Duplex builder in Gladesville

Gladesville has river views, leafy streets and a busy town centre on Victoria Road, and it’s one of the most sought-after suburbs in the area. AGA Building is a family-run, licensed builder based in Rydalmere. We design, get approval for and build duplexes, and Andrew supervises every job on site.

Can you build a duplex in Gladesville?

Often, yes. Gladesville’s house streets are mostly zoned R2 Low Density Residential, and since July 2024 NSW rules allow duplexes in R2 zones. The first thing to check is which council your block is in, because Gladesville is split between the City of Ryde and Hunters Hill Council.

Gladesville town centre on Victoria Road is also covered by Stage 2 of the NSW Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy, which both councils apply within about 800 m walk of the centre:

Where your block is	Minimum lot size	Minimum width
Within the mapped area, about 800 m walk from Gladesville town centre	450 m²	12 m
City of Ryde side, outside that area (Ryde LEP 2014)	580 m²	15 m road frontage
Hunters Hill side, outside that area	Set by Hunters Hill Council	Set by Hunters Hill Council

Heritage in Gladesville

Gladesville is one of Sydney’s oldest areas, with heritage items such as Gladesville Hospital, The Priory and Rockend Cottage, and the Hunters Hill side has extensive heritage conservation areas. Hunters Hill Council applies the town centre rules in conservation areas, but heritage items themselves are excluded. On heritage-affected blocks, the design has to suit the street and usually needs a heritage report and a DA.

Other things we check on Gladesville blocks

• Slope and views. Many streets fall toward the Parramatta River and its bays. A good design uses the slope and the view.
• Victoria Road. Blocks on or near it may need acoustic design and can have driveway limits.
• Bushland and foreshore. Blocks near Bedlam Bay, Glades Bay or other reserves can be bushfire-prone or have foreshore controls.
• Trees. Large established trees are common and often protected.

CDC or DA in Gladesville?

Regular blocks outside heritage areas that meet every standard may suit a complying development certificate (CDC). Heritage, foreshore, steep or undersized blocks normally need a development application (DA) to the City of Ryde or Hunters Hill Council. We work this out at the start and manage the approval for you.

Duplexes we’ve built

We’ve built under City of Ryde controls in West Ryde, and nearby in Ermington and Rydalmere. We also build across Ryde, North Ryde and Concord.

How we build your Gladesville duplex

1. Free block check. Council, zoning, town centre area, heritage, lot size and frontage.
2. Design. Homes that suit the street and make the most of the slope and views.
3. Approval. CDC or DA, with heritage, arborist and stormwater reports as needed.
4. Demolition and construction. Andrew runs the site and keeps you updated.
5. Handover. A final walkthrough, with every certificate and warranty document.

Gladesville duplex questions

How do I know which council my block is in?

Your rates notice shows it, or you can search your address on the NSW Planning Portal. We confirm it as part of our free block check.

My block is in a heritage conservation area. Is a duplex still possible?

Possibly. The NSW rules apply in conservation areas, but council assesses how the design fits the area, and heritage-listed homes are excluded. It’s worth getting advice before you design.

What will a Gladesville duplex cost?

Size, finishes, slope and any heritage requirements make the biggest difference. Our duplex cost guide covers the main costs, and we’ll give you a realistic budget once we’ve seen the block.

General information, current as of October 2026. Planning controls change, so always confirm the rules for your property with your council or a certifier. Sources: Hunters Hill Council, City of Ryde (2021), NSW Planning.