Thinking about a dual occupancy project in Yarraville? You’re not alone. With large blocks, a high-demand rental market, and excellent lifestyle appeal, this inner-west suburb is primed for smart small-scale developments.
At Barnes & Matina, we design dual occupancy solutions tailored to local planning overlays, block sizes, and financial goals—without compromising on liveability or buildability.
Here’s what you need to know to get started the right way.
Understanding Yarraville’s Council Planning Rules
Yarraville sits within the City of Maribyrnong, which means dual occupancy projects are assessed under local planning schemes—especially around:
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Neighbourhood character overlays
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Minimum garden area
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Private open space requirements
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Car parking ratios
Before jumping into design, it’s essential to assess feasibility for your block. We start every project with this step to avoid wasting time (and money) on designs that won’t get approved.
Tip: Not all dual occ blocks are side-by-side friendly. Some may suit front-and-rear or corner designs better, depending on street access and orientation.
What VC267 Means for Your Project
Recent VC267 planning amendments are making it easier for small-scale developers and homeowners to get dual occupancy approvals across many parts of Melbourne—including Yarraville.
Key changes include:
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Simplified approval pathways for dual occupancies in residential zones
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A push toward gentle density and more diverse housing options
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Greater recognition of design-led solutions that complement existing streetscapes
Want to learn more? See our full breakdown:
➤ VC267 Changes for Melbourne Developers
Smart Design That Maximises Yield and Liveability
Dual occupancy isn’t just about fitting two homes on a block—it’s about smart, value-driven design that meets planning and lifestyle needs.
Key design considerations:
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Orientation for natural light and passive heating
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Avoiding mirrored layouts that feel generic
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Creating privacy between dwellings
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Designing flexible floorplans for owner-occupiers or tenants
Our approach blends site strategy with cost-efficient design, so you don’t end up overcapitalising or facing build issues.
Return on Investment: What to Consider
Yarraville’s popularity with both buyers and renters means strong dual occupancy returns—but only if the project is well-planned.
Factors that boost ROI:
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Designs that appeal to young families and downsizers
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Energy-efficient construction for future cost savings
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Separate driveways or private entries where possible
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Lock-up garages or storage solutions that increase resale value
We always align your goals with the financial realities of construction, resale, and rental outcomes.
Why Work With Barnes & Matina?
We’re not volume designers churning out templates. We’re VBA-registered building designers with a sharp eye for return, planning, and practicality.
Here’s what you get:
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✅ Council-smart feasibility advice
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✅ Tailored dual occupancy layouts
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✅ Flexibility to build with whoever you choose
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✅ An honest, educational process built around your goals
Ready to Explore a Dual Occupancy in Yarraville?
We’re here to guide you from first sketch to planning submission—and make sure your dual occupancy isn’t just compliant, but cleverly profitable.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROJECT & CONTACT US NOW
👉 Book a free strategy session to explore your site’s potential with our team.
For additional insights into what is possible, visit Houzz or Pinterest for some inspo
