational living, your timing could not be better.
What’s changed?
Here are the key regulatory updates in NSW that matter:
- From 1 July 2024, the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) Amendment (Dual Occupancies and Semi‑detached Dwellings) 2024 made dual occupancies/semis permissible in many zones where they weren’t before.
- Stage 2 of the reforms (effective 28 February 2025) under the Low & Mid‑Rise Housing Policy expands opportunities further for low-rise housing (including duplexes) within 800 metres of train stations or town-centres, in selected areas.
- Some of the specific features you should know:
- Duplexes are now permitted in many R2 (Low Density Residential) zones where previously they weren’t.
- Standardised minimum lot size (e.g., around 450 m²) and minimum frontage (≈ 12 m) for eligible lots under certain conditions.
- Non-discretionary standards: If you meet the rules (lot size, frontage, location etc) you have a much stronger case for approval, giving more certainty.
Note: Some areas are excluded (for example, due to bushfire / flood risk or heritage constraints), so checking your site is crucial.
Why it matters for you
Here’s how the changes work in your favour:
- More eligible sites: lots that were previously too small or zoned out may now qualify for a duplex or dual-occupancy build.
- Enhanced value for land: by building two dwellings instead of one, you can either live in one and rent the other, accommodate family, or create an investment income stream.
- Greater flexibility & future resale appeal: duplexes appeal to a broader market: investors, multi-generational families, downsizers who still want yard space but less upkeep.
- Better approval certainty: because many controls are now non-discretionary (if you tick the boxes), the risk of refusal or drawn-out approvals is lower, speeding up your build timeline.
- Strategic location advantage: the reforms target well-connected areas (close to public transport, shops). Builds in these zones are likely to perform better in rental/investment markets and resale.
- Real family support: having parents or grown kids closer eases care, frees up time, and keeps your network strong.
How Kurmond Homes helps you make it happen
At Kurmond Homes, you’re partnering with a builder who understands both the design quality you demand and the regulatory landscape you need to navigate. Here’s how we support you:
- Feasibility & site-analysis: we help assess whether your lot meets the new eligibility rules (lot size, frontage, zone, proximity to services, hazard constraints).
- Duplex/dual occupancy-ready designs: we have plans already optimised for the new laws, saving you design time and ensuring compliance from day one.
- Premium build quality: we maintain our hallmark craftsmanship, so you don’t compromise quality for regulatory “ease”; your duplex will feel like a home, not just a developer product.
- Full guidance & support: from planning and approvals through to handover, we’re with you to streamline the process, reduce delays and manage risk.
- Investment-savvy mindset: with our experience in building for a range of buyers (investors, multigenerational families, second homes), we can advise on design features and layouts that maximise rental returns and resale value.
How to turn this into a winning strategy
Here are actionable steps you can take:
- Decide: do you want flexibility for extended family, a teen retreat, or added rental income as needs change?
- Identify your lot: check if your property (or acquisition target) is in a zone eligible for duplex/dual occupancy under the new rules.
- Check minimum dimensions & constraints: ensure your lot meets or can meet the frontage and area thresholds (e.g., 12 m width, 450 m² size in many cases) and is not excluded due to bushfire, heritage or flood risk.
- Choose your usage model: decide whether you intend to:
- live in one dwelling and rent the other;
- rent both for investment;
- build for family + investment mix.
- Engage the right builder early: choose a builder experienced with duplexes, dual occupancies and new laws to avoid delays and cost blow-outs.
- Design with the end-user/end-market in mind: even though you’re building under a regulatory opportunity, the dwellings still need to appeal: consider layouts with good natural light, separate entries, parking, storage, family-friendly yards or invest-friendly low-maintenance options.
- Budget strategically: Building two dwellings instead of one changes cost structure: you’ll have a higher build cost, maybe higher infrastructure/site cost, but also potentially a higher return. Ensure you understand the metrics (rental yield, resale premium, subdivision potential if applicable).
- Plan for future flexibility: consider how the dwellings might be re-used: family home + rental, two rentals, or perhaps subdivided in future (where permitted) so you’re not locked into one model.
- Monitor local policy and approval pathways: while state laws have shifted, local councils may still apply additional controls; working with experts helps avoid surprises.
Final Word
The regulatory environment for duplexes and dual occupancies in NSW has opened up in a meaningful way, and it’s more than just a marginal change. For investors, home builders, families, and second-home buyers, this is a noteworthy opportunity.
By working with Kurmond Homes, you’re choosing a partner who not only understands the craft of building but also the strategy of building smarter under the new rules. Together, we can make these reforms work in your favour; delivering quality homes, increased flexibility and strong investment potential.
If you’re curious to explore how a duplex or dual-occupancy build could fit your goals, let’s chat.
Call us today: 1300 764 761 | kurmondhomes.com.au
