Two homes in one, without compromise
Life isn’t one-size-fits-all, and your home shouldn’t be either. Our dual occupancy home designs are tailored to support different household needs—whether that’s elderly parents moving in, adult children seeking their own space, or you’re looking to earn passive income.
Unlike a duplex, a dual living home is built on a single title. That means it’s typically more affordable to build and simpler to manage long-term, with fewer subdivision or council requirements. The two dwellings can be fully self-contained or connected internally, depending on how much independence or interaction you’re after.
Need space for grandkids to stay over? A quiet retreat for working from home? An attached studio for rent or visitors? Your New Home Consultant will walk you through the options and help customise the layout to suit your block, lifestyle and goals.
Smarter living, tailored to you
Proven Design Expertise
With over 40 years of experience, we’ve helped thousands of Australians build homes that work for their lifestyle—and we know the ins and outs of making dual occupancy living feel seamless.
Guidance Through Regulations
We provide expert support navigating council and zoning requirements, giving you confidence that your dual occupancy home will meet all local standards
Quality and Modern Living
Each design combines contemporary style, natural light, and open-plan living to create comfortable, high-quality homes built for everyday
Take a virtual tour of a G.J dual living home
The Morningside 449 is a two-storey dual occupancy design with identical layouts, features, and impressive street appeal to both dwellings, mirrored and separated by a central dividing wall. With over 60,000 homes built across the country, this is just a taste of what’s possible with G.J. Gardner.
FAQs
What is a dual occupancy home?
A dual occupancy home (also known as a dual living home) is a property with two separate dwellings under one title. In a dual occupancy setup, each living area can be fully self-contained or share certain elements, making it adaptable for multigenerational families and rental income alike.
How big does my land have to be?
Council requirements for dual occupancy home designs vary greatly in different areas, meaning there is no standard block size, shape or plan that will guarantee approval across all locations.
However, typically the minimum amount of land required for a duplex development is around 15 metres wide by 30 metres long, pending individual council regulations.
Talk to your local G.J. Gardner office for area specific recommendations.
What are the benefits of dual living home designs?
Dual living homes are as versatile as they come, as they allow for increased independence while still living on the same property. They can accommodate extended family, provide independent space for adult children or elderly relatives, or generate rental income by living on one side of the dual living while renting out the other. With flexible layouts and fewer zoning hurdles than duplexes, they’re a practical solution for modern life. Not to mention, dual occupancy homes make very efficient use of land, thanks to features like shared walls. This is especially useful for densely populated suburbs or inner-city living.
Can I customise both dwellings in the design?
Yes! We offer customisability for just about anything from floorplans and entrances, to amenities and finishings. Want one larger main residence with a compact secondary unit? Need both areas to have separate outdoor access? Your New Home Consultant will help you find the best dual occupancy designs that work for your vision for the space.
Is dual occupancy good for investment?
Absolutely. Many homeowners use the second dwelling for rental income or future planning. Whether you rent it out now or keep it for family down the line, a dual living home offers both lifestyle and financial value. If you’re looking to future-proof your land, building a dual occupancy home is a fantastic option.