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Dual Occupancy
Two principal dwellings on a single lot (attached or detached).
A$600,000–2,000,000 build cost12–32 weeks DA timeline
Typical pathway by state
NSW: DA — most LGAs prohibit dual occ CDC. SEPP (Housing) provides medium-density CDC in some LGAs.
VIC: Planning Permit under Cl 55 (ResCode — two or more dwellings on a lot)
QLD: MCU — typically code assessable in Low-Medium Residential
Required documents
- ✓Site survey
- ✓Architectural plans
- ✓Statement of Environmental Effects / Planning Report
- ✓Stormwater + civil plans
- ✓BASIX / NatHERS per dwelling
- ✓Waste Management Plan
- ✓Neighbour notification
Optional / triggered docs
- •Acoustic Report
- •Traffic / parking justification
- •Shadow diagrams (often required)
Typical consultants
Key compliance checks
- ▸Minimum lot size for dual occ (varies — 600m²-900m² typical)
- ▸Cl 55 ResCode standards (VIC)
- ▸Setbacks (front, side, rear, between dwellings)
- ▸Private open space per dwelling (typically 25m²+ with min 4m dimension)
- ▸Subdivision potential — Torrens vs strata title implications
- ▸Overshadowing of neighbours
- ▸Streetscape character (heritage / character precinct)
Notes
Dual occupancy is the most common medium-density entry point. The key decision is Torrens vs strata subdivision — affects sale-ability + future development potential. ResCode Cl 55 is the VIC framework; NSW has LEP/DCP variation across LGAs.
Recommended pack for this project type
Standard DA Pack A$499