What is a duplex flat, and why should you own one?

A duplex flat is a type of housing unit with two levels of living space connected by an internal stairway. Here’s all you need to know.

A duplex can be twice as excellent as a single-family house, whether you are looking for a rental home with amenities, a fantastic housing option for extended family, or investment property with possibilities. Let’s find out more about duplex flats and their investment potential. 

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What is a duplex flat?

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The word ‘duplex’ refers to an apartment (rather than a home) with two levels of living space connected by an internal stairway. It is a multi-family house which has two units in a single building. Units may be placed next to one another or layered on top of one another. Duplex structures often have two distinct entrances for each apartment, which is a nice feature. It implies that each renter has its entryway.

Check out our duplex house interior design picture gallery

Long-term advantages of owning a duplex flat 

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A duplex flat is a wise financial decision. It may provide significant value increase and excellent rental returns at a far cheaper cost than separate property. Furthermore, constructing a duplex flat entails everything from subdividing and servicing the land to outfitting it with your choice of carpets and blinds before selling or renting it out to other people. Overall, by building a duplex flat, you may boost your profit while also increasing the amount of money you might potentially make from your property.

They are in a nicer neighbourhood

Modern apartment buildings are located in clusters in the city’s more urban and populated portions. Duplexes are usually found in the more suburban areas. It might give inhabitants a greater sense of belonging to their community. Duplex flats may provide an economical way to get into some of the most desirable neighbourhoods in your region.

Fewer neighbours mean more privacy

In a duplex, you will not be required to share corridors or elevators with anybody else. Every time you go outside your door, you are unlikely to be surrounded by a large number of your neighbours.

Pay your mortgage with rent from a tenant

If you are considering becoming a property owner, you may find that acquiring a duplex flat is an appealing choice to consider. You may live on one side of the property and rent out the other. The rent you get may be sufficient to cover a portion or all of your loan payments.

Your family (parents) may well be able to live next door

If you are a part of a large family, maybe with ageing parents to care for, a duplex flat can provide your family with the option to live side by side with one another. So that you may enjoy the benefits of having a cherished family member close by while also having a lovely thick wall running down the centre of the home to help you maintain your privacy.

Freedom to design 

Renting a duplex flat has several advantages: you often have greater flexibility to customise the inside of your home. You may paint the walls, switch out light fixtures, and make other minor alterations. Outside of the house, there is usually a yard that may be landscaped and personalised. 

High resale value 

The estimated resale value of a duplex home is the amount that it is predicted to sell for shortly. The resale value of a duplex flat is affected by the renovations made to the property and the general age and condition of the home.

Placement on vacation rental websites

If you are looking for a way to supplement your income, you can get a self-regulating (via visitor and host ratings), free-market alternative for collecting short-term market rentals. Publish an ad on a vacation rental site, and if you are successful in finding a renter, they will pay you, the host, for the accommodations. If your duplex flat is well-furnished and conveniently located near all local facilities, you may charge a premium rate to rent it.

 

Types of duplex flats

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Standard duplex 

The first level is linked to the second floor through a flight of steps. Upper levels offer bedrooms and children’s bedrooms. The ground floor has the living area.

Low-rise duplex 

It is a two-storey duplex flat with a large balcony and an attic on the second level. Compared to other kinds of duplex residences, this one is often constructed on a smaller lot size.

Ground duplex 

These are duplex flats erected on the ground level of flats, with the lower stories facing a garden and including the bedrooms. The living area and kitchen are both located on the second storey. It is best suited to those who like gardening and have pets at home.

Side by side duplex 

The two-storey, side-by-side duplex flats contain two two-storey flats sharing a shared wall. Smaller footprints and more privacy are two benefits of this duplex unit. The bedrooms and baths are segregated from the rest of the house in this kind of design. 

 

Can a duplex flat be used as a single-family residence?

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Because it has two different living areas, a duplex flat qualifies as a multi-family dwelling. On the other hand, a duplex may be turned into a single-family house by knocking down a few walls and removing additional kitchens, entry doors, and garages. However, it will involve a significant financial expenditure.

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