Single Storey vs Double Storey: Which Home Design Is Right For You?
Choosing between a single storey and double storey home is one of the biggest early decisions you’ll make when planning your new home.
And for many Perth homeowners, it’s not always an obvious choice.
Both options can offer beautiful, functional and highly liveable spaces, but the right decision often comes down to your block, your lifestyle, your budget, and the way you want your home to feel every day.
So, when it comes to single storey vs double storey, how do you know which home design is right for you?
The Case for Single Storey Homes
Single storey homes remain one of the most popular choices for families building in Perth.
They offer ease, flow and simplicity, with everything on one level and no stairs to consider. For young families, downsizers, or homeowners thinking long-term, this can make everyday living feel more practical and accessible.
A well-designed single storey home can also create a strong connection between living areas, bedrooms and outdoor spaces. This is especially important for families who enjoy open plan living and easy indoor-outdoor flow.
A single storey home may be the right choice if you:
- prefer everything on one level
• want easy access between rooms
• have young children or are planning for future accessibility
• enjoy a strong connection to the backyard or alfresco
• have a block wide enough to accommodate the layout you want
Shelford’s Carina, Beach House and Palm Springs display homes all demonstrate how different single storey designs can support different lifestyles. While the Carina maximises functionality on a 12.5m block, the Beach House embraces relaxed coastal living and the Palm Springs showcases luxury entertaining and open-plan family living.
The Case for Double Storey Homes
Double storey homes are often chosen when homeowners want more space without using more of the block.
This can be especially valuable on smaller or narrower lots, where building up allows more room for bedrooms, living zones, storage or outdoor space.
A double storey design also creates more opportunity for separation. Bedrooms can be positioned upstairs, living areas downstairs, or the home can be zoned to allow for guest accommodation, teenagers’ retreats, home offices or multi-generational living.
A double storey home may be the right choice if you:
- want to maximise space on a smaller block
• need separation between living and sleeping zones
• want multiple living areas
• are planning for teenagers, guests or extended family
• want to create architectural impact through voids, stairs or feature windows
The Satori display home in Piara Waters demonstrates this beautifully. Built on a 12.5m wide block, the Satori uses its double storey layout to create a sense of volume, calm and separation. The inclusion of a double-height void, upstairs sitting area, wellness room and guest suite shows how building up can create a home that feels far larger and more flexible than its footprint suggests.
Similarly, The Brighton in Burns Beach demonstrates how a double storey design can create clear separation between living and sleeping zones while delivering the elegance, flexibility and architectural presence many modern families are seeking
A Question We Ask Clients
One of the first questions we ask clients isn’t whether they want a single storey or double storey home.
It’s how they want to live.
Because the answer often reveals the right solution.
Some families value connection, easy access and a strong relationship between indoor and outdoor living. Others prioritise separation, private retreats, multiple living zones or space for growing teenagers and visiting guests.
The most successful homes aren’t designed around the number of storeys.
They’re designed around lifestyle.
That’s why there is no universal “better” option. The right home is the one that supports the way you and your family want to live, both now and into the future.
Lifestyle Matters More Than Storeys
The best home design is not automatically single storey or double storey.
It’s the one that supports the way you live.
Think about your daily routines.
Do you want bedrooms close together, or would separation suit your family better?
Do you want a large backyard, or would you prefer more internal living space?
Do you entertain often?
Do you need a guest suite or a quiet retreat?
Are stairs practical for your family long term?
These questions matter because a home should not just look good on a plan. It should work beautifully once you live in it.
How Your Block Influences the Decision
Your block plays a major role in whether a single storey or double storey home will work best.
A wider block may allow a generous single storey home with open plan living, good natural light and strong outdoor connection.
A narrower or smaller block may benefit from a double storey design, allowing you to preserve outdoor space while still achieving the number of rooms and living zones you need.
This is why display homes can be so helpful. Walking through homes like the Carina, Satori and Brighton allows you to experience different approaches to space, height and zoning in real life, not just on a floorplan.
What About Cost?
Cost is often part of the single storey vs double storey conversation.
A single storey home can sometimes be more straightforward to build, depending on the design and site conditions. However, it may require a larger block to achieve the same amount of living space.
A double storey home may involve additional structural considerations, stairs and upper-floor construction, but can make better use of land and allow more flexibility on compact lots.
The true cost difference depends on the home design, specification level, siteworks and the features included. This is why it’s important to compare the complete design and inclusions, not just the number of storeys. Understanding what’s included in your build can be just as important as understanding the design itself, particularly when comparing different builders and specifications.
Final Thoughts
When choosing between a single storey and double storey home, the best decision is the one that reflects how you want to live.
A single storey home can offer ease, connection and simplicity.
A double storey home can offer flexibility, separation and a greater sense of space.
Both can be beautiful. Both can be functional. Both can feel like home.
The difference comes down to thoughtful design and choosing a layout that supports your lifestyle now, and well into the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Neither is automatically better. A single storey home may suit those wanting ease, accessibility and open flow, while a double storey home may suit those wanting more separation, flexibility or space on a smaller block. The best choice depends on your lifestyle, block and long-term needs.
Double storey homes can involve additional structural requirements, stairs and upper-level construction, but this does not always mean they are the wrong choice financially. On smaller lots, building up can help maximise land use and preserve outdoor space. The overall cost depends on the design, inclusions and site conditions.
Single storey homes can work beautifully for families, particularly when bedrooms, living areas and outdoor spaces are well connected. However, some families prefer the separation offered by a double storey design, especially with teenagers, guests or multiple living zones.
Consider your block size, lifestyle, budget, future plans, accessibility needs, outdoor space and how much separation you want between rooms. Visiting display homes can also help you understand how each option feels in real life.