What Is A Duplex: Everything You Need To Know?

Duplexes are a novel and popular kind of multifamily housing, and this blog will dive headfirst into their intriguing world to teach you all about them. Whether you're new to buying a home, have an interest in real estate, or are just interested in duplexes, this guide will explain all you need to know to make an informed decision. 

Along this educational journey, we will uncover the numerous elements of the duplex, from its fundamental architecture to the advantages of owning or investing in one. You will leave this read with a deeper understanding of this adaptable kind of property and the tools to make smart real estate decisions. 

What Is A Duplex Home?

Duplexes are residential structures comprising two independent living units within a single building. In a vertically arranged duplex, the floor of the upper apartment serves as the ceiling for the lower residence. If the units are arranged side-by-side, they are separated by a common wall. In a two-story building, the staircases within each apartment often act as the dividing structure.

Despite some similarities, a duplex differs from a twin home. Both feature a shared wall between two dwelling units and resemble two parallel structures. However, the key distinction lies in ownership and structure. A twin home, unlike a duplex, involves two separately owned units situated on a single plot of land. In contrast, a duplex is a single building divided into two units.

Responsibility for maintenance and insurance in a duplex falls to the owner of the entire building. Tenants in duplexes hold only rental rights and do not own the property, a significant contrast to the ownership model seen in twin homes.

Types Of Duplex Houses

Although there is no universally accepted style or plan for duplexes, you can classify them approximately according to the following: 

 

Low-Rise Duplex

Large balconies are a feature of the upper levels of these contemporary duplexes. In comparison to similar duplexes, this one is on the smaller side. To maximise the use of the available space, architects of modern duplex house plans have their jobs cut out for them.

Ground Duplex House

One type of multifamily building is the ground duplex, which consists of two housing stories. These duplexes have a garden view from the lower level and living areas like the kitchen and living room on the upper level.

Standard Duplex House (Most Common)

This two-family home has the standard duplex layout. This style allows the construction of two levels, with each story built atop the other. In these modern duplexes, the kitchen and living room are on the main floor, while the bedrooms (or a main suite with an extra room) and bathrooms are on the upper floor.

Advantages Of Duplexes 

Need some convincing that duplexes are a good choice? Read on to discover the answer. 

Make Money From Rentals 

In need of mortgage assistance? Are you interested in becoming a landlord? In that case, a duplex would be ideal. The quantity of equity created by a duplex structure can vary depending on the circumstances, although it usually happens quickly. Renting out each unit is an option you have. You may even reside in one of the units and rent out the other, generating a steady income stream. 

Without question, duplexes are great investments for those seeking rental income, and there are various ways to do it based on your goals and current situation. Duplexes in desirable or reasonably priced locations, such as those close to public transportation, schools, and stores, attract more interested tenants.

More Privacy Than In An Apartment 

A further perk of a duplex house compared to an apartment complex is the reduced number of neighbours—just one—as opposed to many apartments. Since there is only a shared wall between you and your neighbour, you also benefit from increased security. Additionally, with an entrance, driveway, and garden for each apartment, you'll have all the privacy you need. 

A duplex is perfect if you want to be close to your family but don't want to feel like you're "in each other's pockets." Living in a duplex allows you and your relatives to be close without always intruding on each other's space. 

Duplexes Are Reasonably Priced 

Generally, duplexes in the same community are less expensive than single-family homes. Most duplexes are also in more reasonably priced parts of town, so buying one will be fine with your budget. Additionally, duplexes are even more budget-friendly because they can generate rental money from the second unit of the property. A duplex unit will still be less expensive than, for example, a single-family home, even if that's all you're interested in renting. 

Increased Resale Value 

Investing in duplexes is a smart move. Once you've decided to sell your duplex, you'll discover that many investors are interested in buying it due to the flourishing rental market. The property's age, location, and the quality of your renovations all contribute to its market worth.

Additional Benefits Are As Follows

An important thing for many people is feeling safe and at ease when they are close to their friends. This place has unique features, such as private garages, patios that are away from the main house, and separate entries.

There could be a garage, an outdoor green space that you might share with another renter in the building, or other features that aren't usually found in flats. Living in a duplex home is often more like living in a house than in an apartment, making it a unique place to live. Different from the others, each duplex has its own door that makes it stand out.

The Downsides Of Duplex Houses

There are downsides to duplexes, just as there are to any other type of home. Before deciding to buy this house-type unit, it would be beneficial to know if you are prepared to deal with the following possible issues:

• Places with a low population density and abundant available land typically have houses with two units apiece, also known as duplexes. Finding a huge duplex within the municipal limits could be challenging and expensive.
• A duplex will often have a shared wall with the house next door. Some residents may be worried that the noise from the other side of the duplex may somehow reach their unit. Even in a standard duplex, the noise and activity of the next-door neighbours could be an issue for the family living on either floor.
• Duplexes with internal staircases might be tough to rent because people would probably use them to skip the stairs and go straight to work. Tenants will only be interested in a duplex with a separate entrance for the additional unit.
• It is not uncommon for two different families to live in a duplex. This adds more landscaping and maintenance labour for the homeowner, who may need help to handle such a large duplex independently.

