Custom home builder in Blacktown

Blacktown is the centre of Blacktown City, the most populous local government area in NSW, with Blacktown station on the main western and Richmond lines. Many of its streets were built up decades ago, so the housing is older and the blocks are often a regular suburban size.

The most common question we get here is whether a block can take a duplex. Replacing one older house with two new dwellings can make the economics of rebuilding work — if the lot genuinely qualifies.

One house or two?

A dual occupancy gives two homes on one lot, which can later be subdivided into separate titles where the planning rules allow. It needs enough area and frontage for two driveways, two private open spaces and the required setbacks.

If the lot doesn’t qualify, a single new home with a granny flat can deliver some of the same benefit — a second dwelling for family or rent — though the granny flat stays on the same title.

Planning in Blacktown

Blacktown is under Blacktown City Council and the Blacktown Local Environmental Plan 2015. Under the Low Rise Housing Diversity Code, a dual occupancy can be approved as complying development where the zoning already permits it and the lot meets the size and design standards.

Before demolishing an older Blacktown house, it needs a hazardous materials check. Asbestos-cement products were common in homes of that era and must be removed by a licensed removalist.