To maximise land, build a duplex
By building a duplex, you will be able save space for different uses. Illustration by Julius Eryenyu Jojo
What you need to know:
If you have a small plot of land and are puzzled about what to build on it, you can opt for a duplex
A duplex is a two-storeyed building divided into two apartments (family dwellings). The apartments are either separated by a common wall or one house is built on top of the other.
Building duplexes is one way of maximising land use, and is more suitable for urban areas, where there is landshortage or where the land is expensive.
The plan shown here is an example of one side of a three-bedroomed duplex. The apartments are separated by a common wall.
Building a duplex has its challenges and benefits, therefore it is important to first get all the facts and figures, before making up your mind on what suites you and your lifestyle.
Below is a quick look at some (but not all) of the advantages and disadvantages of building a duplex.
Advantages
You get two dwellings where by one can be used as an income generating property while you (the owner) occupy the other.
You can sell one house under an agreement.
It saves on land space; therefore you get more space for parking, lawn/garden at the back of the house and other activities.
Disadvantages
Building a duplex is more expensive than building a one family house.
If you sell one unit, as a condominium you and the buyer of the second unit become part of the corporation that governs the property. As such, you equally share the rights and responsibilities of land ownership.
It is usually hard to sub-divide the plot of land on which the duplex is built, and so makes most part of the land shared.
