Dual Living Homes Melbourne
Dual Occupancy Builders Melbourne Delivering Quality Workmanship Since 1991
At Destin Constructions, we believe every home should adapt to your lifestyle, family, and future. As Melbourne’s trusted dual living home builder, we specialise in creating smart, stylish, and high-performing homes that combine functionality, comfort, and investment value. Whether you’re building for extended family, extra income, or long-term flexibility, our dual living homes in Melbourne are designed to maximise your property’s potential.
We are one of Melbourne’s top-rated and most dependable construction firms, proudly delivering excellence, innovation, and integrity in every project for over thirty years. At Destin Constructions, we don’t just build houses; we create legacies, financial freedom, and smarter living solutions for Melbourne families. As a Dual Living Home Builder in Melbourne with a foundation of trust since 1991, we have seen the city’s evolution firsthand. We understand the unique challenges and amazing opportunities that Melbourne’s property market offers.
At Destin Constructions we delivers high-quality dual living homes and dual occupancy builds across Melbourne, designed for modern families, multi-generational living, and smart investment outcomes. From concept and planning through to permits and final handover, we manage the entire build with clear communication, strict quality control, and workmanship you can feel proud of. If you’re looking for a trusted Melbourne builder for dual occupancy or dual living homes, built for comfort, privacy, and long-term value, speak with our team for practical guidance and a transparent quote. Call us on 0418 568 290 or email ds@destinconstructions.com.au to start designing your dream dual living home today.
Why Choose a Dual Living Home in Melbourne? The Ultimate Smart Investment
The Melbourne property market requires innovative solutions. A dual occupancy home is one of the most savvy choices a property owner can make.
Create a Mortgage Helper: Create a solid secondary income by renting out a dwelling, helping you pay off your mortgage quicker and reach financial security.
Multi-Generational Living Made Easy: Create separate yet linked living areas for adult children, ageing parents, or extended family. Enjoy closeness while keeping privacy.
Significantly Increase Property Value: A well-designed dual living property dramatically increases the overall market value of your asset compared to a single dwelling.
Maximise Your Land’s Potential: In a city where land is scarce, a dual living design helps you maximise every square metre of your block.
Our Proven Dual Living Construction Process
We make the complex simple. Our end-to-end process is designed to be transparent, collaborative, and stress-free for you.
Step 1: Consultation & Feasibility
We meet with you to discuss your vision, budget, and property. We carry out a comprehensive feasibility assessment to advise on what is possible within local council guidelines.
Step 2: Custom Design & Planning
Our expert designers will collaborate with you to develop a customised dual living layout that perfectly suits your needs, whether it's a side-by-side duplex, a stacked arrangement, or a detached secondary dwelling.
Step 3: Council Approvals & Permits
This is where our experience truly shines. We, AT Destin Constructions, handle the entire council application and town planning process, navigating the complexities on your behalf to secure all necessary permits.
Step 4: Construction
Your dedicated project manager will oversee every aspect of the construction. You can expect meticulous attention to detail, superior craftsmanship, and regular progress updates.
Step 5: Handover & Warranty
The best part! We guide you through your two new homes, hand over the keys, and offer a comprehensive structural warranty, giving you complete confidence in your new investment.
Explore Our Dual Living Home Designs in Melbourne
Every family is unique, and so is every home we build. Browse our popular design themes to inspire your own.
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Why Destin Constructions is Your Trusted Partner for Dual Occupancy in Melbourne
30+ Years of Experience:
Since 1991, delivering quality new homes, renovations, and extensions across Melbourne, with proven processes and stable, long-term teams.
Australian Owned:
Local ownership, local trades, and suppliers, built for Melbourne conditions and standards.
Display Home Ownership:
See our craftsmanship firsthand and browse finishes, fixtures, and build quality before making a decision.
Fixed-Price Contracts:
Clear inclusions and upfront pricing for genuine cost certainty, no surprises.
Integrity & Transparency:
Open communication, itemised quotes, documented variations, and weekly progress updates.
Registered & Fully Insured:
Registered Building Practitioner with suitable public liability and contract works insurance for your peace of mind.
HIA Member & GreenSmart Accredited:
Best-practice construction, energy-efficient detailing, and advice that lowers running costs.
