Dual Occupancy Builders in Wollongong
CKS Projects checks whether your block can take two dwellings, then designs, approves and builds the dual occupancy, mirrored, side-by-side or dual key, for family living, rental income or future subdivision.
Free site assessment and zoning check. No obligation.
- R2 zoneDual occupancy permitted since 2024
- Licence 258735CNSW contractor licence, builder
- 2026 MBA NSW WinnerContract Homes $1.9M–$2M
- DA or CDCApprovals managed for you
Pictured: a duplex designed by Francis Design and developed in partnership with CKS Projects.
What We Check Before You Spend on Design
We start with your land and tell you what's possible, before you commit to plans.
- Zoning: is the lot in a zone where dual occupancy is permitted, such as R2 Low Density Residential?
- Lot size and frontage: the minimums in the Wollongong LEP 2009, or in the state code if you go the complying development route.
- Subdivision: can the lot be subdivided later, and would Torrens or strata title suit?
- Slope, access and shape: will they change the layout, driveways, parking or cost?
- Overlays: flood, bushfire, heritage or escarpment controls that point to a DA.
- Location: within 800 metres of a nominated town centre or station, the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy may open further options in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven.
Sources: NSW Planning, low and mid-rise housing · Wollongong LEP 2009. Controls change and vary by lot, so we confirm them for your property.
Dual Occupancy, Duplex, Dual Key or Granny Flat?
These terms are often used interchangeably, but they are treated differently in NSW planning. Knowing which you want shapes the approval, the title and the value.
| Type | What it is | How CKS Projects builds it |
|---|---|---|
| Dual occupancy (attached) | Two dwellings on one lot, joined by a common wall | Mirrored or side-by-side designs. See duplex construction |
| Dual occupancy (detached) | Two separate dwellings on one lot | Assessed case by case, depending on lot size, access and controls |
| Dual key | One home split into two self-contained living areas | Designed for multi-generational living or rental income |
| Granny flat (secondary dwelling) | A smaller self-contained dwelling on the same lot as a main house. It is a separate land use, not a dual occupancy | Discussed at the site check if it suits your goals better |
Live in one, rent the other
Two income streams, or one home plus rent to offset the loan.
House the family
Extended family close by without crowding: live close, without stepping on each other's toes.
Build to subdivide or sell
Plan the subdivision from the start, then hold, sell one or sell both.
Not sure if your block qualifies? We'll check the zoning and site for free.
Our Dual Occupancy Process
From planning to handover. No jargon, no guesswork, just clear steps.
Site check and planning
Is it zoned for dual occupancy? Can it be subdivided? Will the slope, access or shape affect the layout? We check it all and tell you what's possible.
Smart, flexible design
Pick a plan or go bespoke. We design for investors, families and narrow blocks, with Torrens or strata title decided up front.
Approvals made easy
DA or CDC, we handle both, lodging everything through the NSW Planning Portal and staying in line with council rules.
Build and deliver
Clear timelines and fixed costs, quality materials and energy-efficient solutions, with regular updates until we hand over both homes.
Dual Occupancy Projects by CKS Projects
Two homes on one bushland site near Jervis Bay, built by CKS Projects. The duplex pictured at the top of this page was designed by Francis Design and developed in partnership with CKS Projects.
Huskisson Duplex
Two architecturally distinctive homes on one site in native bushland near Jervis Bay, designed by Duplex Building Design and built by CKS Projects, including the pool and landscaping.
View Huskisson DuplexApproval Routes for a Dual Occupancy in Wollongong
NSW requirement · confirm for your site
- Complying development (CDC): the Low Rise Housing Diversity Code allows well-designed dual occupancies of up to two storeys through the fast-track pathway, in as little as 20 days where every standard is met.
- Development Application (DA): assessed by Wollongong City Council against the Wollongong LEP 2009 and DCP 2009, where the design or site falls outside the code. The NSW average DA determination time is 70 days.
- BASIX: each new dwelling must meet BASIX water, energy and thermal standards.
- Lodgement: CKS Projects lodges everything through the NSW Planning Portal and liaises with council.
CKS Projects works closely with residential architects, structural engineers, certifiers, subdivision experts and Wollongong City Council. How council approval works.
