Do I have to demolish my existing house to build a dual occupancy?
No, not necessarily. You may be able to retain the existing house and add a second dwelling, provided the overall development meets the applicable dual occupancy requirements.
No, not necessarily. You may be able to retain your existing house and add a second dwelling to create a dual occupancy.
Whether this is possible depends on the existing house's location and whether the completed development can meet the applicable dual occupancy requirements, including site coverage, setbacks, private open space, planting, parking and access.
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
Link on the answer: https://www.legislation.act.gov.au/ni/2023-540/Current
Where this question is kept
| Dual Occupancy Q&A | #342 | agrees | 10/08/2026 |