Want to increase your rental returns from your dual occupancy homes? The secret isn't just in the location – designing dual occupancy homes ensures high turnover and long-term rental stability.
Most property investors don't realise that a poorly executed design can drain your rental income and cost you thousands in lost profits.
Make no mistake, if you're not paying attention to the details, you're leaving money on the table. So what makes a design tenant-friendly? There are three crucial factors to consider:
1. Privacy is Everything When it Comes to Tenant Retention
A lack of privacy in dual-occupancy homes is a major driver of tenant dissatisfaction.
Think about it: no tenant wants to feel like they're living in a fishbowl, with their neighbour's windows directly across from their own.
To ensure your design prioritises privacy, focus on these elements:
- Position living areas away from shared boundaries to minimise direct sight lines.
- Use tall, solid fencing to create a clear boundary between units.
- Design private alfresco areas that aren't directly facing neighbouring outdoor spaces.
- Use smart landscaping elements like hedges or screens to add visual privacy.
Nailing this could have you doubling your rental yield while keeping tenants long-term.
But, privacy is only one part of the equation…
2. Designing Dual Occupancy Homes That Are Easy to Maintain
For a dual occupancy house or properties, keeping landscaping to a minimum is key. Large yards mean higher maintenance costs, and tenants are less likely to want to take care of them.
Instead, focus on outdoor spaces that look great without the upkeep.
For example:
- Native plants: Drought-resistant and require minimal upkeep.
- Artificial turf or gravel: Eliminates mowing while keeping outdoor spaces tidy.
- Paved or decked areas: Creates usable outdoor spaces without the hassle of lawn care.
- Automatic irrigation systems: Ensures plants stay healthy with little effort from tenants.
- Minimalist landscaping: Simple, structured designs that reduce the need for pruning and weeding.
No-hassle landscaping keeps your property appealing, effortless to manage, and always in demand.
But if you really want to capitalise on returns and lock in long-term tenants, there's one more factor you can't afford to overlook…
3. Accessibility and Orientation Can Make or Break Your ROI
Many people think a steep driveway or poor ventilation is a minor inconvenience, but nothing could be further from the truth.
These design flaws can immediately cut your tenant pool by as much as 35%. That's over a third of your potential return.
Prioritise these design choices to ensure your property is both tenant-friendly and maximises ROI:
- Opt for level entry points that accommodate tenants with strollers, mobility needs, or heavy loads.
- Avoid steep slopes or tight spaces that make parking a hassle. Instead, opt for gradual, wide driveways that accommodate various vehicles.
- Create open, wide corridors and seamless transitions between rooms to make spaces feel more inviting and functional.
- Position your home to capture natural light and ensure ventilation. It cuts down on energy bills and provides comfort year-round.
- Ensure your design meets local accessibility and environmental standards. Non-compliance can restrict your rental pool and even lead to penalties.
A duplex built with these key design principles is set up for long-term tenant satisfaction and maximum rental returns.
Bottom line: If you want to maximise your rental returns and create a dual occupancy property that tenants will flock to, the key is simple: design matters.
The art of designing dual occupancy homes lies in balancing aesthetic appeal with practical functionality for tenants.
That's why we put together this free guide for you:
7 Things You Must Know Before Designing a New Home
It's packed with proven design strategies, including:
- How builder's price variations
- What to look for in a contract proposal
- Why 80% of designs never get built
- When to start negotiating prices
- The biggest myth about copyright
- How to spot a dodgy builder early
- And much, much more!
Don't risk designing dual occupancy homes without it. Get your free guide today and take the first step toward designing a duplex that attracts high-quality tenants and boosts your ROI.
Explore what sets Lynch Building Group apart in the Mudgee home building industry. Lynch Building Group is a proud partner of APB, MBA and BDAA.
