FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How does 'Downsize at Home' work?
'Downsize at Home' (DAH) partners with you to design and build a new home in your unused backyard, and then sell it to generate a profit (alternatively you can keep the new home, and sell your existing home).
DAH handles everything from start to finish. You can be involved as little or as much as you like, and you will have direct access to Darren Webber as the business owner at all stages of the process.
What is Dual Occupancy?
Dual occupancy is when two separate homes are built on a single block of land. In most cases, one home is the original residence, and the second is a newly built dwelling often in the backyard. Each home has its own entrance and can be lived in, rented out, or sold separately.
It's a smart way to increase the value of your land, create more housing, and generate extra income without needing to move or sell your existing home.
How much land do I need?
It depends on what each individual council allows. In Logan Council in south-east Brisbane, where we specialise, a Dual Occupancy is allowed on lots greater than 700 m².
How can the second dwelling be sold to a separate owner?
In Logan Council a Dual Occupancy secondary dwelling on a lot greater than 700 m² can be separately titled and separately owned.
If the land is not big enough to be subdivided into 2x 'freehold' titles, then the 2x properties can be separately titled by way of 'strata title'. Which means once complete the second dwelling can be sold to a separate owner.
Here is the link to the Logan Council's domestic housing fact sheet…
How is 'Downsize at Home' different from selling my home?
For most homeowners when they are considering downsizing, they want to move to a smaller property with less maintenance, and release some equity to enhance their lifestyle.
DAH allows you to achieve exactly this whilst still remaining in your own home, releasing some equity and creating a profit through building the second dwelling, which creates significant extra cash flow for your lifestyle.
How long does the process take?
Generally it takes approximately 12 months from start to finish, but the timeline depends on factors like council approvals, builder availability and the time taken for the new home to sell. DAH ensures the process is as efficient as possible, keeping you informed every step of the way.
Who is this ideal for?
This is ideal for Australian homeowners who want to maximise the value of their property to create a better lifestyle. It can suit downsizers, empty nesters, retirees, and those under financial pressure who want to unlock the value of their backyard through Dual Occupancy to gain income or financial freedom without moving out of the home they love.
What are the financial benefits?
You can create a significant profit from selling the new home built in your backyard. This can provide extra cash for financial needs, future security and an enhanced lifestyle.
How does DAH help with security and reduce financial stress?
By unlocking the value of your unused land, you get extra income to ease financial worries, helping you enjoy a more secure and comfortable life without taking on stress and debt via 'equity release' products like reverse mortgages.
How does DAH reduce the burden of maintaining a large property?
By building a new home in your backyard, you'll have a smaller yard to maintain, reducing your workload and costs.
Are there any risks?
Yes there are risks. But DAH is experienced at managing these risks to ensure you achieve the best possible outcome.
In any development and construction process it is critical to manage the costs of the project, ensure it all gets done in the shortest possible time and create a high quality product that buyers will want and that ultimately will sell for the highest possible price.
What if I am afraid of losing my home or confused about the downsizing process?
With DAH, you don't have to worry about losing your home. Your property stays in your name during the entire process, and it is only the newly subdivided lot that is separately titled and sold (alternatively you can keep the new home, and sell your existing home).
Our process is straightforward, everything is professionally prepared by experienced lawyers and checked by your advisors, and we guide you through every step.
In addition to this all of our clients are required to receive independent financial advice and legal advice before we start, to ensure you have an independent review that you can feel 100% confident with.
Will I need to pay for anything?
You do not need to pay for anything, but you can if you want to.
DAH has access to a team of expert finance brokers who can help to arrange construction finance for the Dual Occupancy Solution. If you would prefer to cover these costs yourself, you can save on some interest cost during the process.
What if I'm worried about what kind of new neighbor I might have?
While we can't guarantee who the buyer will be, we focus on building quality homes that attract respectful and responsible homeowners.
Additionally, anyone who is looking to downsize will ultimately be living in a smaller home on a smaller block of land with closer proximity to neighbours, so downsizing at home is really no different to considering other downsizing alternatives.
How does DAH protect my privacy and lifestyle?
We design layouts to minimize disruption and ensure comfortable living conditions throughout the process, with careful consideration to privacy so that the two homes will work well together on the land.
Is Downsize at Home a trustworthy and legal operation?
Yes,
We operate with complete transparency and adhere to all legal requirements. All of our clients are required to receive independent financial advice and legal advice to ensure you have an independent review that you can feel 100% confident with.
Why does DAH do a Joint Venture with the homeowner?
A fundamental premise of the way DAH works with you is via a Joint Venture so that our interests are 100% aligned with you. This way we are commercially motivated to get you the best possible outcome.
We work hard to minimise cost, maximise profit and create market leading projects because this way your success also ensures our success.
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