Duplex homes hold the key for new home buyers in Calgary

The future is duplex homes for many first-time homebuyers looking to settle into a single-family home. They are practical, affordable, and they are hotter than ever among many new home buyers today, and not just first-time homebuyers.

The duplex home used to be looked down upon as the poor cousin of the single-family home set. But through years of design innovation, sound-attenuation improvements, and evolving exterior looks, this twin-home design has become a favourite.

Homebuilders have different names for the duplex. Some call it a side-by-side home, or a semi-detached home, or even a paired home. No matter what it is called, its flexibility, functionality, and perhaps most importantly, its affordability has made it a perennial best-seller.

A duplex is a single structure featuring two residences, each with its own private entrance and one shared wall (there is a gap between homes to lessen sound transfer). Each home is individually owned, and unlike townhomes, have no condo fees. It’s twice the nice at half the price.

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 few homebuilders to find out just exactly what the attraction is to this home.

Partners Development Group

The innate affordability of the duplex is what has made it such a sought after home these days, says Partners Marketing Manager, Cale Marklund, buyers get a home that has almost the same square-footage of a detached single-family laned home at a fraction of the price.

“Right now, home prices and interest rates are on the rise and that is especially relevant for single family homes, both front-garage and laned home types. Duplexes allow buyers to have the same features, home square footage, and lifestyle, but for a price that is a lot more comfortable.”

On top of that is the duplex’s versatility. Marklund says they can be outfitted with legal secondary suites, even ones with separate entrances for those living in the lower level. “You can rent it out for added income and help paying down the mortgage,” he adds.

“It’s fantastic for extended, large, or multigenerational families – people can have their own space and privacy without being far away.”

He points out that the duplex also opens up possibilities as an investment property. “You can live on the main level and rent out the basement, buy two side-by-side units – keep one and rent one, or rent out the entire thing. They’re an attractive option that allows for great versatility.”

Partners is introducing their latest duplex models this month in Homestead, a master-planned community Partners develops in the northeast.

Marklund says these homes are available in 17- and 18-foot wide options, feature grand entrances, and two-car parking at the back, with an option for double detached garage. They at offered in 1,561- and 1,616-square-feet with four bedrooms and three baths. “They start in the low $500,000s and raise the value of the duplex to its fullest potential,” Marklund says.

Interested parties can visit the showhomes opening on June 24, or get more information at partnershomes.ca.

Morrison Homes

Morrison Homes is this year’s BILD Calgary Region Builder of the Year (Large Volume), an award it has won for the third time in a row since 2020 and 16 times in the past two decades. It has the expertise and background to know what the market needs and a wide range of home types to offer to suit every need.

Among their best-sellers are their duplex homes, perfect for those looking for an affordable home with no condo fees.

Morrison builds duplex homes in D’Arcy Okotoks, Cornerstone in the northeast, Dawson’s Landing in Chestermere, and Glacier Ridge in the northwest. They currently have 11 models available across all of communities ranging from 1,234 up to 1,604 square-feet. Pricing for their duplex typically starts in the mid to high $400,000s.

Their duplex (paired homes) were extremely popular in D’Arcy they quickly sold out as soon as they were introduced. Morrison Homes’ latest models promises to bring back the same excitement with the new Kirklin and Easton duplex showhomes offering floor plans to suit all demographics, whether you’re a first-time homeowner or looking to downsize.

The paired homes range between 1,485-1,596 sq. ft., the standard models offer three-bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths. “The Kirklin showhome, however, shows our popular dual primary bedrooms with ensuite baths along with a center open loft area. Providing a great space for all ages, from a kid’s playroom, dads man cave/TV room or home-based office,” says Morrison Homes’ Jodi Kellogg.

The Easton showhome is made of “wow!” with its centre staircase, wrought iron railing, main floor office and fully-loaded L-shaped rear kitchen.

Both the Kirklin and Easton are popular floor plans, especially with the new approvals of legal suites in Okotoks. The Kirklin allows for separate side entrances for legal basement suites whether it’s an Air BnB, mother-in-law suites or a place to call home for adult children or grandparents.

Visit morrisonhomes.ca to find out more.

Rohit Communities

Rohit Communities’ focus on designer interiors has elevated their line of duplex homes with magazine-worthy spaces. “All our homes come with Designer Interiors,” says Rohit’s Senior Marketing Coordinator, Stuart Wen. “Every element is carefully curated to create homes that belong in a magazine.”

Rohit offers a varied range of duplex floorplans, including models with front double car garage and those with laned rear detached parking. “We currently offer duplexes in Cobblestone Creek in Airdrie, plus Greystone and Heartland in Cochrane,” he says.

The shared wall is the only difference between a Rohit duplex and their detached single-family line, as they have very similar floorplans, and sizes that fit three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths.

“One of our most popular models is the 1,617 square-foot Landon. We purposefully designed the main floor for entertaining. Hosts will never miss a conversation or moment of the action with the open concept layout. The owner’s suite comfortably fits a king-sized bed and comes with a deep walk-in closet. The most popular feature is the double car front attached garage, something every Albertan desires in the winter.”

Wen says their buyers appreciate the higher level of finishes along with the purposeful design features like oversized windows for more natural light and wider stairwells that make people feel better about their new homes. Find out more about the duplexes they offer at rohitcommunities.com/Calgary.