Sources: NSW Planning, Low Rise Housing Diversity Code · NSW Planning, complying development · NSW Planning Portal, BASIX.
Render: a three-level duplex design concept
A Local Builder for First-Time Developers and Seasoned Investors
CKS Projects designs and builds dual occupancy homes across Wollongong, the Illawarra and the South Coast, with step-by-step support for first-time developers and flexible packages for investors and families.
Managing Director Keiron Moore brings more than 25 years of residential building experience, and the team handles planning, approvals and construction so you have one point of contact.
Read more about CKS Projects and Keiron Moore, or check the licence and insurance details on the verified credentials page.
| Business | CKS Projects (CKS Projects Aust Pty Ltd) |
|---|---|
| Managing Director | Keiron Moore, 25+ years in residential building. NSW Qualified Supervisor Certificate 69005S |
| NSW Contractor Licence | 258735C (Builder) |
| Award | Winner, Contract Homes $1.9M–$2M, 2026 MBA NSW Southern Regions Excellence in Building Awards (Wombarra Clifftops) |
| Memberships | Master Builders Association · Association of Professional Builders |
| Office | Unit 45/7 Waynote Place, Unanderra NSW 2526 Mon–Fri 8:00am–4:30pm, by appointment |
| Phone | 02 4271 5132 |
Dual Occupancy Homes Across the Illawarra
CKS Projects builds dual occupancies across the published service area below. Zoning and lot controls differ between the five councils, so we confirm them for every site. See how conditions and councils change from suburb to suburb on the Wollongong and Illawarra service areas page.
Wollongong City Council
- Stanwell Park
- Scarborough
- Clifton
- Wombarra
- Coledale
- Austinmer
- Thirroul
- Bulli
- Woonona
- Towradgi
- Wollongong
- Port Kembla
- Windang
Shellharbour City Council
- Warilla
Kiama Municipal Council
- Kiama
- Gerringong
- Gerroa
Shoalhaven City Council
- Berry
- Huskisson
Wingecarribee Shire Council
- Bowral
- Burradoo
- Moss Vale
Dual Occupancy FAQs
What is a dual occupancy?
Dual occupancy is the NSW planning term for two dwellings on one lot, either attached (such as a duplex) or detached. A dual occupancy builder like CKS Projects handles the feasibility check, design, approval and construction of both homes.
Is my block zoned for a dual occupancy in Wollongong?
Since 1 July 2024, dual occupancies have been permitted in the R2 Low Density Residential zone across NSW. Whether your block qualifies also depends on lot size, frontage, slope, access and overlays such as flood, bushfire or heritage. CKS Projects checks this for free before you commit to design.
Should I use a DA or a CDC for a dual occupancy?
If the design and site meet every standard of the Low Rise Housing Diversity Code (up to two storeys), a Complying Development Certificate can be issued in as little as 20 days. Otherwise a Development Application goes to Wollongong City Council. CKS Projects handles both.
Can a granny flat be part of a dual occupancy?
Not in NSW planning terms. A granny flat is a secondary dwelling: a smaller, self-contained dwelling on the same lot as a main house, approved as a separate land use. If a granny flat suits your goals better than a dual occupancy, we'll talk it through at the site check.
Torrens or strata title for a dual occupancy?
Torrens title gives each dwelling its own lot. Strata title shares common property through a strata scheme. The choice affects design, costs and whether you can sell one home separately, so CKS Projects plans it with you at the design stage.
What is the difference between dual occupancy, duplex and dual key?
Dual occupancy is the planning category for two dwellings on one lot. A duplex is an attached dual occupancy. Dual key is one home split into two self-contained living areas. See how CKS Projects builds duplexes.
How much does a dual occupancy cost to build in Wollongong?
It depends on the design, the size and finish of both homes, the site and the approval pathway. CKS Projects gives you clear timelines and fixed costs before construction starts.
How do I find out if my block qualifies?
Book a free site assessment and zoning check through the contact page or phone 02 4271 5132.
Find Out What Your Block Can Do
Whether it's your first investment build or your fifth, start with a free site assessment and zoning check. We'll tell you whether two dwellings fit, which approval route applies, and how the build is priced.
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