Single Storey vs Double Storey

If You Have The Block

If you already have land, your block may already be narrowing the decision before lifestyle preferences even come into play.

Lot Width and What It Means for Your Design Options

Most standard single storey designs require a minimum lot width of around 10 metres. If your block is narrower than that, a double storey design is often the more practical path because it builds up rather than out, giving you the floor space you need without requiring a wider footprint.

If you are still searching for land, starting with a preferred configuration in mind can help you identify the right block to match it.

Slope, Orientation and Estate Guidelines

A sloping block can affect both what can be built and how much it will cost regardless of configuration. If your land is within an estate, check the design guidelines before settling on a configuration as some estates have requirements around building height, facade style or setbacks that may affect your options.

Benefits of Single Storey Homes

Everyday Liveability

Single storey homes put everything on one level. There are no stairs to navigate, which suits families with young children, anyone with mobility considerations and households who want to stay in their home comfortably as they get older. Living areas connect directly to outdoor spaces, which works well for families who use their alfresco area regularly.

Design and Layout

Single storey homes suit wider blocks and allow for generous open plan living. The kitchen, dining and living areas can connect across a comfortable footprint and outdoor spaces feel like a natural extension of the home.

The tradeoff is that a larger single storey footprint requires more land. On a narrower block, a single storey design may not give you the floor space you need without compromising on room sizes or outdoor space.

Benefits of Double Storey Homes

Making the Most of a Smaller Block

Double storey homes are particularly well suited to narrower lots because they build up rather than out. On a narrow lot, a double storey design allows you to include four bedrooms, multiple bathrooms and generous living areas that simply would not fit within the footprint of a single storey design on the same block.

Living Zone Separation

One of the most valued features of a double storey home is the natural separation between living and sleeping zones. The main living areas sit downstairs and the bedrooms sit upstairs, keeping the noise and activity of family life away from the spaces where people sleep. For households with teenagers or family members on different schedules, this separation is genuinely useful.

Practical Considerations for Double Storey Homes

Stairs and Long Term Liveability

Stairs are worth thinking about in the context of your long term plans. If there is any chance ageing parents may live with you or you want to stay in the home into retirement, a ground floor bedroom and bathroom adds real long term value.

Street Appeal and Facade Options

Double storey homes tend to have stronger street presence and more facade options, which can contribute to both kerb appeal and resale value.

Cost Differences for Single vs Double Storey Home Designs

Double storey homes typically cost more per square metre to build due to additional structural engineering, a staircase and more complex construction. However, the total cost comparison is not always straightforward. A double storey home on a narrow lot may deliver the same floor area as a larger single storey design on more land. When land cost is factored in, the overall picture can be closer than the build cost alone suggests.

Which Is Better for Families?

There is no configuration that suits every family. Young families with small children often find single storey living easier, with everything on one level and better indoor outdoor connection. Households with older children or teenagers often find double storey more practical, with separate zones giving different family members their own space.

Think about how your household will look in five to ten years, not just today. If your family is growing, check whether the design has the bedrooms you will need down the track. If there is any possibility ageing parents may live with you, a ground floor bedroom and bathroom is worth building in from the start.