Resale value: 1 Bed Duplex flat vis-a-vis a conventional 1 Bed Flat

karma_nirvana

Hello Everyone, What is your view on 1 Bed Duplex flat vis-a-vis a conventional 1 Bed Flat in terms of its resale value in 5 to 10 years? Would Duplex command a premium? Thanks a lot

ps: Both are in the same location, same size but Duplex is 6.5% expensive than the conventional. Both newbuilds.

Bossypants

Speaking as someone who has been looking at a lot of one beds of all kinds in the last six months or so, I think it's very much down to the individual properties. Layout, quality of finishings, overall 'feel', that sort of thing.

I haven't seen the average duplex go for more than the average flat of the same floorspace, nor is it more desirable to me as a buyer (maybe even less so, because with a duplex you'll lose a certain amount of floorspace to stairs, and with the space split over two floors, there are less options in terms of layout).

karma_nirvana

Thanks for replying. Its an off plan sale so cant see the property right now. I only have the floor plan and gross total space but no individual dimensions. Although, I like the idea of having your living space and bed space on two different levels. Just dont want to end up being in a flat that feels like a stack of two batch box

sniggings

Like for like I would take the extra floor, one room removed from a neighour is always a good thing.

PlutoinCapricorn

I had to look this one up! I much prefer to have everything on one level.

karma_nirvana

Thanks a lot for replying. So it seems it all comes down to individual taste. Although my concern is whether the property would continue to command a reasonable premium in five to 10 years time? Also, the development has no-parking and I am being told that council is not issuing permits either. Should that be a deal breaker as I would want to have a car in 1-2 years? This fact is a bit bothering me but again I have never owned a car here and I am an Expat so really dot know how safe it is to park your car on the road side parking.

Annie1960

Duplex? Are you in America?

Hermia

Annie1960 wrote: »

Duplex? Are you in America?

It is a commonly used term here now.

I live in a duplex flat and I love it. As someone mentioned having a floor between myself and neighbours is wonderful. It also means you can live with someone else without getting on top of each other as much (e.g. if you want to sleep and other person wants to watch TV the noise does not seem to carry as it would if they were in next room). In my block the duplex flats do sell for more. The only drawback is that a lot of people don't know what they are and seem completely befuddled by them. I know the estate agent said some people just seem utterly confused and can't get past that!

karma_nirvana

Thanks for replying. The one I am looking for is a 59sqm 1 Bed Duplex. I have experienced living in a Duplex before but not in the UK. In your experience, is it a reasonable size (59 sqm) for a 1 Bed and I wont end up having two levels with inadequate floor space? I know it all depends on how they divide the space between two levels but if you could give an approximate idea based on the space you have.

Also, any thoughts on parking. I have been told that getting an allocated parking space with new-builds in London especially with a development which is close to the station is almost impossible these days. But how do people manage to park their car in a safe place if council aren't issuing permits as well. Apologies for being a novice on this but as I said I haven't owned a car here in the UK.

Hermia wrote: »

It is a commonly used term here now.

I live in a duplex flat and I love it. As someone mentioned having a floor between myself and neighbours is wonderful. It also means you can live with someone else without getting on top of each other as much (e.g. if you want to sleep and other person wants to watch TV the noise does not seem to carry as it would if they were in next room). In my block the duplex flats do sell for more. The only drawback is that a lot of people don't know what they are and seem completely befuddled by them. I know the estate agent said some people just seem utterly confused and can't get past that!

ManuelG

karma_nirvana wrote: »

Also, any thoughts on parking. I have been told that getting an allocated parking space with new-builds in London especially with a development which is close to the station is almost impossible these days. But how do people manage to park their car in a safe place if council aren't issuing permits as well. Apologies for being a novice on this but as I said I haven't owned a car here in the UK.

Do you need a car, in London? When I lived there I sold mine as I never used it in the city, and on the rare occasion I needed one for elsewhere it was cheaper to hire it.

Beyond that if you do, could look for a garage to rent? Even though it's London I'd be slightly nervous about no parking space at all for re-sale, but tbh it's been a while since I lived there, so not sure what's normal nowadays!

karma_nirvana

ManuelG wrote: »

Do you need a car, in London? When I lived there I sold mine as I never used it in the city, and on the rare occasion I needed one for elsewhere it was cheaper to hire it.

Beyond that if you do, could look for a garage to rent? Even though it's London I'd be slightly nervous about no parking space at all for re-sale, but tbh it's been a while since I lived there, so not sure what's normal nowadays!

I think I would need one in the next one to two years with family and kids. I dont have one right now purely because I dont have a requirement but this would change with family I guess.