What are some of the different kind of build types that one usually sees?

We see various kinds of build types or floor plans/architecture types. We will discuss the more interesting ones in this article. Most of these are single or double-storeys, as we rarely see multi-storey builds in the house and land industry.

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Co-Living Vs Rooming Vs Boarding house

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Co-living, the concept

Co-living is a modern housing arrangement where individuals, often young professionals or students, share a living space that includes private bedrooms and common areas. Whilst a Co-Living property can be set up and designed for letting of the individual rooms (up to 3); such as having each of the three rooms with an ensuite bathroom, you are not allowed to have lockable doors and won’t be required to have the same levels of inclusions that are in a Rooming House.

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Amenities

Co-living spaces typically offer fully furnished rooms and shared amenities such as kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, and sometimes co-working spaces or recreational areas.

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Rental Agreements

Co-living arrangements usually involve flexible rental agreements, often with shorter lease terms, allowing residents to move in and out more easily.

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Management

Co-living spaces are often managed by private companies that curate the living experience and offer additional services like cleaning, maintenance, and social events.

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Cost

The cost of co-living tends to be higher than traditional rooming houses due to the included amenities and services.

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Rooming or Boarding Houses, the concept

Rooming houses, also known as boarding houses, are typically older-style accommodations where multiple residents occupy private rooms and share common facilities like bathrooms and kitchens. It has been a more traditional housing option, especially for people on a budget or low-income individuals.

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Amenities

Rooming houses may have basic amenities, but they are generally less equipped and furnished compared to co-living spaces.

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Rental Agreements

Residents in rooming houses typically sign longer-term leases, often on a weekly or monthly basis.

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Management

Rooming houses are sometimes managed by individual landlords or small property management companies.

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Cost

Rooming houses are generally more affordable than co-living spaces due to the basic amenities and lack of additional services. It’s worth noting that the specific definitions and regulations for co-living and rooming houses can vary by state or territory in Australia. Each region may have its own set of rules and guidelines to govern these types of accommodation, so it’s essential to research the local regulations if you’re considering either option.

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Dual Key property, also known as Dual Occupancy or Dual Living property

A Dual Key property is one residence that has been built to accommodate 2 families. It refers to a single dwelling that is designed and built in a way that it can be divided into two separate, self-contained living spaces. Each living space typically has its own entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and living areas, allowing them to function as two separate homes within the same building.

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Key features of Dual Key properties include:

Self-Containment: Each living space within the Dual Key property is fully self-contained, meaning that they have all the essential amenities needed for independent living. This includes a separate kitchen, bathroom, and living area. One Title: Despite having two separate living spaces, the Dual Key property is still considered a single property and is registered under one title with the local government authority. Rental or Occupancy Flexibility: Dual Key properties offer flexibility in how they can be used. Homeowners may choose to live in one of the living spaces and rent out the other, providing an additional income stream. Alternatively, the entire property can be rented out to two different tenants or occupied by two separate families. Investment Potential: Dual Key properties are often considered attractive investments due to the potential for generating rental income from multiple tenants or having the option to accommodate extended family members while still maintaining some privacy. Local Regulations: Local council regulations may vary regarding the approval and usage of Dual Key properties. Some areas may have specific zoning requirements or restrictions on dual occupancies, so it’s essential to check with the local authorities and understand the rules in the specific location where you plan to purchase or build a Dual Key property. It’s worth noting that real estate terminology and regulations may evolve over time, so I recommend consulting with a local real estate agent or property expert to get the most up-to-date and accurate information on Dual Key properties in Australia.

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Homestead

Typically defined as a family-owned farmhouse and its adjacent land, homesteads were originally used to support a lifestyle of self-sufficiency and seen as a reflection of the economic prosperity of the respective owner.

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Duplex

A duplex is a type of residential property that consists of two separate dwellings built on a single residential lot or block of land. These two dwellings share a common wall or are otherwise attached to each other, making them side-by-side units within the same building structure.

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Key features of a duplex in Australia include:

Two Units: A duplex always comprises two individual units, each with its own entrance, living spaces, kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, and utilities. The units are designed to be fully self-contained and independent from each other. Single Title: Despite being two separate units, a duplex is typically registered under one title with the local government authority, indicating that it is a single property with two dwellings. Differing Designs: While duplexes have a shared wall and are part of the same building structure, they can have different designs, floor plans, and internal layouts. The exterior appearance may also vary, giving each unit its unique look. Investment or Owner-Occupied: Duplex properties can be utilized for various purposes. Some homeowners choose to live in one of the units and rent out the other to generate rental income. Others may use both units for extended family living or occupy one and sell/rent the other. Local Regulations: Local council regulations and planning laws govern the construction and usage of duplex properties in different areas. Specific zoning requirements and building regulations may apply, and it’s essential to adhere to them when developing or purchasing a duplex. Duplexes are popular in many parts of Australia due to their flexibility, potential for rental income, and the ability to accommodate multi-generational living or investment opportunities. As with any property purchase, it’s essential to conduct thorough research and seek professional advice to ensure compliance with local regulations.

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NDIS

NDIS properties typically have certain features and modifications to ensure they are accessible and suitable for people with disabilities. Some common features of NDIS properties may include: Wheelchair Accessibility: NDIS properties are designed to be wheelchair-friendly, with features such as wider doorways, ramps, and accessible bathrooms. Supportive Equipment: These properties may come equipped with various supportive equipment, such as hoists, handrails, and adaptive technology, to assist with daily living tasks for residents with disabilities. Safety Features: Safety is a crucial consideration in NDIS properties, and they may have features like non-slip flooring, accessible emergency exits, and safety alarms. Location: NDIS properties are often located in areas with proximity to essential services and amenities, such as medical facilities, public transportation, and community support services. Inclusivity: NDIS properties aim to foster an inclusive environment, promoting interaction and social engagement among residents with disabilities and other community members. It’s important to note that the NDIS itself does not own or manage properties. Instead, the NDIS provides funding to eligible participants, which they can use to access appropriate housing options that meet their specific needs. These housing options may include existing rental properties that have been modified, purpose-built specialist disability accommodation (SDA), or other suitable accommodations. NDIS properties are over 90% similar to a normal 3 or 4 bedroom dwelling, except the houses are designed keeping the needs of a person with disability in mind. Some of the features include: the doors are generally wider to accommodate wheelchairs and lifters etc., there are multiple living spaces to ensure privacy, each room has an attached toilet/bath and the common areas have amenities that are accessible by a person on a wheelchair. The four different levels of SDA are categorized based on the level of support and complexity required by the residents, and are mentioned in a related article.