What are the benefits of buying a double occupancy in Canberra?
Dual occupancy homes are finding favour with Canberrans as more and more blocks are developed in the wake of Mr Fluffy remediations.
Mihailo Dragicevic of PRDnationwide Canberra says dual occupancies have strong appeal with professional couples with young families and downsizers.
“Buyers are drawn to the combination of a big family home on a low-maintenance block,” he says.
“Families can spend more time on activities, rather than on garden chores. Downsizers like living local with plenty of space for family entertaining or accommodation.”
Dragicevic says former Mr Fluffy blocks in older family suburbs have sparked a new lease of life with dual occupancies leading the rejuvenation.
“Streets have been getting facelifts with new homes going up and more people have been able to move into sought-after suburbs,” he says.
Wayne Harriden, executive director of project marketing at the Independent Property Group, says dual occupancy blocks appeal to buyers as they offer the prospect of owning new homes in established suburbs.
“Much of the value of older homes on big blocks is actually tied up in the land content. These dated homes often can’t compete with what buyers want in contemporary lifestyles,” he says.
“People want new homes with all the latest features and energy efficiency – and they are happy to compromise on a smaller, low-maintenance block.”
Harriden believes Canberra’s continuing population growth will inevitably lead to more land rezoning to take advantage of suburban infill potential.
- Dual occupancy. A term apparently specific to the ACT with “duplex” being widely used elsewhere. The common agreement locally is that it refers to two detached homes on one sub-divided block.
- Zoning. Dual occupancy blocks surged in the wake of the Mr Fluffy loose-fill asbestos insulation scandal. Some 1000 properties underwent remediation before returning to the market, many with dual occupancy zoning.
- Value equation. Dual occupancies resonate with buyers looking for new homes packed with desirable lifestyle features in family-friendly suburbs. They are willing to trade big block appeal for location and low maintenance.
Allhomes’ top pick of dual occys for sale:
Price guide: $1.2 million +
4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 car spaces
This dual occupancy offers the best of both worlds: stunning contemporary design on an easy-care block.
The block might be smaller, but the dimensions inside this 220-square-metre home will delight most families with four generous bedrooms and three bathrooms.
A host of features await including high ceilings, a feature exposed-brick wall, 130-millimetre blackbutt timber flooring, double glazing throughout and custom black steel and timber stairs.
The hub of the home is the kitchen featuring custom joinery, Miele appliances and a wine fridge. The undisputed highlight is a concrete benchtop looking out to the large main living area which is perfect for entertaining family and friends.
That leads onto a large outdoor deck for entertaining within low-maintenance gardens.
Upstairs are three large bedrooms and one of the two master suites with private balcony and walk-in wardrobe through to a three-piece bathroom. Each room features plush carpets and large windows that frame gorgeous tree-top views overlooking the South.
Other features include ceiling speakers throughout, an intercom and alarm system, antenna and internet points to all bedrooms and rooms. The house is also conveniently pre-wired for solar panels – no drilling required.
Torrens is a family-friendly Woden Valley suburb and Parsons Street is close to schools and shops with views of Mount Taylor.
Auction: Noon, July 6
Agent: PRDnationwide Canberra, Mihailo Dragicevic 0401 453 127
Or try these:
Price guide: $675,000 +
3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 car spaces
Price guide: $1.195 million
4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 car spaces
Price guide: $849,000 +
4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 car spaces
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