Dual Living, also known as Dual Key, is a residential building that contains a Primary Dwelling and a Secondary dwelling under one roof. These homes share a common wall but have separate entrances, utilities, and living spaces. Another way of thinking about this is a house with an attached ‘granny flat’.
Typically built in a side-by-side or back-to-front configuration.
Generally approved as a Complying Development (CDC)
Can have a primary dwelling (over 60m²) and a secondary dwelling (under 60m²).
Offers potential for strong rental returns, allowing owners to rent out both dwellings independently.
Lower cost to build compared to dual occupancy.
Limited in design compared to a true dual occupancy home.
Attractive for multi-generational living or second income stream.
Are not usually subdivided meaning they cannot be sold separately
Cannot have separate service connections unless subdivided.
Higher rental yield without subdivision requirements.
Can have separate metering.
Looking for two separate rental incomes on a single piece of land.
Who want to live in one dwelling and rent or sell the other.
Who want to live close but maintain independent spaces.
A dual occupancy home consists of two dwellings on a single lot and is often referred to as a Duplex when in semi-detached configuration. There are multiple configurations available, giving more flexibility in design options.
Designed for larger blocks, offering two primary dwellings Can often be subdivided under Torrens title
Can be a good way to realise an immediate uplift in value by creating a new dwelling on a new title
Can have separate service connections AND separate metering
Greater design flexibility (attached or detached options).
Good rental potential
Strong potential for future subdivision
Harder to both dwellings together if not subdivided.
Requires larger lot sizes and specific council zoning approval.
Higher construction costs compare with Dual key / Dual living.
Looking for high rental yield on a larger land title.
Wanting to live in one property while renting the other.
Seeking to maximise land usage with the potential for future subdivision.
Investors looking for high rental yield on a larger land title. Homeowners wanting to live in one property while renting the other. Developers seeking to maximise land usage with the potential for future subdivision.
| Feature | Dual Key / Dual Living | Dual Occupancy / Duplex |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Two dwellings under one roof, sharing a common wall | Two dwellings on the same lot, attached or detached |
| Ownership | Single title | Single title |
| Subdivision Potential | Cannot usually be subdivided | Can be subdivided under Torrens or strata title (subject to council approval) |
| Design Flexibility | One primary + one secondary dwelling | Multiple configurations available |
| Investment Potential | High rental yield, but limited resale potential of individual units | Good rental returns, flexible ownership options |
| Approval Process | Easier approval | Subject to more rigorous planning approvals |
Choosing between a dual key / dual living and a dual occupancy / duplex home depends on your goals and long-term strategy.
If you aim to sell each dwelling separately, a dual occupancy/duplex with Torrens title may be the better choice.
If you prefer higher rental yields without subdivision, a dual key / living home is ideal. We recommend speaking with our expert team to find out which route is best for you
From our transparent pricing to our personalised service everything we do is focused on you.
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