With land sizes across Perth becoming increasingly compact, the 12.5m wide block has quickly become one of the most popular options for modern homeowners. It’s a block width that opens the door to a wide range of suburbs, estates and budgets, but it also brings one big design decision:

Should you build single storey or double storey on a 12.5m wide block?

At Shelford Quality Homes, we’ve designed both and the difference is remarkable. In this blog, we’re comparing two homes that suit the same block width, but deliver completely different lifestyles:

• The Carina – a smart, beautifully liveable single storey design
• The Satori – a refined, spacious double storey home with elevated zoning

If you’re planning a build and want clarity before committing, this is the guide you’ve been looking for.

Why 12.5m Wide Blocks Are So Popular in Perth

The 12.5m block has become a sweet spot for Perth buyers, especially in growing estates and family-friendly suburbs.

It’s wide enough to allow thoughtful, functional design, but compact enough to:

• Keep land costs more achievable
• Unlock suburbs that might otherwise feel out of reach
• Support first home buyers, young families and downsizers
• Offer a modern build path without needing a huge footprint

But while the block width may be the same, what you build on it can feel entirely different.

Option 1: Single Storey on a 12.5m Block – The Carina

If you want a home that feels practical, welcoming and easy to live in, a single storey design like The Carina is a brilliant choice.

The Carina proves that a 12.5m wide block doesn’t mean compromising on comfort, it means designing smarter.

Who The Carina Suits Best

The Carina is ideal for:

• First home buyers wanting a quality build without overstretching
• Young families who want everything on one level
• Downsizers who want comfort without stairs
• Homeowners who value simplicity and flow

Why Single Storey Works So Well

Single storey homes on 12.5m blocks often deliver:

• Lower construction cost compared to double storey
• Faster, simpler build process
• Easy accessibility (no stairs now or in the future)
• Efficient zoning across one level
• A home that feels connected and grounded

The Lifestyle Feel

The Carina feels calm and easy, a home where everyday life just works. It’s the kind of design that suits people who want their home to be functional, comfortable, and low-fuss, without losing style.

For many buyers, it’s also the most achievable way to step into a beautifully finished, thoughtfully designed Shelford home.

Option 2: Double Storey on a 12.5m Block – The Satori

Now let’s look at the other side of the equation.

If you love the idea of extra space, separation between zones, and a home that feels expansive, the Satori is a stunning example of what a double storey design can deliver on the same 12.5m wide block.

The Satori isn’t just “bigger.” It’s more layered, more flexible, and designed for modern family living where everyone can have their own space.

Who The Satori Suits Best

The Satori is ideal for:

• Growing families needing more room over time
• Homeowners who want multiple living areas
• Buyers who love entertaining but still want privacy
• Families who want a home that adapts through life stages

Why Double Storey Can Be the Smart Choice

Double storey designs on a 12.5m wide block can deliver:

• More internal living space without expanding the footprint
• Better separation of living and sleeping zones
• Extra flexibility (activity room, kids’ retreat, study zones)
• A layout that feels more “future-proof” for larger families

The Lifestyle Feel

The Satori feels elevated, both literally and emotionally.

It offers a sense of scale, zoning and privacy that many families crave, especially once children grow older. Upstairs becomes its own world, while downstairs remains the social heart of the home.

The Big Question: Single or Double Storey on the Same Block?

This is where the decision becomes less about floorplans and more about lifestyle.

Even on the same 12.5m wide block, The Carina and The Satori deliver two very different ways of living.

Choose Single Storey (The Carina) If You Want:

• A more affordable build path
• Everything on one level
• Easier everyday movement (and long-term accessibility)
• A home that feels simple, connected and practical

Choose Double Storey (The Satori) If You Want:

• More space and more zones
• Greater separation for family living
• Extra flexibility for entertaining, study and growing kids
• A home that feels expansive without needing a wider block

Budget: The Honest Reality

One of the biggest reasons people lean toward single storey is budget, and that’s completely valid.

In many cases, a single storey design like The Carina can be a more cost-effective build, especially for buyers wanting:

• A quality home
• A smart layout
• A manageable mortgage
• Beautiful finishes without pushing into a higher build bracket

Double storey homes like The Satori often cost more to build, but they can also deliver:

• More long-term flexibility
• Better zoning
• A larger overall home without needing a wider block

The Shelford Difference: Same Block, Two Distinct Design Outcomes

What this comparison really shows is that block size doesn’t limit you, it shapes the design approach.

At Shelford Quality Homes, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, we design homes around how people actually live.

That’s why the Carina and Satori can both suit a 12.5m wide block, yet feel completely different in experience.

The Best Way to Decide? Walk Through Both

Online floorplans can be helpful, but nothing compares to walking through a home in person.

If you’re building on a 12.5m wide block and deciding between single storey and double storey, visiting display homes can instantly clarify:

• What feels right
• What suits your lifestyle
• How you want your home to function day-to-day

Final Thoughts

A 12.5m wide block is not a limitation, it’s an opportunity.

Whether you choose the streamlined ease of The Carina or the spacious zoning of The Satori, the right answer comes down to your lifestyle, budget, and the way you want to live now and into the future.

And the best part? You don’t have to compromise on quality, flow, or beautiful design either way.

Want help choosing the right design for your block size?

Explore our display homes and speak with the Shelford team to find a home that suits your land, lifestyle and budget.