Single Storey vs Double Storey vs Split Level Homes in Sydney

Choosing the right home configuration is one of the most important early decisions when planning a new build. The best option depends on how your family lives, the available land, site conditions, access, planning controls and the amount of floor area you need.

ATCO Projects builds different home formats across Sydney and starts with site-specific feasibility rather than assuming one design suits every property. Our new house construction service covers new homes across different site conditions, while our custom home building service provides a more tailored pathway when the design needs to respond closely to the block.

Key Takeaways

Single storey homes can suit accessible, practical living and larger or flatter sites.
Double storey homes can increase living space without expanding the ground floor footprint.
Split level homes can respond to significant changes in site level and can work with difficult terrain.
Block dimensions and slope should be assessed before settling on a home configuration.
Approvals, engineering, drainage, access and construction staging affect the suitability of each option.
The right choice is the one that balances family needs with what the land can realistically support.

Choosing the Right Home Type for Your Sydney Block

A home design should respond to the property rather than forcing the property to fit a predetermined format. Two blocks with a similar area can require different solutions because their width, slope, access, orientation and surrounding conditions may vary.

The starting point is therefore a combination of household needs and site feasibility. Consider how much space your family needs now, how you expect the home to be used in the future and what the block allows you to build without creating unnecessary structural or planning complexity.

Start With the Block

Review the width, depth, slope, access and existing site conditions before choosing a floor plan. A broad, relatively flat site may offer greater flexibility for a single level, while a constrained urban block may benefit from building vertically.

On a sloping property, the design needs to deal with changes in level, drainage, retaining and site movement. ATCO Projects provides a dedicated sloping block building service for homeowners who need the construction approach tailored to more difficult terrain.

Then Start With the Household

The household’s priorities are equally important. Accessibility, stairs, bedroom separation, entertaining areas, home working requirements and future adaptability can all affect the preferred configuration.

A family with young children may value direct connections between living spaces and the yard. A growing household may prefer separate bedroom zones upstairs. An owner planning for long-term accessibility may prioritise a single level. The best choice should reflect actual use rather than design trends.

Single Storey Homes

Single storey homes provide all major living zones on one level, which can make circulation simple and accessible. They can be especially practical for homeowners who want to minimise stairs or plan to remain in the property for many years.

They can also suit larger or flatter blocks where there is enough land to create the required floor area without needing an upper level. The layout can be planned around practical movement, natural light and easy access to outdoor spaces.

When Single Storey Works Well

A single level can be a strong option when the block provides enough usable area and the required rooms can be accommodated without creating an overly long or fragmented plan. It can also support straightforward daily movement for children, older residents or anyone who prefers a home without internal stairs.

Single storey design can still be customised extensively. It can include multiple living areas, private bedroom zones, large kitchens, home offices and outdoor connections depending on the available site.

Considerations for Single Storey Homes

The primary trade-off is land use. More floor area at ground level can consume more of the available footprint and may affect outdoor space, setbacks, landscaping or the position of driveways and services.

For constrained blocks, a two-level format may achieve the same accommodation within a smaller ground footprint. A feasibility review should therefore consider the whole property rather than looking at the floor plan alone.

Double Storey Homes

Double storey homes make it possible to increase floor area without occupying the entire block at ground level. This can be useful on Sydney sites where land is constrained, and the homeowner wants several bedrooms or living areas while retaining outdoor space.

The separation between floors can also help create distinct zones. Bedrooms and quieter spaces can be placed upstairs, while living and entertaining areas remain closer to the garden or entry level.

Why Growing Families Choose Two Levels

A two-level home can give each part of the household a clearer zone. Children’s bedrooms, bathrooms and a retreat may sit upstairs while the ground floor is planned around shared family use.

This separation can become increasingly valuable as children grow, work-from-home requirements change, or guests need more privacy. The layout still needs to be assessed against stairs, accessibility and the overall site configuration.

Site and Construction Considerations

Building upward introduces additional structural requirements, stairs and potentially more complicated construction access. Roof form, foundations, services and the relationship with neighbouring properties all need to be considered.

ATCO Projects can manage two-level new builds through a coordinated construction process. Where the existing home is being retained, our second storey additions service addresses the specific challenges of building over an existing structure.

Split Level and Sloping Block Homes

Split level homes can be useful when the site has significant changes in elevation. Rather than forcing the entire home onto a single flat floor plate, the design can use the natural fall of the block to create connected levels.

