Should you build a single or double storey home

Once you’ve chosen the block of land in the suburb and estate you want to build in, the next decision you’ll need to make is whether to build a single or double storey home.

Samantha Jones
shutterstock_170805509 - Copy (1)

Once you've chosen the block of land in the suburb and estate you want to build in, the next decision you'll need to make is whether to build a single or double storey home.

The size and shape of the block you have purchased is likely to influence this decision.

Find out how a REIWA buyer's agent can help you buy a block of land.

If you have a smaller block, but have your heart set on a four by two house for example, then a two storey home may be the answer, whereas if you've purchased a large block a single storey home is likely to be preferable.

In Western Australia, single storey homes are still the most popular design with the majority of buyers choosing the traditional Australian 'bungalow' over a double storey home.

One of the reasons for the popularity of single storey homes is that they tend to be more affordable, with double storey homes costing, on average, around $20,000 to $50,000 more to build than a single.

As block sizes become increasingly smaller in the Perth metropolitan area this mindset is likely to shift with the costs of land development and site acquisition impacting the average size of a building block.

In the instance where the block of land doesn't allow for your single storey building requirements, adding an additional level will help create the extra living space you require.

Beyond just being a solution for creating additional living room, double storey homes also have plenty of additional benefits, such as;

  • they are easier to separate the living areas and bedrooms
  • you can create multiple living options and areas
  • they boast an impressive street presence
  • can provide you with extra room in your backyard

If you're thinking about building your own home, reiwa.com's House & Land feature can assist with the process. Use its patented 'matching' technology to see which house designs match which blocks.

Visit reiwa.com House & Land.