When considering building a new home in Melbourne, one of the most significant decisions you’ll face is choosing a single or double-storey design.
Both have their own set of benefits and challenges, and the right choice will depend on various factors such as your family’s needs, lifestyle, land size, budget, and long-term goals.
The pros and cons of single and double-storey homes will be discussed here to make the best decision for your situation.
Let’s Get Straight to the Point
When deciding whether to build a single- or double-storey home in Melbourne, factors like land size, budget, family needs, and long-term goals must be considered. Double-storey homes are ideal for smaller lots, offering more living space and flexibility, though they come with higher costs and potentially increased energy bills.
Single-storey homes are more affordable, energy-efficient, and accessible, making them great for families with young children or those looking for easy outdoor access. The choice ultimately depends on your lifestyle, space requirements, and plans, so consider all aspects before deciding.
Key Factors To Consider Before Building A Single Or Double-Storey Home
1. Block Size And Land Suitability
The size of your land is crucial in determining whether a single or double-storey home suits your needs. In Melbourne, many buyers increasingly choose double-storey homes, particularly on smaller or narrow blocks. This option allows homeowners to maximise their living space while preserving valuable outdoor areas like gardens or courtyards.
By building a home upwards, these homes efficiently use the available land, offering the flexibility of more rooms or amenities without requiring a larger footprint.
- Small Lots: Double-storey homes allow you to build up, giving you more living space without taking up too much of your land.
- Larger Lots: A single-storey home may be a more appropriate choice. With more land, a single-storey home can provide a spacious, open layout, ideal for creating expansive interiors. The extra space can also allow for larger backyards, perfect for families with children, pets, or those who enjoy outdoor activities. Single-storey homes can offer ease of access, especially for older homeowners or those with mobility concerns.
2. Cost Considerations
Building a double-storey home typically costs more than a single-storey one, mainly due to the increased complexity and extra construction time. For a comparable home of the same size, a double-storey build can cost around 10% to 30% more than its single-storey counterpart. This price difference arises because double-storey homes require additional materials, structural support, and labour.
The foundation also needs to be stronger to accommodate the second floor, and the design needs to consider factors such as staircases, more intricate plumbing, and electrical systems spread over two levels.
- Double-storey homes: While pricier, they can offer a higher resale value, especially in areas with limited land.
- Single-storey homes: Generally more affordable and quicker to build, but they often require a larger block, which can be costly in high-demand areas.
3. Family Needs And Lifestyle
Your family’s lifestyle significantly influences the type of home design that best suits your needs. Single-storey homes are a popular choice for young families with children, as they allow for easier supervision and eliminate the safety concerns posed by stairs.
The open, accessible layout facilitates mobility, making it ideal for parents who must watch their little ones throughout the day. A double-storey home may fit growing families, particularly those with older children.
Separating spaces provides much-needed privacy, with distinct areas for adults and children, reducing the potential for conflicts. Additionally, the flexibility of multi-level designs allows for more bedrooms and functional spaces. This makes double-storey homes well-suited for families balancing communal areas with personal space.
4. Long-Term Considerations
A double-storey home can accommodate your family as it grows, making it a good long-term investment. Many families opt for double-storey homes when they intend to stay in the property for an extended period, as they offer more space and flexibility. The layout allows for distinct living zones, such as private bedrooms upstairs and communal areas downstairs, which are ideal for maintaining privacy and managing family dynamics.
Additionally, the vertical design maximises land use, allowing for larger yards and outdoor spaces. In contrast, retirees or those looking to downsize often choose single-storey homes, as they provide easy access and eliminate the need for stairs, reducing the risk of falls.
- Retirees: Single-storey homes are often preferred by older buyers who prioritise ease of movement and accessibility.
- Growing Families: A double-storey design allows for more space and better future flexibility.
5. Aesthetic And Lifestyle Benefits
A key advantage of a double-storey home is creating stunning views from the second floor. If you’re building in scenic surroundings, such as near the coast, on a hilltop, or in a picturesque rural area, a double-storey home can help you fully embrace these views. The elevated vantage point allows you to capture expansive ocean, mountain, or lush landscape vistas.
This added feature enhances daily living and contributes significantly to the property’s aesthetic value. Additionally, panoramic views from upper-floor living areas can increase the home’s market appeal, attracting potential buyers looking for a property with breathtaking surroundings.
- Views: A double-storey home offers incredible vistas from upper-floor living spaces, making it highly attractive.