Other Possible Disadvantages

Sharing spaces with neighbours does not always equate to a harmonious living experience. In situations where driveways and yards are communal, challenges may arise, particularly if a neighbour is disrespectful or misuses these areas. In some cases, the landlord might occupy the adjoining duplex unit. Neighbour interactions can be particularly taxing when living in close quarters, such as sharing a wall with a bothersome neighbour. Being aware of potential issues can help in avoiding difficult situations.

Duplex living often comes with additional responsibilities. Unlike apartment complexes, the upkeep of outdoor areas, including yard work, gardening, and snow shovelling, generally falls to the residents. It's advisable to consult the lease agreement for clarity on these duties.

While large apartment complexes might offer amenities like swimming pools and tennis courts, these are usually not available in duplex settings. However, duplex living has its advantages, such as sharing common areas with fewer residents compared to larger complexes.

There are also financial and maintenance considerations. Living in a duplex can be more costly than in a traditional apartment or housing complex, and it often comes with greater maintenance obligations.

Duplex Vs Other Types Of Houses

Duplex House Vs Independent House

A duplex can nevertheless be considered an independent dwelling because of the wide definition of the term. Big houses, duplexes, villas, etc., are all synonyms for it. Duplexes, huge bungalows, and farmhouses are all examples of detached houses, but the hallmark of a duplex is its two stories.

Duplex Vs Townhouse

Most duplexes are privately owned and feature two stories, either side by side or vertically. Nevertheless, a townhouse is characterised by several owners and multiple dwellings connected by shared walls.

Duplex House vs. a Two-Storey House

Although most two-story buildings might be considered duplex houses, several exceptions exist. A two-story building can be standalone or have the same internal connections as a duplex, with the difference being that the stairs connect the two levels in a duplex house.

Duplex House Vs Villa

Large houses, often larger than a duplex, are typically called villas. As a general rule, it costs more than a duplex. Although duplexes are a more recent development, villas as a housing form have been present for a long time. Villas in a gated community can access various amenities, including a community centre, security services, and a gym. These features are typically absent from a duplex.

Duplex Vs Apartment 

You'll notice three key distinctions when comparing a duplex to an apartment. And secondly, the property. In most cases, a single individual will own both apartments of a duplex and rent them out. The duplex's landlord or owner can live in one unit and rent out the other.

The owner may reside in one unit of the duplex while renting out the other. This is a great opportunity for first-time landlords because they can put more money towards their mortgage. There are duplexes where a different person owns each unit. The unit's size comes up third. Duplexes are perfect for families of four or more because they are usually larger than flats. 

Duplex vs. Condo?

The usual owner of a condominium is the underlying land's property owner. Assuming the apartment is mortgaged, you would make regular payments to a secured lender, such as a bank. With each payment towards the mortgage, the buyer of the apartment increases the value of their investment.

Buying a condo is typically a long-term commitment. There is a lot of leeway regarding lease duration, facilities, and commitment level regarding apartment living. Occasionally, a duplex owner will live in one property and rent out the other to generate revenue. Property owners who can use the rental revenue from the second unit to assist in covering their mortgage payments may find this arrangement attractive. 

Would You Be A Good Fit For This Kind Of Multifamily Home?

It is not easy to decide between renting a duplex and another type of home. The yard, garage, and seclusion offered by a duplex are only a few of the typical residential house advantages. Because the renter only pays for half of the building, duplexes are often more budget-friendly than single-family homes.

You could rent a better house in a better location than you imagined because of the lower cost of renting a duplex instead of a single-family home. Having a neighbour who lives either above or below you is a given. That give-and-take can be worth it if you value ample outside space and a homey atmosphere.

Conclusion

A duplex is a type of housing that has two separate living units inside the same house. They're not the same as twin homes because they're one building split into two units, and the owner is in charge of upkeep and insurance. There are three types of duplexes: low-rise, ground duplex, and normal duplex.

One of the benefits of duplexes is that they can be rented out and used to make money. This can be helpful for people who need debt help or who want to become landlords. Duplexes are also more private than flats because they only have a few neighbours and the walls are shared. When you live in a duplex, you can be close to family members without feeling alone.

Most of the time, duplexes are less expensive than single-family homes, and the second room can bring in rental income. Putting money into flats is a good idea because the rental market is doing so well. Some duplexes have private garages, patios, and different entrances that make a living in one feel more like living in a house than an apartment.

