An In-Depth Overview of Duplex House

In the ever-evolving landscape of real estate, duplex houses have emerged as an intriguing and increasingly popular housing option. In this guide, we delve into the world of duplex houses, exploring the different types of duplex house, their cost, their advantages and disadvantages as well as comparative analysis.

What are Duplex Houses?

In Hindi, a duplex house or flat is called "Dohara manzil," which means double floor. Duplex houses are sought-after options providing ample space and privacy, featuring separate living areas on each floor. This arrangement offers a blend of convenience and independence, making it a favoured choice among residents.

Duplex houses are residential buildings constructed on two floors, featuring a common central wall and two living units, either side-by-side or on different floors, each with separate entries. In India, it is common for duplex house designs to feature a layout in which the kitchen, hall, and bedrooms are situated on the lower floor, while the upper floor is reserved for the master bedroom.

Types of Duplex House

Standard Duplex House

A standard duplex house is typically designed as a two-storey structure. It consists of one floor connected to the second floor by stairs. The lower floor usually houses the living room and kitchen in these duplex flats, while the upper floors include bedrooms and kids' rooms.

Ground Duplex House

Ground duplex houses are designed to be constructed on the ground floors of apartments. In this arrangement, the lower floors face a garden and accommodate bedrooms. The upper floor of these duplex apartments comprises the living room and kitchen.

Low-rise Duplex House

The low-rise duplexes are generally built over a smaller area compared to other types. Creating small duplex house designs and pictures for such low-rise structures requires careful consideration by architects.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Duplex House

Advantages

1. A duplex house offers tax benefits and additional revenue opportunities. Owners can live in one section and rent out the other, maximising returns on their investment.
2. Renting a portion allows the owner to recoup some mortgage interest, making it financially advantageous.
3. The spacious design of a duplex house serves various purposes. It can accommodate a home office and study zone without getting disturbed.
4. A duplex house is ideal for joint families, enabling communal living while preserving individual privacy.

Disadvantages

1. Common walls in duplex houses may transmit noise, causing disturbances for residents.
2. Duplex houses are not widespread in India, limiting options for those seeking this specific type of housing.
3. Renting out a part of a duplex property can be challenging due to shared spaces, making it difficult to find tenants.
4. Constructing or investing in a duplex house in suburbs or peripheries may carry risks, especially regarding rental income. Southern cities like Kerala, Hyderabad, and Bangalore still maintain a presence of duplex houses.

Factors Influencing Room Configuration in Duplex House

• Location of the Property: In general, duplex houses in cosmopolitan cities tend to be smaller compared to those in the outskirts. Smaller-sized duplex houses typically have fewer rooms.
• Layout of the Duplex: Typically, duplex house designs have a consistent layout, with bedrooms, a kitchen, a dining room, and a living room on one floor and the master bedroom on the other. However, individuals have the flexibility to opt for a different duplex house design layout, where the number of rooms can be increased, each with a smaller area.

Duplex House Costs Considerations in India

The cost of designing and constructing a duplex house in India is crucial to ponder before making any investment decisions. In various cities and specific locations, the design and construction of a duplex house can range above Rs. 1,500 per sq ft, particularly when opting for basic finishing materials.

For instance, for a duplex house of 1800 sq. ft. in a G+1 construction on a 20 by 40 plot, the estimated cost is around Rs. 28.8 Lakh. However, it's important to note that the final construction cost is subject to specific requirements and the execution approach of the architect.

Comparative Analysis of Duplex House with Other Housing Types

Duplex House and a Two-Storey House

Duplex houses are always two-storeyed structures, but not all two-storeyed house qualify as duplex houses.

Duplex House and Villa

Villas may or may not be two-storeyed, usually surpassing duplex houses in size. Villas are often perceived as luxurious acquisitions, offering total privacy.

Duplex House and Townhouse

Notably, a duplex house is initially purchased by an owner and then rented to a tenant. In contrast, individuals directly own townhouses, allowing them to make changes without seeking permission.

Duplex House and Penthouse

A duplex house, characterised by its two-storey structure, differs from a penthouse on the top floor of a multi-storey building. Penthouses, being solitary units on a particular floor, often command higher prices due to panoramic views and consolidation of units meant for that floor.

Duplex House and Independent House

While the term 'independent home' is used interchangeably for villas, duplex houses, and similar structures, an independent house can have as many floors as desired. In contrast, a duplex house design inherently features two floors.

Duplex House and Flats

Duplex houses entail more responsibilities, higher maintenance, and increased expenses. Flats, with lower maintenance and fewer responsibilities, provide a communal living experience with shared open spaces. Liquidating an apartment property is generally easier than selling a duplex house.

Duplex House and Bungalow

A duplex house, being a double-storey structure, differs from a bungalow—a single-level building with all living spaces on one level. Bungalows, favoured by those averse to stairs, often offer more expansive open spaces and outdoor areas. However, duplex houses present a more cost-effective option with rooms on two levels.

Conclusion

So, as we wrap up, it's clear that duplex house offer a unique living experience with two floors, providing space for both privacy and shared living. They can be a smart investment, offering tax benefits and additional income through renting. However, noise disturbances and limited availability in certain areas are drawbacks. Choosing between a duplex, villa, or flat depends on preferences and lifestyle. With pros like flexibility and cons like maintenance, duplex houses carve a distinctive niche in the housing landscape, providing a blend of communal living and personal space.