Duplexes could be the answer for first homebuyers looking to enter the market

Duplexe developments are on the rise in Cairns as buyers look for affordable housing without being saddled with hefty body corporate fees.

A MOVE toward higher density living in Cairns with duplexes becoming part of the housing landscape has been proposed as potentially solving a critical shortage of housing across the region.

Proponents believe duplexes make good use of scarce land, offer an affordable entry option for first homeowners, and unlike units, apartments and townhouses, aren’t saddled with hefty body corporate fees.

Cairns building designer Lisa Mackee of Urban Abode said over time duplexes would become a bigger part of the housing landscape.

“There aren’t a lot of duplexes in Cairns, I think over time this will change, but not soon enough for the current (housing) shortages,” Ms Mackee said.

“It’s a great solution to inner suburb living with lots of pros, it’s more like a house than a unit, you still get a small backyard, no body corporate fees, and you’re only sharing a site with one other person rather than a whole complex.

“For a first homebuyer it could be an ideal, cheaper entry to the market,” she said.

“I believe that as Cairns grows and spreads out in both directions, inner city living will become more sought after and the 800sq m sites are ideal for duplexes, both attached and detached where possible.

“We may not be there just yet, as there needs to be a mentality shift by the public toward higher density living – it hasn’t been a necessity previously in Cairns, but it will be as the population grows,” Ms Mackee said.

She said council’s incentive scheme, aimed at “mum and dad” investors, waived infrastructure charges on duplexes, which could save at least $20,000.

Ms Mackee’s design tips for duplexes include open plan living for maximum exposure to breezes, incorporating louvres, large roof overhangs and an attractive outdoor space suitable for a tropical climate.

“Storage is key – we tend to have a lot of stuff, whether it be suitcases, the Christmas tree, old family photo albums and memorabilia, or sporting and beach equipment,” Ms Mackee said.

She said units and small homes often lacked storage.

“In Cairns, unlike in bigger cities, we generally have two vehicles per household due to limited public transport, so where possible it’s great to be able to have a double garage or double carport per dwelling.”

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Cairns Property Office agent Shane Trimby, who recently sold a duplex at Whitfield, said demand was strong for reasonably priced duplexes.

“The attraction is that there are no body corporate fees,” Mr Trimby said.

“Half duplexes are very popular and probably come up for sale more than the full duplex – investors are attracted to full duplexes and owner occupiers are attracted to the half duplex as they are affordable.”

Mr Trimby agreed there could be more duplexes.

“Good quality units with a little courtyard or grass are very hard to find, this also makes duplex living more popular,” he said.

Koru Building Contractors, Bridgewater Builders and Construct group all have duplex projects under way.

The Building Approval Company planner Ryan Wagemaker said duplexes and dual occupancies were two different things.

“A duplex can look and feel like an attached dual occupancy, but they are not the same – A duplex is considered two dwellings and have separate titles, often a duplex will be on land already subdivided and can be sold separately,” he said.

He said a granny flat was considered a secondary dwelling on the existing property intended for use by members of the family or extended family. The Building Approval Company is the planner for a series of duplexes proposed for Hanby St in Trinity Beach.

Originally published as Duplexes could be the answer for first homebuyers looking to enter the market