How Do You Choose Between a Single and Double Storey Home In Adelaide?

Building a new home is one of the most exciting milestones in life. But before you start picturing the colour of your kitchen benchtops or the design of your outdoor area, there’s one big decision to make — should you build a single or double storey home?

It’s a question almost every homeowner faces in Adelaide, and the right answer depends on your lifestyle, family needs, and even the size of your block. Let’s walk through the main factors that can help you decide which option suits you best.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Between a Single and Double Storey Home

1. Consider the Size of Your Land

Your block size often plays a major role in deciding whether to go for a single or double storey home.

Single Storey Homes: Perfect for larger blocks. If you have plenty of space, a single storey design allows you to spread out comfortably without worrying about stairs or upper floors. Plus, you can easily add a spacious backyard or outdoor entertaining area — and explore single storey home designs that make the most of open layouts and family-friendly flow.

Double Storey Homes: Ideal for smaller or narrow blocks. By building upward, you can maximise your living area without taking up too much of your land. It’s a great way to enjoy more internal space — bedrooms, living zones, and even an upstairs retreat — while keeping room for a garden or patio below.

2. Think About Your Lifestyle and Family Needs

Your current and future lifestyle matters just as much as your block size.

Single Storey Living: Single level homes are perfect for families with young children, elderly parents, or anyone who prefers convenience and easy access. There are no stairs to worry about, and everything is within reach. It’s also a great choice if you love an open, flowing layout that connects the living, dining, and outdoor areas seamlessly.

Double Storey Living: If you have a growing family or need more separation between spaces, a double storey layout offers more privacy and flexibility. Parents can have their bedroom upstairs for peace and quiet, while kids enjoy their own space below (or vice versa). It also allows you to create defined zones — for work, rest, and play — without feeling cramped.

3. Look at Your Budget

Cost is always an important factor when deciding on your home design.

Single Storey Homes: Generally more affordable to build, as they don’t require the additional structural support, staircase, and upper-level construction that double storey homes do. Maintenance costs are also typically lower over time.

Double Storey Homes: Usually come with a higher price tag due to extra materials, design complexity, and construction time. However, they can also deliver a better long-term return — especially in urban or high-demand areas where land is limited and two-storey homes are often valued higher. Many modern double storey home designs make this investment worthwhile, combining functionality with striking street appeal.

4. Think About the Views and Natural Light

If your block offers scenic views — whether it’s city lights, hills, or a leafy outlook — a double storey home allows you to make the most of them. Upper floors can also capture more natural light and better ventilation, enhancing the overall feel of your living spaces.

On the other hand, single storey homes often enjoy a more open connection with the outdoors, letting you create smooth transitions between indoor living and your garden or alfresco area.

5. Consider Future Flexibility

Planning ahead can save you a lot of stress later.

If you see yourself staying in your home long-term, think about accessibility and convenience. As you grow older, stairs might not be as appealing — which makes a single storey home a more future-proof option.

But if your priority is long-term value or you anticipate growing space needs — for example, turning a study into another bedroom — a double storey design offers more flexibility for adapting your lifestyle over time.

6. Evaluate Privacy and Noise

Privacy is another factor that can influence your decision.

In double storey homes, bedrooms can be separated from the main living areas, creating quiet zones where you can unwind.
Meanwhile, single storey homes tend to have all rooms close together, which can feel more connected but might lack privacy — especially in busy households.

7. Street Appeal and Aesthetic

Aesthetics also play a role in your choice.
Double storey homes tend to stand out with a striking, architectural presence — great if you want your home to make a strong first impression.
Single storey homes, however, offer a sense of charm, simplicity, and balance that many families love. They often blend beautifully into neighbourhoods with a more relaxed feel.

8. Maintenance and Energy Efficiency

Maintenance is usually easier with single storey homes — from cleaning gutters to painting or making roof repairs.
Double storey homes, while offering more space, require a bit more upkeep due to the height and structural complexity.

In terms of energy efficiency, single storey homes are often easier to heat and cool evenly. However, double storey homes can be designed smartly with zoning systems and modern insulation to balance temperature between floors.

So, Which One Should You Choose?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing between a single and double storey home in Adelaide. The right choice depends on how you live, what you value most, and your long-term plans.

If you prefer accessibility, simplicity, and a seamless flow of spaces, a single storey home might be your perfect match. But if you’re after more space, privacy, and future value, a double storey home could be the ideal investment.

The best approach is to consult an experienced home builder who can understand your lifestyle, block type, and budget — and help craft a design that feels both practical and personal to your vision.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between a single and double storey home is about more than just design — it’s about creating the lifestyle you’ve always envisioned. Take your time, consider your family’s needs, and imagine how you’ll grow within your new space.

With Antilia Homes, one of the leading home builders in Adelaide, you’re guided by a team committed to quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. Whether you’re inspired by the comfort of single storey living or the sophistication of a double storey design, they can help turn your ideas into a beautifully built reality — a home designed for the way you truly live.