Duplex homes: twice the nice in style and value

Double the affordability, double the functionality – no wonder the duplex has been a constant favourite among first-time homebuyers. Lately demand for these paired homes 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.
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.

“A duplex home offers a balance between privacy, potential income – like basement suite opportunities - and affordability while enjoying a spacious home,” says Brookfield Residential Marketing Manager, Jenna Rilling. “This type of home is typically more affordable than a laned or front garage home making it a great option for first-time buyers or those looking to enter the real estate market.”

She also cites those certain costs, such as maintenance, roofing, or landscaping, can also be shared with the owner on the other side, reducing the financial responsibility. “There are also no condo fees to worry about.”

While Jacq Lakusta, Marketing Manager at Akash Homes, looks at the affordability of the duplex as its biggest appeal, but she also sees the attraction it has for investors.

“Duplexes are typically much more affordable than your standard single-family home. On the investment side, renting out a duplex is much easier from an investor standpoint than renting out more traditional SF homes,” she tells Edmonton New Home + Condo Guide.

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.

It has a versatile design, as well. 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.

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 Edmonton’s best communities. We spoke with a couple of homebuilders to find out just exactly what the attraction is to this home type.

Brookfield Residential

Brookfield Residential says their duplexes with attached front garages are exceedingly popular with their buyers who love the convenience and security they provide. They also come with backyards and open designs that have up to 1,728 square-feet of living space.

“Brookfield homeowner’s also have peace of mind because our duplex homes come with the Brookfield myHome Certified Program. As part of this free three-year program, Brookfield experienced technicians and trade partners will conduct scheduled inspections and maintenance tailored specifically to meet the unique needs of each home. This program is over and above what is covered by Alberta New Home Warranty,” Rilling says.

She says the duplex is super hot right now for the affordability, flexibility and style they feature, and also for the ability to suite the basement which allows for additional income and the ability to qualify for a higher mortgage.

“Because of the flexibility of the floorplans and space for a growing family, we are seeing a variety of family structures purchasing duplexes. Because of their affordability, majority of our demographic are first time homebuyers.”

Currently in Edmonton, Brookfield Residential has five duplex models available, ranging from 1,424 to 1,769 square-feet. They all have 3 bedrooms with 2.5 baths, a basement development or basement suite can provide the opportunity for an additional bedroom and bathroom.

“The Mackay duplex is our best-selling model. It is currently a showhome in Orchards and has been in high demand since it opened in April 2024,” Rilling says. This 1,728 sq. ft home features a double front attached garage, an upper bonus room, central kitchen, azwalk through mudroom to pantry, and upper floor laundry. The attached garage offers much needed functionality and convenience.

“In Edmonton, our duplexes are offered in four beautiful communities: Chappelle Gardens, Orchards, Edgemont and Paisley. Our duplexes are on conventional lots,” Rilling adds.

Find out more at brookfieldresidential.com.

Akash Homes

Akash Homes has the perfectly tailored duplex for the first-time homebuyer. “First-time buyers and investors are the biggest purchasers of duplexes. From affordability to functionality, they’re a great way to get into the market or expand a real estate portfolio. In times of higher interest rates, duplexes offer a great access point for new buyers into the real estate market,” Lakusta says.

In size and affordability, Lakusta says their duplexes are suited to answer the first-time homebuyers’ needs. “Our duplexes range from 1,300 to 1,700 square-feet. We offer four models across different communities, and they all offer 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths!”

Both attached and laned duplex models are available, all on conventional lots and are sold in all communities that Akash builds in across Edmonton and Calgary.

“Our Soho is the best model. It’s got a great entry price point for buyers (roughly $450-$499,000, depending on the city/community), and what makes it great is the attached overhead single garage, open-concept floor plan, and a second floor that features a full laundry room with sink!” Lakusta says.

All of Akash’s duplexes are built with sound-reduction qualities that are sometimes better than the required standard.
“We put stairs on exterior walls, so you don’t hear the neighbour going up and down, and we create a gap between each unit’s studs by offsetting the framing. The gap between walls, coupled with the acoustic insulation/drywall, etc., mitigates noise and prevents the walls from pressing against each other, which contributes to noise,” she adds.

Visit akashhomes.com for more.