Duplexes are a common type of multifamily housing that has many advantages, such as the ability to make money from rentals, more privacy, fair prices, and higher resale values.

Duplexes are a type of housing that you can find in places with few people. Each duplex has two units. But they might have shared walls with houses next door, which can make noise and cause problems. Additionally, flats with internal stairs may be hard to rent because people might skip the stairs and go straight to work.

There are also extra duties that come with living in a duplex, like taking care of the outdoor areas, which are usually the tenants' job. Living in a duplex can be more expensive than living in an apartment or housing building, but it does have some benefits.

Duplexes come in many styles, such as single-family homes, townhouses, two-story homes, villas, and flats. Independent houses are usually owned by a single person, while townhouses are owned by more than one person and share walls. Because they are usually bigger than flats, duplexes are great for families with four or more people.

Because the renter only pays for half of the house, duplexes are often cheaper than single-family homes. They may also be a better fit for people who like having a lot of outdoor space and a cosy feel.

Duplexes have benefits like a yard, a garage, privacy, and cheaper prices compared to single-family homes. On the other hand, you should think about the pros and cons before deciding if this type of shared home is right for you.

Content Summary

• Duplexes are a unique form of multifamily housing offering various benefits and features.
• They provide a great opportunity for those new to home buying, interested in real estate, or curious about duplex living.
• Duplexes consist of two independent living units within one building, offering a unique architectural style.
• In vertical duplexes, the floor of the upper unit doubles as the ceiling for the lower one.
• Side-by-side duplexes share a common wall, while two-story ones use staircases as dividers.
• Duplexes differ from twin homes, with the latter comprising two separately owned units on one plot.
• The duplex owner is responsible for maintenance and insurance, unlike in twin home arrangements.
• Duplexes come in various styles, with no single universal design.
• Low-rise duplexes feature large balconies and contemporary designs in a compact form.
• Ground duplex houses offer garden views and have living spaces on the upper level.
• The standard duplex house is a common two-family home with a conventional layout.
• Duplexes can be an excellent source of rental income, aiding in mortgage payments.
• They are ideal investments for those seeking rental income, especially in desirable locations.
• Duplexes offer more privacy than apartments, having fewer neighbours and shared spaces.
• They are suitable for families seeking proximity without compromising on personal space.
• Generally more affordable than single-family homes, duplexes fit well within budgets.
• They often come with increased resale value, attracting many investors.
• Duplexes feature amenities like private garages, patios, and separate entrances.
• Living in a duplex often feels more like living in a house than an apartment.
• Duplexes typically have unique entrances, adding to their distinctiveness.
• Potential downsides include limited availability in densely populated areas.
• Noise from shared walls in duplexes can be a concern for some residents.
• Duplexes with internal staircases may face rental challenges due to accessibility.
• Maintaining a duplex can be labour-intensive, especially for larger properties.
• Sharing spaces with neighbours in a duplex can sometimes lead to conflicts.
• Duplex residents often bear the responsibility for outdoor area upkeep.
• Amenities like swimming pools, common in large apartment complexes, are usually absent in duplexes.
• Living in a duplex can entail higher costs and greater maintenance obligations than traditional apartments.
• Duplexes can be considered independent homes, often featuring a two-story structure.
• They differ from townhouses, which are characterized by multiple owners and connected units.
• A two-story house may be similar to a duplex, but duplexes specifically have connected levels.
• Villas are typically larger and more expensive than duplexes and offer more amenities.
• Duplexes differ from apartments in ownership structure,
• Duplexes often have larger living spaces compared to apartments, suitable for bigger families.
• In duplexes, the landlord may reside in one unit and rent out the other, offering a unique landlord-tenant dynamic.
• A duplex owner can benefit financially by living in one unit and renting out the other.
• Condominium ownership involves regular payments to a secured lender and increases investment value over time.
• Duplex living is often more affordable than single-family homes due to the potential rental income from one unit.
• Renting a duplex can provide a better living situation in a desirable location due to its affordability.
• Duplex living involves having a neighbour above or below, requiring a balance of privacy and community.
• Duplexes offer typical residential house benefits like yards and garages at a more accessible cost.
• The decision to rent a duplex should consider factors like outdoor space, budget, and living arrangements.
• Duplexes are a smart investment due to their potential for generating rental income and increasing in value.
• The architectural diversity of duplexes caters to various preferences and needs.
• Choosing a duplex involves weighing the benefits of privacy, cost, and lifestyle against potential downsides.
• The duplex market is attractive for both homeowners and investors due to its versatility.
• Understanding the differences between duplexes and other housing types is crucial for informed real estate decisions.
• The duplex lifestyle offers a blend of apartment living and single-family home benefits.
• Navigating duplex ownership requires knowledge of maintenance responsibilities and tenant relationships.
• Duplexes represent a growing trend in multifamily housing, combining practicality with investment opportunities.