Single storey vs double storey homes are the first big question almost every family asks us. It also shapes your budget, your block choice and your daily routine for the next twenty years. We build both styles across Melbourne's western and northern suburbs, so we know where each one shines and where each one struggles. This guide shares what we have learned, so you can pick the right home the first time.

The Short Answer: Which One Should You Choose?

Choose a single storey home if you have a wider block, want every room on one level and like lower running costs. Choose a double storey home if your block is narrow or compact, you need four or more bedrooms, or you want separate zones for parents, teens and guests.

Most families land clearly on one side once they answer three questions. How big is the block? How much space do you need? Who will live in the home over the next ten years? The rest of this guide helps you answer each one.

Single Storey vs Double Storey Homes at a Glance

Single storey homes

•       Every room sits on one level, so there are no stairs to climb with laundry baskets or shopping.

•       The build cost per square metre is generally lower.

•       They need a wider block, because the whole floor area spreads out.

•       They are usually easier and cheaper to heat and cool.

•       They suit young children, downsizers and anyone who plans to age in place.

Double storey homes

•       Living spaces split across two levels, which gives each family member breathing room.

•       They fit more floor area onto a smaller footprint, which often leaves more backyard.

•       The build cost per square metre is generally higher, because of the staircase, structure and engineering.

•       They work well on narrow and compact blocks.

•       They suit growing families, teenagers and households that want a quiet retreat.

How Much Does Each Option Cost to Build?

Single storey homes usually cost less per square metre. Double storey homes cost more per square metre because they need a stronger structure, a staircase and extra engineering. That is the headline, but it is not the full picture.

A single storey home needs a bigger slab and a bigger roof for the same floor area. It also needs a wider block, and wider blocks cost more to buy. A double storey home stacks that floor area, so it can sit on smaller land. Melbourne blocks are now about 35 per cent smaller than they were 20 years ago, according to Duotax's Melbourne building cost guide, so that land saving matters more than ever.

Compare the total cost of land plus build, not just the build price per square metre.

That is why we encourage buyers to look at the whole package. Our house and land packages pair a block with a home design at a fixed price, so you can see the full number up front. Read our guide on what a house and land package really costs to learn which extras to budget for, such as site costs, landscaping and driveways.

How Does Your Block Size Change the Answer?

Block size often makes this decision for you. Narrow frontages push you toward a double storey design, because a single storey home on a tight block can feel cramped. Wide and flat blocks give you the freedom to spread out.

Before you fall in love with a floor plan, check four things:

•       The width and depth of your block.

•       Setbacks and easements that limit where the house can sit.

•       Estate design guidelines, which can restrict building height or facade styles.

•       Council overlooking and overshadowing rules, which affect upstairs windows.

Our home designs page lets you filter by number of storeys and lot size, from 200 to 500 square metres. That makes it easy to see which designs fit your land. If you want a single storey starting point, look at the Ashford 25, the Newport 26 or the Westminster 32. If a double storey suits you better, explore the Birmingham 31, the Comiso 32, the Napier 35 or the Dublin 42.

Which Layout Suits Your Family Stage?

Families with young children

A single storey home lets you see and hear your kids from the kitchen. You skip the stair gates, and you reach a crying toddler in seconds. A double storey can still work well here. Many parents place the main bedroom on the same level as the children's rooms, or choose a design with a bedroom downstairs.

Families with teenagers

A double storey home gives teenagers their own zone. An upstairs lounge or retreat keeps the noise away from the main living area, and parents get a quieter space downstairs. If your family loves a home theatre or a games room, a second level makes that easier to fit.

Multigenerational households

Grandparents and relatives need easy access. A single storey home is the simplest answer. A double storey home also works if the design includes a ground floor bedroom and bathroom.

Downsizers and long-term planners

A single storey home adapts more easily as mobility needs change. If you want to stay in your home for decades, one level is hard to beat. Our guide to home design trends in Melbourne for 2026 shows how flexible layouts are shaping new builds.

Which Home Costs Less to Heat and Cool?

Single storey homes are generally easier and cheaper to heat and cool. All the rooms sit on one level, so one system covers the whole home evenly. Double storey homes behave differently, because warm air rises. Upstairs rooms can run hot in summer and downstairs rooms can feel cooler in winter.

You can fix most of that with smart design. Good insulation, quality glazing, eaves that shade windows and a sensible orientation all help. A zoned heating and cooling system lets you control each level separately. New homes in Victoria also have to meet a 7 star NatHERS energy rating, so both styles start from a solid efficiency baseline. Ask your builder to show you how the design performs before you sign.

