Can I extend my existing house and create a dual occupancy?
Yes, potentially. You may be able to extend or alter your existing house as part of creating a dual occupancy.
The completed development must provide two dwellings and meet the applicable dual occupancy (multi-unit housing) requirements. This includes requirements such as site coverage, setbacks, building height, private open space, planting, parking and access.
Whether this is possible will depend on the existing house, the block and whether the proposed development can meet the applicable planning and building requirements.
Reference: Planning (Missing Middle Housing) Design Guide 2026 – ACT Missing Middle Housing Design Guide & Territory Plan 2023 – Part E01 Residential Zone Policy – Territory Plan 2023 | Notifiable instruments
Short Answer
Yes, potentially. You may be able to extend your existing house as part of creating a dual occupancy, provided the completed development meets the applicable dual occupancy planning and building requirements.
Detailed Explanation
Yes, potentially. An existing dwelling may be altered or extended as part of a proposal resulting in a dual occupancy, provided the resulting development is a permissible land use and complies with the applicable multi-unit housing assessment requirements.
The existing and proposed works are considered as part of the overall development and must satisfy the relevant Territory Plan controls, including site coverage, setbacks, building height, private open space, planting, parking and vehicle access. Development Approval and Building Approval may also be required depending on the nature and extent of the proposed works.
The Missing Middle Housing Design Guide provides supporting design guidance for dual occupancy development.
No minimum block size does not remove the need for planning assessment.
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