As more and more demand for living space in Australia pushes up the cost of accommodations and with a large cohort of older baby boomers retiring from the workforce, many are in search of practical ways of living near loved ones without necessarily having to spend a fortune. In these circumstances, dual occupancy homes can provide an excellent solution for multigenerational living and are an investment that can certainly pay off well into the future.
Are Dual Occupancy Homes Ideal for Multigenerational Living?
Dual occupancy homes are extremely versatile and quite trendy at the moment, especially in urban areas of Australia such as in Melbourne, Sydney, and suburban areas where cost of living is skyrocketing and land is increasingly coming at a huge premium. Whereas the older generations tended to build larger homes on large plots of land, modern living circumstances have changed drastically and many individuals and families don’t need as much space, so subdividing a lot into two and building two smaller homes tends to be far more efficient.
For multigenerational living, there’s often a need for more space, not less. Well, that’s where the versatility of dual occupancy becomes relevant. With dual occupancy homebuilding, a property owner can choose to live alone, with a partner, or with children in one unit whilst reserving the other unit for parents, an uncle, or other family members.
Equally, dual occupancy homes may be large enough to have an extended family living in one unit, provided it’s built adequately large to accommodate the extra inhabitants. The other unit can be put to let to generate passive income.
The Importance of Privacy and Independence
For most of us, privacy is an important consideration no matter where we call home. When living with elderly parents, for example, some privacy is desirable for obvious reasons. Dual occupancy homes can be built with separate entrance and living areas within each unit, and privacy can be further increased with soundproofing in the design and construction stages as well.
Naturally, those that intend to house their elderly parents or grandparents in the other unit will benefit from the privacy of being in a separate unit altogether.
For many elderly residents, it is also important to create private areas that help them retain self-esteem and independence. This can be achieved with privacy but also with healthy communal spaces.
Communal Living Spaces
Shared spaces are particularly important for multigenerational living arrangements in dual occupancy homes. Within each unit, spaces can be arranged so that there is ample communal space such as a living room, lounge, or kitchen. Outdoor shared spaces are particularly desirable, where families can relax, dine, BBQ, or simply enjoy the fresh air.
Accessible & Future-Proof Living
When sharing living spaces with elderly parents, accessibility may be an important consideration now and in the future. Mobility issues can impair individuals from easily accessing the property, as well as making it difficult to move to the kitchen or use the restroom, for example. All of this can, in turn, lead to a diminishing feeling of self-esteem and independence, but there are practical solutions that can help individuals with impaired mobility.
Dual occupancy homes can be built with modern amenities as well as handrails, ramps, ground floor access points, raised toilet seats, commodes, and a wide range of other specific features that make the unit(s) safer and easier for those with mobility issues.
Trevor Homes
Plan and design your dream dual occupancy home with Trevor Homes.
