
It is always a tough choice to pick the home you will spend the next chapter of your life in. When you finally decide on your destination, you have a wide range of options. You don’t know what type of unit is more suitable for your family. In this article, we will tell you about the key points of duplex apartments vs penthouse units.
Both types of properties exhibit many perks, but what really does matter is your preference, and what unit suits you the most.
Duplex vs Penthouse
If you are wondering what property you should purchase, and thinking of the key elements of a duplex vs a penthouse, this article will be your guide. There are many factors to determine which unit is the one for you, not only the property’s area.
The main aspects you should consider when you’re thinking of a duplex house vs a penthouse unit are:
- The definition of a duplex vs a penthouse
- The area of the property
- Its key features
- Potential benefit
- View
- Outdoor space
1. Definition of Duplex vs This of a Penthouse
Duplexes are two apartments that are merged, whether vertically or horizontally. There are different types of duplexes, which are:
- Ground duplex house
- Standard duplex house
- Low-rise duplex
The ground duplex house is the one built on the first floor of the building. Home buyers prefer it because it features a garden. The standard duplex houses are the ones composed of two stories on top of each other. Low-rise duplexes are the ones with an ultra-modern design and have spacious balconies, but their areas are usually less than the other two types.
When it comes to penthouses, they are the properties located on the top floor of the buildings. They come in different layouts and designs, and some of the types of penthouses are:
- Single-floor plate penthouse
- Maisonette-style duplex penthouse
- Triplex penthouse
Single-floor plate penthouses are those with no stairways, composed only of one story. They are a great option for the elderly and if somebody has a mobility issue. On the other hand, the maisonette-style penthouse is built with two or more floors, sometimes with a separate entrance. Triplex penthouses are the ones composing three levels within the same building, with more space than the maisonette-style type.
After learning about the definition of duplex vs penthouse properties and their different types, it’s time to know how the area plays an important influence on your choice.
2. Unit’s Area
How spacious you want your next home to be is a key element to consider when thinking of a penthouse vs a duplex. Both types of properties reflect luxury and comfort, but it all depends on your preference.
A penthouse area vs the duplex one is usually less. Some of the mentioned types of penthouses are more spacious though, like the maisonette-style and triplex ones.
Read About:
3. Penthouse Key Features vs Duplex Key Features
The key features of duplexes and penthouses revolve around which unit carries more advantages for you.
Perks of Choosing a Penthouse:
Some of the vast advantages of picking a penthouse for your next home are:
- The same perks of living in an apartment, but in a more spacious area.
- Airy and features a rooftop.
- Privacy and quiet.
Perks of Picking a Duplex
The advantages of choosing a duplex are boundless, and some of them are:
- Privacy
- More space
- Some properties come with a garden
This takes us to the 4th point of the comparison between penthouse units vs duplex apartments, potential benefit.
4. Potential Benefit
The benefits of both a duplex vs of a penthouse don’t stop at them being only a living space, but also if you’re thinking of investing. Many factors, including the property type, determine the best return on investment (ROI) in real estate. But this isn’t the only element.
The area of the unit, its location, and its features also play an important role. Additionally, the potential benefit of investing in a penthouse vs this of a duplex can be a passive income if you decide to rent your property to others.
5. The View
Who doesn’t love to wake up to a bewitching view? Penthouses grant you a flawless view of your surroundings from above, while duplexes offer you the chance to wake up to scenic greenery.
This takes us to the last point on our list of duplex units vs penthouse apartments, the outdoor space.
6. Outdoor Space
The outdoor space of a duplex vs that of a penthouse revolves around one’s persona. If you are a nature lover kind of person, picking a duplex on the ground floor would suit you as it will come with a garden.
On the other hand, if you want to enjoy the great advantages a rooftop or a terrace brings you, then a penthouse is your pick.
After a full guide of the main elements composing the comparison of duplex properties vs penthouse units, we will tell you about how to choose between them.
How to Choose Between a Duplex and a Penthouse
Now that you know the main differences between a duplex vs a penthouse, the next step is to think about which one matches your lifestyle and long-term goals.
Choosing your future home isn’t just about the property itself; it’s also about how it fits into your daily routine, family needs, and investment plans.
Lifestyle Considerations
- For Families: Duplexes are often the perfect choice for families with children. The extra space and the possibility of having a private garden allow kids to play safely while parents enjoy a sense of community.
- For Young Professionals and Couples: Penthouses appeal to people who enjoy a modern lifestyle with an added touch of exclusivity. The stunning panoramic views, private terraces, and airy layouts make them perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying quiet evenings above the city hustle.
- For Nature Lovers: A duplex on the ground floor with a private garden is the better fit. It offers greenery and direct outdoor access right at your doorstep.
- For View Seekers: A penthouse will suit you if you can’t resist waking up to breathtaking cityscapes or sunset views from a rooftop terrace.
Did you know where you can get a duplex in a luxurious compound in Cairo? Then read the next section:
Duplexes For Sale in Cairo vs Penthouses For Sale

If you are heading to the East of Cairo, there are elite penthouse properties for sale in New Cairo, in many high-end gated communities.
- Taj City New Cairo
- Trio New Cairo
- Stone Residence
- Mountain View iCity October Compound
- Badya Palm Hills
- Al Karma Kay
There are fancy duplexes for sale and resale in New Cairo in:
Check the New Cairo top Compounds
In case you are heading to the West, there are distinguishing duplexes in high-end compounds in the 6th of October City and Sheikh Zayed, such as:
Final Thought
The key differences between a penthouse vs the ones of a duplex are all about your preferences. You have to consider the area you are looking for, the features you want, and the suitable advantages for you and your family.
If you haven’t made up your mind yet and are still wondering about a penthouse vs a duplex, Nawy’s expert consultants can help you.
Fill in the form on our website to own your lavish property, and one of our representatives will contact you in no time and assist you in picking your perfect home, and throughout the purchasing process.