Your Complete Guide To Duplexes

Find out the market value of your duplex

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Thinking about listing your duplex for sale? Are you getting the best rent for your duplex? Wondering how different duplex designs impact the value of your property?

Get help from Queelsand's the leading duplex experts. Request a market appraisal from Affinity today. We'll give you the info you need to answer all these questions and more.

Prefer to get an instant digital property report?

Whether you’re selling, leasing, buying, or refinancing, our report equips you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions.

Or, call us now on 07 3293 9100

Find out the market value of your duplex

Thinking about listing your duplex for sale? Are you getting the best rent for your duplex? Wondering how different duplex designs impact the value of your property?

Get help from the leading Queensland duplex experts. Request a market appraisal from Affinity today. We'll give you the info you need to answer all these questions and more.

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Prefer to get an instant digital property report?
Whether you’re selling, leasing, buying, or refinancing, our report equips you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions.

Or, call us now on 07 3293 9100

Everything you need to know about duplexes in QLD...

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What is a duplex?

In Queensland, a duplex is made up of two adjoining houses, connected by a shared wall. They are sometimes known as “dual key properties” in New South Wales or “maisonettes” in South Australia. 

Duplexes are highly coveted by savvy investors, first home buyers, and retirees. It’s easy to see why. These exceptional properties offer a trifecta of benefits that appeal to every property owner’s desires: unparalleled versatility, broad market appeal, and the possibility of generating extra income.

Affinity can assist you with buying a duplex, selling a duplex, or leasing a duplex. 

Configuration of a duplex property

While they share a connecting wall, each side of a duplex has its own ammenities and seperate entrances. Duplexes are configured in patterns such as:

 

6/4/4 – 6 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, 4 Car Garage. 

The example below shows a unique design for a corner lot.

example floorplan for duplex2

5/3/2 – 5 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, 2 Car Garage. 

 

example floorplan for duplex

Selling a duplex?

Want to sell your duplex fast and for a top price? Affinity Property are the experts in North Brisbane duplex sales, and can help you achieve a great result.

With over 100 years of experience, we guide you through the sale, from pricing based on detailed market research, to staging and professional photography. Whether your duplex is single or dual title, we simplify the process with just one set of fees.

Invest in smart marketing to attract top offers. Consider selling one side of your duplex to increase rent or reduce your mortgage. Trust Affinity Property for a smooth and rewarding sale. Learn more about how Affinity can sell your property for the best price. 

chris advice buy a duplex

Selling single title duplex property

A single title duplex is when both sides of the building are on the same title. They can only be bought and sold together. However, each side can still be rented out seperately.

duplex 03 1

Selling dual title duplex property

Each side of the duplex has a separate title, and can be sold and bought individually. A dual title duplex has to have strata title to sell the sides individually, but this also provides greater flexibility.

Find out how much your duplex property is worth

Leasing a duplex

Managing duplexes requires an experienced set of hands. Depending on their configuration, arrangements may be different for the payment of utilities such as water and electricity. Property insurance and landlord Insurance may also be shared or split between lot owners. It’s important to select good quality tenants who are compatible to minimise the potential for any tenant disputes and also to maintain longer tendencies. Thereby reducing costs for landlords. 

Avoid the headaches of being a duplex landlord and let the experienced property management team at Affinity Property handle every stage of your duplex rental process.

We will vet potential tenants to make sure they pay rent on time and treat your duplex with respect and care. Once your tenants are living in your duplex, we will manage the day-to-day running of the property, and address any issues.

The backbone of our great service is the strong bond we develop with our clients, and with your tenants.

Single Title vs Dual Title for your duplex rental

Renting out property can be complex, especially with duplexes. In Queensland, duplexes have either single or dual titles. Dual title duplexes incur higher costs due to separate fees for rates, water, and insurance.

Landlords should consider charging higher rent for dual title duplexes, which are often larger and can justify a $20 to $50 weekly rent increase, adding $1000 to $2,500 annually to your rental income. 

Duplex Tenancy Structure

 

When renting a unique property like a duplex, carefully plan your tenancy structure to ensure a steady income.

Ideally, both sides should be rented, but if that’s not possible, stagger the tenancy end dates to maintain at least one income stream.

Avoid leaving your property vacant, as ongoing costs like mortgage payments, rates, and other fees can turn it into a financial burden.

Living in a Duplex and renting out the other side

Living in one side of your duplex and renting out the other makes you an owner-occupier and a landlord at the same time. While some may say you’re “living for free,” you are still likely to have expenses like mortgage payments, rates, and utilities. Rental income can help offset these costs, making it a solid investment.

However, consider if the shared living conditions will be suitable for you and your family.

Repair, clean and upgrade your duplex before renting your property

Your duplex’s presentation is crucial for maximizing rental returns. Before advertising, ensure it looks its best by sprucing up the garden, repainting, and cleaning carpets. Complete major repairs and upgrades while the property is vacant.

