Our Gold Coast based team of expert town planners have extensive experience in negotiating and preparing development applications for dual occupancy (or duplexes) on the Gold Coast.
As we have both Council (see Elevate’s Director, Scott Barrett’s Gold Coast City Council bio) and private experience and are local Gold Coast based town planners, we can identify issues and constraints straight away through a preliminary planning assessment.
This ensures we can help you achieve your project vision and your compliance with both local government and state government requirements.
Proudly, our team has achieved a 100% Gold Coast City Council development application approval rate.
What is a Dual Occupancy, also known as a Duplex?
- A dual occupancy is made up of two dwellings (attached or detached) on a single property. It is also referred to as a duplex or terrace housing.
- A dual occupancy in a low-density dwelling zone is acceptable when on dual frontages, or the residential density overlay map is RD1 or greater (1 dwelling per 400 square metres). This will be subject to other City Plan checks that may need a planning professional like Elevate to help with.
What is the Difference Between Dual Occupancy and Subdivision?
What is the Difference Between Dual Occupancy and Subdivision?
In Queensland, Australia, dual occupancy and subdivision are two distinct concepts related to residential properties. Here’s a breakdown of the differences:
1. Dual Occupancy
- Definition: A residential use of premises for two households involving:
- two dwellings (whether attached or detached) on a single lot or two dwellings (whether attached or detached) on separate lots that share a common property; and
- any domestic outbuilding associated with the dwellings; but
- does not include a residential use of premises that involves a secondary dwelling.
- Land Title: Duplex, two dwellings on a single lot (whether or not attached), two dwellings within one single community title scheme under the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997, two dwellings within the one body corporate to which the Building Units and Group Title Act 1980 continues to apply. Both dwellings can be rented or sold separately but are often treated as one property with shared ownership.
- Council Approval: Dual occupancy usually requires development approval from the local council. The approval process can vary depending on the zoning and specific council regulations.
2. Subdivision
- Definition: Subdivision is the process of dividing a single parcel of land into two or more separate parcels, each with its own title. This creates entirely separate lots that can be sold, developed, or used independently.
- Land Title: Subdivision results in the creation of new, separate titles for each of the subdivided lots. These lots can be sold individually.
- Council Approval: Subdivision requires a more rigorous approval process, including considerations of zoning, minimum lot sizes, access, and infrastructure requirements. In some cases, the process can be more complex and costly compared to a dual occupancy.
- Use: Subdivided lots are typically developed into separate residential properties. This is often done to sell off portions of the land or to build multiple homes on previously larger parcels of land.
Key Differences between Dual Occupancy and Subdivision
- Ownership and Title: Ownership and Titles
- Dual Occupancy: Both dwellings are usually on the same title and owned together unless strata titled. This setup typically means the properties can’t be sold separately without additional steps, like strata titling or subdivision.
- Subdivision: Each new lot has its own title after subdivision. This makes it easier to sell the lots or properties separately as they become independent from each other legally.
- Development Potential:
- Dual Occupancy: May limit further development potential unless additional approvals or re-zoning allows for more units or subdivision down the line.
- Subdivision: Provides more flexibility for future development, as each lot is independent, and each owner can make individual decisions about further development.
- Approval Process:
- Dual Occupancy: Approval requirements vary based on local zoning and planning regulations. Many areas have simpler processes for dual occupancy developments compared to full subdivisions, as they’re often seen as one property.
- Subdivision: Subdivision generally requires a more complex approval process because it involves creating separate legal entities for each lot. This process often requires meeting strict guidelines related to lot size, access, utilities, and environmental considerations.
Check out our Town Planner’s Guide to Subdivide Property on the Gold Coast.
Express Development Application (Express DA)
If you are looking to develop a property with a Dual Occupancy (2 units attached or detached) on the Gold Coast, there may be an easier way for you to get planning approval and reach construction more quickly if you meet certain requirements.
City of Gold Coast Council offers an Express Development Application (Express DA) process which is a fast-tracked development assessment process for simple, low-complexity applications. Once lodged, Express DAs are usually assessed within 10 to 15 business days.
Several land use activities are eligible to progress through the Express DA process including a Dual Occupancy or Duplex.
Cost of an Express DA
The cost and process of submitting a duplex application to the Council vary based on the scale and complexity of the development, as well as the specific type of application required. Elevate offers complimentary initial advice and consultations to conduct a preliminary planning assessment.
We will evaluate whether your property is suitable and manage the entire application process on your behalf. While we cannot guarantee a specific approval timeframe, we are committed to delivering results more efficiently than our competitors.
Elevate boasts a robust and established network of government and industry contacts. We coordinate all necessary consultants, including surveyors, architects, engineers, and landscape architects, through our reliable connections from the inception to the completion of your project, ensuring your vision becomes a reality.
Chat With An Elevate Town Planner
If you are considering developing a property with a duplex project, contact us today. We will swiftly identify and resolve potential issues, providing outcome-based solutions that save you time and money.
Successful Dual Occupancy Projects
Elevate has extensive experience on the Gold Coast in preparing and negotiating planning outcomes on behalf of a variety of developer clients. Valuably, we have extensive experience in getting approval for Dual Occupancy or Duplex developments on the Gold Coast. View a sample of our recent Duplex / Dual Occupancy Projects.
Your Next Step
Find out how 8 years experience working within Gold Coast City Council can make a difference to your Dual Occupancy project.
Should you be interested in discussing any of the residential duplex development information provided, please give our Town Planning team a call today.
Alternatively, you can schedule a free Dual Occupancy Consultation or make an enquiry.