End-to-End Project Delivery:
Plans, permits, engineering, inspections, and trade coordination managed by a single accountable team.
Frequently Asked Questions - Dual Living Homes in Melbourne
Q1: What is the difference between a dual occupancy and a granny flat?
While both options provide secondary living, a dual occupancy usually involves two self-contained dwellings of a more significant size on a single title, often necessitating a subdivision. A granny flat tends to be smaller and has more specific size limits. We can advise on the best choice for your circumstances.
Q2: How long does the entire process take from design to completion?
The timeline can vary depending on council approval processes and the complexity of the build. Generally, you can expect the entire project to take between 12 and 18 months. We provide a detailed timeline specific to your project after the initial consultation.
Q3: Can you help with obtaining council permits?
Absolutely. Navigating local council regulations is one of our core strengths. Our experienced team handles the entire town planning and permit application process for you, reducing stress and avoiding delays.
Q4: Do you build dual living homes on sloping blocks?
Yes, we specialise in designing for a variety of block types, including sloping sites. We use innovative architectural solutions to transform challenging terrain into a striking and functional feature.
What does a dual occupancy cost in Melbourne in 2026?
Costs vary based on:
- demolition and site works
- slope, soil classification, drainage
- design level (mid vs premium finishes)
- whether it’s single or double storey
- driveway/landscaping scope
- service upgrades and authority connections
For a realistic 2026 benchmark, Archicentre’s cost guidance shows new builds can range roughly $2,700 to $5,100 per m², depending on specification level.
2026 build-cost guide
Below is a planning-level guide only (we provide detailed quotes after feasibility/design).
| Spec level | Approx build cost / m² (guide) | Typical size (each) | Total build area (pair) | Rough build total (pair) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smart / practical | ~$2,700/m² | 120 m² | 240 m² | ~$648,000 |
| Mid-spec (popular) | ~$3,600/m² | 150 m² | 300 m² | ~$1,080,000 |
| Premium | ~$5,100/m² | 175 m² | 350 m² | ~$1,785,000 |
(These ranges align with Archicentre’s published cost guidance for new construction. )
Don’t forget “project costs” outside the build
Many dual occupancy budgets also include:
design + drafting + engineering
energy ratings / reports
planning drawings + town planning support
council fees
demolition
service connections (water/gas/electric/NBN)
driveway crossover works
fencing, landscaping, retaining
holding costs (if you’re not living onsite)
This is why we encourage owners to plan properly from day one, it protects your margin and timeline.
why dual living homes can perform strongly
Dual occupancy is popular partly because it can create two income streams.
SQM Research’s December 2025 update shows:
Melbourne vacancy rate: 2.0%
Melbourne rents: up 4.1% annually (combined rents)
That doesn’t automatically mean every duplex earns the same , but it confirms why well-designed dual occupancy builds remain attractive to buyers and renters in Melbourne heading into 2026.
Can I build two homes on one block in Melbourne?
In many Melbourne suburbs, yes, but it depends on your zoning, overlays, access, and block layout. In Victoria, dual occupancy applications are commonly assessed under Clause 55 (ResCode) standards, plus your council’s local policies.
Is dual occupancy the same as a duplex?
A duplex is usually two homes side-by-side sharing a wall. Dual occupancy is broader, it can be side-by-side or front/back, attached or detached, depending on what council supports on your block.
What block size do I need for dual occupancy in Melbourne?
There isn’t one universal number that applies everywhere. What matters is usable land, driveway access, open space, setbacks, and how the design meets council rules. A feasibility check is the fastest way to confirm what’s possible.
Do I need a planning permit for dual occupancy in Victoria?
In most cases, yes. The pathway depends on your council planning scheme, zoning, and overlays. We help you prepare the right documentation so the design fits the approval process.
Is dual occupancy good for rental income?
It can be, especially when designed well and located in a strong rental area. Melbourne’s rental market entered 2026 with a vacancy rate of 2.0% (Dec 2025) and rents trending higher year-on-year.
How much does dual occupancy cost in 2026?
It depends on spec and site costs. As a general benchmark, Archicentre guidance for new builds suggests $2,700–$5,100 per m² depending on finish level.
We provide a tailored quote after feasibility and scope confirmation.