Dual-key units: Does it fit your bill?

• It is a condo unit divided into two dwellings but with one price tag.
• A dual-key property was first introduced to attract multi-generational living under a single roof.
• Buying a dual-key condo unit might also be a good investment opportunity.

The dual-key condominium unit has become a common product offering among many new high-rise residential developments lately. As the name suggests, it is two separate condo units with a single address comprising the main unit and the smaller sub-unit, which is usually a studio.

Essentially, the property has two self-contained living spaces with a separate access point each, but linked by a shared main door or foyer. Each space will consist of a bedroom or bedrooms, a bathroom or bathrooms and a kitchen.

In other words, for the purchase price of one unit, you own two dwellings that sit next to each other under a single title.

(Check out The Valley Residences by SkyWorld Development that offers reasonably priced dual-key condos.)

Would you buy one?

A dual-key unit could be an ideal choice for a shared property among siblings, says water quality manager, Dr Emily Quek.

“We are both thinking of sharing a place. So if it is a ‘separated’ layout like a dual-key condo, then each of us can have our own space.

“This works great, especially when my brother has his own family in the near future,” says Quek, who is currently residing in Melbourne, Australia. She is planning to purchase a dual-key unit with his brother in Kuala Lumpur.  

“Location and price are some major factors for consideration. And of course, the design of the layout does matter too,” she adds.

Quek also acknowledges the fact that buying a dual-key property might also be an investment opportunity where she could rent out the place to two different tenants if the siblings decided not to live in the property.

Meanwhile, for Mohd Khairil Azman, 30, an online business owner, buying a dual-key unit would allow him to rent out the smaller unit to generate some extra income.

“The advantage of staying in a dual-unit condo is that I can rent out the smaller studio unit, and this helps in generating additional income,” he says, adding that he could also turn the sub-unit into his home office if he wanted to.

(Rent this studio room of a dual-key condo in Lucentia@BBCC located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.)

Does it cater to multi-generation families?

The marketing spiel says so. And yes, it does.

The dual-key condo was first introduced to attract multi-generation families who want to live close to each other, or rather, under a single roof, but still maintain their own privacy at the same time, such as families with elderly parents or young adults.

As each space within the dual-key unit configuration is completely self-contained and features separate kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms, this provides household members sufficient territories to call their own while being able to gather at a common space such as the living area in the main unit.

Yes, that’s right. There is no need to schedule bathroom use anymore.

Not only that, the dual-key property also offers a practical way for young adults or professionals to live independently “literally next door” while being close to family, with separate entryways and keys.

So, should you buy a dual-key property?

Ultimately, this type of property is a niche for certain lifestyles.

Whether it is for investment or own stay, potential buyers should assess their own priorities and other important factors such as price, location and other surrounding essential amenities before making a decision.

If you are not sure if this type of property fits your family lifestyle, you can always consider renting before becoming the real homeowner.

(Here are some good dual-key property deals.)