It really depends alot on the details and what the zoning allows for. A big trend lately in Melbourne has been knocking down older SFHs and putting up a pair of

It really depends alot on the details and what the zoning allows for. A big trend lately in Melbourne has been knocking down older SFHs and putting up a pair of townhomes then having the owners renting out the other and living in the first. It's one way the owners have managed to increase their income from the property while also benefiting from alot of regulations and tax benefits made for homeowners. However, that makes less sense in a cul-de-sac suburb + highway situation than it does in a city with more public transit options and fewer highways. You basically have to rezone and buy out several lots and put up apartments and the entire neighborhood changes. So if your house gets bought up, you may benefit but it may drop if you live near it but don't sell to the developer.