Building Duplexes in Southwest Austin Texas

[Anthony Koinis]

Hi Everyone,

I am building 7 to 8 (14-16 units) duplexes in southwest Austin Texas. The process is just now getting started and any thoughts and advice is appreciated. The units will be placed on 2 acres with access to water and sewer. Our hopes are to sell the units individually as the area has very little in the way of starter home priced properties, but is extremely popular because of the excellent school district and high quality community.

We are considering flipping the standard "one road" site plan and instead running a one-way street around the back of the units and facing them all into a common green space (pocket neighborhood style). This hasn't been done very much out, so we are still deciding what will sell. Our goal is to sell to young families and retirees. Units would range from 1,350 to 1,650 sqft (3/2, mini-master down, 2 car parking).

Has anyone had experience selling or renting units that are in a pocket neighborhood setting vs. a traditional site plan? What about phasing? Is it better to phase the units or build all at once to help with our build cost?  Has anyone built duplexes that feel more like single family town homes; if so, what helped them feel less like MF?

Thanks for all your help!