Desirable, and dependable, the duplex remains hot in Calgary

Double the affordability, double the functionality – no wonder the duplex has been a constant favourite among first-time homebuyers. Lately demand for the paired home has surged as more new home buyers look for more affordable ways to get into the market.
Homebuilders are introducing more new models as they strive to keep up with rising demand for the duplex, which, once upon a time, had been looked down on as the poor cousin of the single-family home set.

However, through years of design innovation, sound-attenuation improvements, and evolving exterior looks, this twin-home design has become a favourite – and not just with first-time homebuyers. Its affordability is key, but the duplex – otherwise called paired home, side-by-side home, or semi-detached home – has more appeal than just its price.

“Unlike purchasing a condo, a duplex allows homebuyers to own a home with a backyard at a better price point than single family homes, without having to pay condo fees!” says Cale Marklund, Marketing Manager at Partners Development Group.

Trico Homes’ Matthew Lysaght, Area Manager for Carrington South, says the duplex presents a “fantastic” opportunity to get into the market at a lower budget and build equity right away.

“With the current market growth, buyers are likely to see their property appreciate in value within a short period of time,” he points out.

Duplex versatility

A duplex is a single structure featuring two residences, each with its own private entrance and one shared wall (there is usually a gap between the walls of the two homes to lessen sound transfer). Each home is individually owned, and unlike some townhomes, have no condo fees. It’s twice the nice at half the price. Some can come with an attached front garage, while others have a back lane parking pad. Builders also offer packages to have the detached garage built with the home.

Sound transfer used to be the biggest knock against duplexes, but that is largely a problem in the past as the advances in sound attenuation technology and floorplan designs work to limit the creaks and cracks.

Besides its inherent affordability, the flexibility duplex homes offer homebuyers is just as integral to its appeal. There have been instances where families buy both units so the parents can live in one household and the kids in the next.

Duplexes continue to be a best-seller for homebuilders as they are seen as an attractive alternative to condos or townhomes, and many are readily available in Calgary’s best communities. We spoke with a couple of homebuilders to find out just exactly what the attraction is to this home type.

Partners Development Group

Partners claims that their duplexes have design features that even laned homes of a comparable square footage do not include – such as double sinks in the ensuite, dual closets in primary bedroom, nine-foot-long islands in specific models, nine-foot-high basement ceilings, and large basement windows, to name just a few.

“Add to these amazing design features, Partners has some of the best standard features in the industry, including full-height cabinets, soft close drawers and doors, and more,” Marklund says.

“Our duplexes have the square footage of a single-family home, but it is more budget friendly. Buying a Partner’s duplex means you’ll get nothing but quality and craftsmanship. We spare no expenses at the finer details to ensure that you are getting exactly what you want.”

Partners offers duplexes in their dynamic community of Homestead in the northeast, in the new community of Upper Greenwich in the northwest, and in Logan Landing in the southeast. They are the developer in those first two communities, while Genesis Builder Group is the developer for Logan Landing.

Partners has three duplex models available in Homestead ranging from 1,561 to 1,684 square-feet. “Two of the three models have a den that can be converted into a bedroom on the main floor so homes can have a total of four bedrooms and three full baths. The third model is a three bedroom, two-and-a-half bath model.”

In Upper Greenwich, they have the Mackenzie 22 at 1,985 square-feet and the Mackay 20 at 1,794 square feet. Both are 3 beds and 2.5 baths. Showhomes here are now open.

Selling best is The Ashton 18, one of Partners’ current showhomes in Homestead. “It is popular due to the main floor rear bedroom and bathroom that is perfect for a multi-generational living scenario. The large living area, dining space and middle kitchen provide space for family and friends to gather. It also has spacious second and third bedrooms that are great for children, with room for toys or tech desks,” Marklund says.

The upper level includes a spacious hallway with laundry room and linen storage, while the primary bedroom has dual closets and double sinks in the ensuite. All our models come with a side entry as standard and we are zoned for legal suites, allowing homeowners who purchase a legal suite to offset the rental income of the legal suite to increase their purchasing power on a mortgage. Find out more at partnershomes.ca.

Trico Homes

Trico Homes has always been committed to building dream homes for their clients, a promise that resonates across all home types they offer. This commitment is especially evident in their duplex line, which has consistently been one of their best sellers.

“On average, a duplex home is priced lower compared to a laned or front garage single-family home, despite having a comparable number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and square footage,” says Lysaght. “One main reason for the price difference is because it’s built on a smaller homesite. You pay less for the land, and since there’s no need for two side yards (unlike a detached home), you can free up at least 4 additional feet of space inside.”

Trico also pays particular attention to limiting the transfer of sound through the shared walls of the duplex.

“To enhance sound insulation and fire resistance, we designed our duplex units with offset wall studs, reducing void spaces within the walls. Additionally, we use a dual layer of drywall - 1/2-inch followed by 5/8-inch - to further dampen noise and increase fire rating. The wall cavities are fully insulated, and a 1-inch air gap between the framing of each duplex helps to minimize sound reverberation, ensuring a quieter living environment.”

Trico duplexes are currently available in the communities of Carrington South in the north, and Legacy in the southeast.

In Carrington South, Lysaght says Trico offers two models: the 1,672 square-foot Jamieson, and the 1,600 square-foot Lougheed. Each has three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms as standard, with many options to personalize your floorplan, like adding a main level flex room for a home office or adding an additional bedroom, loft space, developed basement to a secondary suite with separate entrance.
In the newly released Phase 6 of Carrington South, Lysaght says Trico has 15 lots remaining, all traditional lots. “While zero-lot-lines are not applicable in this scenario, each duplex will feature a minimum of four feet of side yard, ensuring ample space and privacy,” he says.

While in Legacy, Trico offers the ever-popular Raeya and Rowan II duplex models. They range from 1,745 to 1,802 square-feet and both have three bedrooms and 2.5 baths as standard.

“The Raeya is our best-seller here, as buyers like its larger size and its incredible secondary suite layout,” says Legacy area manager, Ryan Tetrault.

He adds that first-time homebuyers and investors are particularly attracted to their Legacy duplexes, “as they can live on the upper floor and also rent out the basement with the secondary suite to increase the income streams,” Tetrault says.

Trico also has eight duplex homes (all Lancaster models) available for quick possession in the northwest community of Glacier Ridge.
Learn more at tricohomes.com.