- Outdoor Space: While single-storey homes may lack elevated views, they typically provide larger backyards and easier access to outdoor spaces, ideal for gardening, entertainment, or relaxation.
6. Energy Efficiency And Maintenance
Double-storey homes tend to experience higher electricity costs due to the increased square footage that requires heating or cooling. The added complexity of a multi-level layout can lead to inefficiencies in temperature regulation, especially in extreme weather conditions.
In Melbourne’s fluctuating climate, this can mean significant heating costs during colder months and cooling costs in summer. Maintaining the temperature across multiple levels can also be challenging, leading to more energy-consuming appliances such as additional air conditioning units or heaters.
- Double-Storey Homes: More complex layouts can increase energy costs, especially in summer and winter. The additional space requires more energy to heat or cool, and temperature regulation across multiple levels can be inefficient.
- Single-Storey Homes: Typically more energy-efficient with lower heating and cooling costs. Their compact layout allows for more uniform temperature control, leading to lower energy bills and easier maintenance of the home’s climate.
Why Do You Need Careful Consideration in Building a Home?
Choosing between a single-storey and double-storey home requires careful consideration as it affects your finances, lifestyle, and future needs. Both options have benefits and challenges, influencing your home’s comfort, functionality, and long-term value.
- Financial Impact: A double-storey home may have a higher upfront cost but could offer better resale value. Single-storey homes are typically more affordable but may offer less flexibility for future growth or changes in your family’s needs.
- Family’s Current and Future Needs: A single-storey home offers easier access and safety for families with young children or elderly members. If your family is growing or you need more space in the future, a double-storey design provides flexibility and privacy with more rooms.
- Land Size and Location: Double-storey homes are ideal for smaller plots, maximising space without compromising outdoor areas. Larger blocks benefit from single-storey homes offering more expansive outdoor space, ideal for gardens or recreation.
- Aesthetic and Lifestyle Considerations: Double-storey homes provide elevated views, which makes them ideal for living in a scenic area. However, if outdoor living is a priority, a single-storey home may be more suitable for easy access to gardens and outdoor spaces.
- Maintenance and Efficiency: Due to their complexity, double-storey homes can incur higher energy costs and maintenance. Single-storey homes are generally more energy-efficient and easier to manage, resulting in lower bills and less upkeep.
Conclusion
Choosing between a single-storey and double-storey home in Melbourne depends on various factors, including land size, budget, family needs, and long-term plans. A double-storey home is ideal for maximising space on smaller lots, offering flexibility and potential for growth.
In contrast, a single-storey home provides easy access, more outdoor space, and greater energy efficiency. Consider your lifestyle, future needs, and preferences to make the best choice for your family and investment. Ultimately, both options have unique advantages, so it’s about finding the right fit for you and your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Main Benefits Of Building A Double-Storey Home In Melbourne?
Building a double-storey home maximises living space, especially on smaller or narrow blocks, without taking up too much land. It also provides separate areas, offering privacy for different family members. Additionally, a double-storey design can provide stunning views if your property is in a scenic location and generally has a higher resale value.
How Much More Expensive Is A Double-Storey Home Compared To A Single-Storey One?
Due to the increased build complexity, double-storey homes can cost anywhere from 10% to 30% more than single-storey homes. This includes additional materials, structural support, and stronger foundations for the second floor. The costs are also higher due to more intricate plumbing, electrical systems, and the construction of stairs.
Are Single-Storey Homes More Energy-Efficient Than Double-Storey Homes?
Single-storey homes are typically more energy-efficient due to their compact layout, making heating and cooling easier and less expensive. With fewer levels to manage, a single-storey home can help lower energy costs, especially in Melbourne’s fluctuating climate. Double-storey homes often face higher electricity costs due to the additional space that needs to be maintained.
Which Type Of Home Is Better For A Growing Family?
A double-storey home can offer more space and flexibility for a growing family. It allows for better separation of living areas, such as bedrooms upstairs and living spaces downstairs, providing privacy for all family members. However, a single-storey home might be safer and more practical if the family has young children or needs easy access to all rooms.
Can I Build A Single-Storey Home On A Small Block Of Land?
While building a single-storey home on a small block is possible, careful planning may be required to ensure efficient use of space. A single-storey home will take up more of the land’s footprint, potentially leaving less room for outdoor areas like gardens or courtyards. On smaller blocks, a double-storey design is often more practical as it maximises vertical space without sacrificing valuable outdoor space.