Why building dual-occupancy homes in Victoria just got easier

Homeowners looking to undertake a dual-occupancy project should find the process more streamlined following an update to residential planning legislation.

The Victorian State Government has implemented the new Townhouse and Low-Rise Code which features baseline design requirements and a ‘deemed to comply’ approach.

“The changes will make for a more efficient and certain process for planning and approving a dual occupancy or townhouse development,” explains Richard Hobby, Victorian sales manager, Boutique Homes.

For Boutique Homes, which has a long track record in helping people through every step in the home building journey, Hobby says it will make the experience a lot less troublesome for homeowners and investors.

“Often, the process to achieve a planning permit can drag over six months, but this could reduce that to around three months,’’ he says.

Changes for more certainty

Under the new code, the new permit approval process is streamlined through providing a ‘codified’ aka “deemed to comply” assessment criteria for planning permit applications.

This therefore requires council to issue a permit (within the relevant zone and overlay criteria) if all relevant design standards are met.

This is designed to provide greater efficiency and certainty upfront in decision making.

By default, this reduces council’s discretion when assessing individual planning applications and reduces the third-party appeal rights of objectors.

It will only allow council to consider the relevant decision guidelines associated with each standard, when standard is not met.

By meeting these requirements, a permit should be granted without being subject to frustrating objections and hold-ups.

In meeting these requirements, “you need to ensure you have the right setbacks from the street, appropriate site coverage, good-sized bedrooms, and lots of light,” says Hobby.

“The code requires neighbours to be protected from overshadowing, and there needs to be a minimum amount of tree coverage to ensure minimal impact on streetscape and amenity.”

“These changes will open the possibilities for families and investors to consider dual occupancy; an option they previously didn’t think was possible. Once more people know about the code, I’m certain there will be an increase in demand for multi-unit development,” he says.

“It’s the perfect time to get started before things really heat up.”

The benefits of dual occupancy

Dual-occupancy developments are growing in popularity in Melbourne’s inner suburbs as owners seek to maximise the potential of their land.

“It’s a good investment opportunity as you can unlock equity,” says Hobby.

“You can build one property to live in and one to sell or rent out.”

Hobby says some people choose to knock down an older, single dwelling and build two homes side-by-side with a shared wall between.

“More than just a great investment opportunity, we see people who are downsizing and want to build a beautiful new home in the location place that they already live,” he says.

“We see people who are downsizing and want to build a beautiful new home in the place that they already live,” he says.

“Some people have growing teenagers and need a more modern home but want to stay in their area for school.”

Confidence and choice

To navigate the permit process, make smart design decisions, and get the most return on investment, getting the right, expert support makes all the difference.

Hobby says Boutique Homes knows all the ins and outs of dual occupancies and works with clients every step of the way.

Clients can also make the most of Boutique Homes partner Resolve Finance if they need finance or mortgage advice.

“We’ve been building in inner-Melbourne for over 15 years,” he says.

“We do everything we can make it a smooth and straightforward experience.”

Boutique Homes has a great variety of dual occupancy designs to select from, with a range of different façades and floorplans.

“We offer the design leadership and personalisation you’d expect with a premium builder but the value for money delivered by a volume builder,” he says.

“We have so many options to suit your requirements and taste, and the best people in the industry to guide you through the journey.”

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