Subdividing a block into a duplex or triplex development is one of the most reliable ways to unlock equity in the Perth property market. However, designing for an investment site requires a completely different approach than designing a single family home. To make a multi-unit project highly profitable, you must design spaces that appeal to a wide pool of high-quality renters or buyers while keeping your construction costs lean.
Independent Driveways vs. Common Property
When laying out a multi-unit site, your driveway configuration heavily dictates your end-market value. Running a single shared driveway down the side of the block to service back villas saves space but introduces strata management elements and can reduce your final sale price. If your block width allows for a side-by-side duplex with independent driveways, always choose this route. Buyers pay a massive premium for a property that has its own individual street presence and avoids shared common space.
Smart Design Tricks to Lower Construction Costs
Every corner, structural beam, and plumbing stack you add to a building plan increases your construction costs. To maximize your developer margins, try to align your plumbing: in double-storey developments, always place upstairs bathrooms directly above the downstairs kitchen or laundry. Grouping your wet areas together slashes the amount of internal pipework and labor required. Additionally, stick to standard spans to avoid over-complicated structural steel beams; clean, square designs are far faster to construct.
Finishes That Stand Up to Tenants
If you are holding your development as a long-term rental asset, your interior selections must be bulletproof. Replace standard painted walls in high-traffic entry zones with durable, easy-to-clean coatings. Choose stone benchtops over laminate for kitchens to prevent water swelling or burn marks, ensuring your investment looks pristine for years to come.
Ready to unlock your land’s true financial potential? Look through our development portfolio on our Multi Unit Developments page.