What About Privacy, Noise and Natural Light?

Double storey homes usually capture more light and better views from the upper floor. They also separate bedrooms from living areas, which cuts down on noise. On the flip side, you will hear footsteps overhead.

Victorian planning rules limit overlooking into neighbouring yards and windows, so your designer may need to screen some upstairs windows. Overshadowing matters too. A tall home beside a single storey neighbour can raise concerns, so check the character of your street early.

Single storey homes feel connected and private at ground level, but sound travels easily across an open floor plan. Smart zoning and solid wall construction make a big difference.

Which Holds Its Value Better?

Both styles sell well when the design is smart and the finish is high quality. Double storey homes often appeal in areas where land is tight and families need more bedrooms. Single storey homes attract downsizers and buyers in suburbs with larger blocks.

The best advice is simple. Match your home to the street. A home that fits its neighbourhood, offers a practical floor plan and uses quality materials will hold its appeal, no matter how many levels it has.

What Will Maintenance and Daily Living Look Like?

A double storey home asks a little more of you. Cleaning gutters, painting upper walls and washing windows may need ladders or scaffolding, and you will carry things up and down stairs every day. A single storey home has a larger roof to maintain and uses more of your block, which can mean a smaller garden.

Neither choice is wrong. The right one is the one that matches how you actually want to live.

Seven Questions to Ask Before You Decide

1.    How wide and deep is my block, and what do setbacks allow?

2.    How many bedrooms and living areas do we need now, and in ten years?

3.    Does anyone in our family find stairs difficult?

4.    What is our full budget, including land, site costs and landscaping?

5.    Do estate guidelines or council rules limit building height?

6.    How do we want to use our backyard?

7.    Do we want bedrooms close together, or zoned apart?

Take these questions to every builder you meet. Our guide to custom home builders in Melbourne also lists what to check before you sign a contract.

See Both Styles in Person

Floor plans look different when you walk through them. Visit one of our display homes to get a real feel for room sizes, ceiling heights and flow.

Our single storey Klyde 25 display home sits in the Evergreen Estate by Stockland at 22 Karula Circuit, Clyde. It is open by appointment, so call 1300 026 735 to book a visit. We have also built double storey display homes at 60 Buckingham Boulevard in Strathtulloh and the Hercules 35 in Truganina, both now sold. If you want to see how much a big family can fit, ask us about our 21 Howell display in Truganina, which offers five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a theatre and a study.

Already Own a Home? Consider a Rebuild

Maybe your current house no longer fits your family. A knockdown and rebuild lets you swap an ageing home for a modern single or double storey design on the block you already love. Read our knockdown rebuild guide for Melbourne and our honest take on whether it is cheaper to renovate or knock down and rebuild. Ask us whether our free demolition offer is still running, and explore our home financing options to plan your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a double storey home more expensive than a single storey home?

A double storey home usually costs more per square metre to build because of the staircase, structure and engineering. However, it can sit on a smaller block, so your land cost may drop. Compare the total cost of land and build before you decide.

Is a single storey or double storey home better for a small block?

A double storey home usually works better on a small or narrow block. It stacks your floor area upward, which leaves room for a yard, a garage and outdoor living.

Are double storey homes harder to heat and cool?

They can be, because warm air rises. Good insulation, quality glazing, shading and zoned systems solve most problems. Ask your builder to explain how the design handles each season.

Which is better for young children or elderly family members?

A single storey home is generally better for toddlers and for family members with limited mobility, because everything sits on one level. A double storey home with a ground floor bedroom and bathroom can work for both groups as well.

Which holds its value better in Melbourne?

Neither style wins every time. Value depends on location, design quality, finishes and how well the home suits its street. In tight, high-demand areas, double storey homes often appeal. Where blocks are larger, single storey homes remain popular.

Can I add a second storey later?

Often yes, but it depends on your footings, structure and council approval. It is usually cheaper and simpler to plan your second level from the start, so talk to your builder early.

How do I know which Ansel Homes design fits my block?

Use the filters on our home designs page to narrow by storeys, bedrooms and lot size. You can also call us on 1300 026 735, and our team will match a design to your block.

Your Next Step

There is no single right answer, only the right answer for your family. Start with your block, set a realistic total budget, and think about how you want to live in five and ten years. Then walk through a display home and feel the difference for yourself.

Ready to talk it through? Book a call with the Ansel Homes team or phone 1300 026 735. Our office at 2/28 West Court, Derrimut is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.