The approach can work particularly well on hillside and elevated sites where excavation, retaining and drainage need to be considered alongside the design. A split level configuration may also create opportunities for views and natural separation between living areas.

Working With the Natural Fall of the Land

A sloping block should be understood as a three-dimensional site. The difference between levels affects foundations, retaining structures, access, stormwater management and how the home connects to the ground.

ATCO Projects sloping block builders service is designed around this type of site-specific planning. Not every sloping block needs a split-level home, so the final configuration should follow the actual grade, access and engineering requirements.

Drainage and Retaining Considerations

Water needs a clear path away from the building, and changes in level can make stormwater management more involved. Retaining structures may also be required depending on the site and the proposed excavation.

These matters should be considered alongside the house design. Separating them into different decisions can create conflicts later between the floor levels, access, drainage and structural layout.

Cost, Approvals and Site Constraints

The relative cost of each home type cannot be judged from storey count alone. Construction complexity, site conditions, structural requirements, excavation, services, finishes and the approval pathway all affect the overall scope.

A single-storey home on a difficult site may involve significant earthworks, while a double-storey home on a constrained block may require additional structure and access planning. A split-level home may reduce the need for certain forms of excavation but introduce its own engineering and retaining requirements.

Approvals and Planning

Planning controls differ between properties. Height, setbacks, heritage, site coverage, stormwater requirements and other local conditions can influence the design that is achievable.

Homeowners can review the NSW Planning Portal for development application services and use the BASIX information on the Planning Portal to understand the role of sustainability assessment in residential development. Project-specific requirements should be confirmed for the property rather than assumed from another site.

National Construction Standards

The National Construction Code provides Australia’s primary technical design and construction provisions for buildings. The Australian Building Codes Board’s National Construction Code provides the current national framework for matters including safety, health, amenity, accessibility and sustainability.

The relevant requirements for a residential project need to be interpreted in the context of the building, site and applicable state requirements. A builder and design team should coordinate the documentation accordingly.

Which Option Suits Your Family and Land

The right format is the one that meets the household’s needs while working with the site’s physical and planning limitations. There is no advantage in choosing a configuration that creates unnecessary excavation, structural complexity or approval difficulty simply because the design looks attractive on paper.

A useful decision process starts with the block, then considers the desired accommodation, and finally compares the construction implications of each format.

Quick Comparison

Home Type	Often Suits	Key Strength	Main Consideration
Single Storey	Larger or flatter sites, accessible living	Simple movement and practical ground-level living	Uses more ground footprint
Double Storey	Growing families, constrained blocks	More floor area within a smaller footprint	Stairs and additional structural planning
Split Level	Sloping or elevated sites	Responds to changes in ground level	Engineering, drainage and retaining complexity

This table is a starting point rather than a design prescription. Site conditions can change the relative advantages of each option, which is why ATCO Projects recommends assessing the block before a final building format is selected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Single Storey Home Better for Accessibility?

A single storey home can simplify movement because major living areas can be placed on one level. Accessibility needs should still be considered at the design stage so doorways, bathrooms, circulation and entry points are suitable for the intended occupants.

Are Double Storey Homes Better for Small Blocks?

They can be useful where the homeowner wants more floor space without using the full ground footprint. The suitability depends on the block’s width, planning controls, access and the desired layout.

Does Every Sloping Block Need a Split Level Design?

No. A gently sloping block may work with a single-storey or double-storey layout. A split level becomes more relevant as the grade change makes a flat floor plate less practical.

Which Option Is Usually More Affordable?

There is no universal answer. The total project cost depends on the land, structure, site conditions, finishes, approvals and construction strategy. A site-specific feasibility assessment provides a more useful basis for comparison.

Can ATCO Projects Build a Custom Home?

Yes. ATCO Projects provides custom home building services for projects that need a design tailored to the site and homeowner’s requirements.

Match Your Home Design to Your Block

A strong home design begins with the relationship between family needs and site conditions. Single storey homes can provide practical accessibility, double storey homes can increase living space within a tighter footprint and split level homes can respond to difficult terrain.

ATCO Projects can help assess the property, discuss the intended use of the home and establish a practical construction pathway. Explore our new home construction services and portfolio before taking the next step.

When you are ready to discuss the property, Contact Us to explore which home configuration may suit your block, budget and project goals.

Single Storey vs Double Storey vs Split Level Homes in Sydney