Tenants are willing to pay more for older properties as long as they are well-maintained and look fresh. High-quality photos are essential, so consider professional photography and staging and styling services to showcase your duplex effectively.

Affinity Property offers a staging and styling service to help you get the most when you sell or lease your duplex investment property. 

Getting compatible tenants

Leasing a duplex requires careful tenant selection, as neighbours need to be a good match.

Consider the lifestyle of each tenant—for instance, a family with young children may not pair well with university students. Taking the time to vet tenants ensures a harmonious living environment, reduces turnover, and helps keep your letting costs down.

A good tenant relationship is key to a successful duplex rental.

Want your duplex managed expertly, just like Amit and Pallavi?

“Sean and his team have done an excellent job managing my property for years.”

“I have always received timely communications and have not been disappointed by their service even once. Sean has always gone above and beyond to help me with any queries I have regarding any renting or even buying properties. Having worked for years, Sean is very well versed with the real estate market and has no hesitations sharing his knowledge even when there is no monetary benefit for him. I highly recommend Sean and Affinity Property.”

Amit and Pallavi Mane

One of our many happy duplex landlords

6 Reichman Street, Caboolture

Buying a duplex

There is rapidly growing interest among investors, first home buyers, and retirees in buying a duplex in Queensland. 

Are you looking for expert advice to buy your duplex property? The team at Affinity would love to help you buy a duplex in North Brisbane.

Benefits of buying a duplex in Brisbane

There are many good reasons to buy a duplex in Brisbane. Whether you’re investing, buying your first home, or looking to downsize. Duplexes can deliver great benefits.

duplex stock image

Buy both sides, rent one out

When you buy a duplex, you have many options available to you. You can rent out both sides concurrently; live in one side while renting out the other; or live in one side and invite a friend or family member to live next door. Due to their flexibility, duplexes are becoming more popular among extended families. 

Dakabin duplex

Buy one side, save money

Purchasing only one side of a duplex is a great way to own property without spending a fortune. For example, one side of a duplex may cost less than $400,000. This is significantly cheaper than buying a detached house with the same design.

duplex 04

Turn a single title duplex into a dual title duplex

Dual title involves two separate lots that generally share common property. It’s permitted in certain zones to increase residential density, but not all areas are suitable. Depending on the location, you may need Council approval. Affinity can look after the strata title process for you.

Kallangur North Leagues Club Bowls Club

Why buy a duplex in North Brisbane?

With Brisbane CBD duplex prices above $1,200,000, many buyers are priced out of the inner city. For a more affordable option, consider areas like the Moreton Bay Region, which is poised for significant investment and growth. Buying a duplex in North Brisbane or Moreton Bay could be a smart investment. For expert advice and great deals, contact Affinity Property, to discuss your duplex requirements.

duplex yeronga scaled

Variety of configurations and options

Duplex properties can exist in different formats and configurations. There are so many options, including single storey, side-by-side units, or two-storey duplexes where the units sit on top of each other. Smaller duplexes tend to have lower valuations and lower sale prices. On the other hand, large duplexes generally enjoy far greater investment returns.

duplex 01 1

Purchasing a duplex as an investment property?

Before investing in a duplex, plan your strategy carefully. Ensure the suburb is experiencing population growth and does not have an oversupply of duplexes. High vacancy rates and lower property values can occur in areas with stagnant growth and too many duplexes. Consult a duplex expert to ensure you set yourself up for success.

Want to know more?

Duplex Properties FAQs

Duplex landlords who want to see the highest possible return on their investment should first find out what their property is worth.

If you want to save money and increase your earning potential, give us a call today.

First impressions count for a lot when prospective tenants see a property they might wish to live in. These days virtually everyone sees properties in photos and on the internet before they see it in person.

This is why getting professional photos and staging and styling done on your rental property is essential.

By making your property look its best, you can charge a higher rent, as tenants pay more for quality places to live.

Balancing a role as a landlord and an owner occupier can be stressful, and is not a good idea for everyone.

Before you commit to living in one side of the duplex and renting the other, you must ask yourself several questions.

  • Can you comfortably live on one side of the duplex? If you live with a large extended family including kids and elderly parents, a single side of a duplex may not be enough.
  • Do you want the extra rental returns from renting both sides of the duplex? By living on one side, you’ve cut back on the amount in rental returns you will receive.
  • Would you be comfortable sharing space with a tenant? Living so close to a tenant can become stressful when there is a dispute or other issue.

Affinity Property manages duplex properties in North Brisbane and the City of Morten Bay.

See our full service area below:

Duplex developments, better known as dual occupancy developments, are permitted in specific zones to increase residential density, but they aren’t suitable for all areas. Depending on the location, you may need Council approval. Projects that meet specific requirements may bypass the need for formal approval, while others will require a development application.

For any dual occupancy project, ensure it complies with residential zoning, and remember that building approval is a separate process.

For more information: 

You can find Affinity’s rental properties on our website. We update this page regularly, so if we have a duplex for rent you’ll see it here first. 

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