Duplex Houses: Upsides and Downsides

What is a duplex, and is it the right home for you?

Too often homebuyers overlook other types of homes such as townhomes and duplexes. This post will help you understand the upsides and downsides of owning a duplex. So, let’s get started exploring this awesome home type and getting you everything you need to know when thinking about buying a duplex home and the pros and cons when buying half a duplex.

What Is A Duplex?

A duplex is a home that shares a common wall with one other home.

If you are asking yourself: “What does a duplex look like?”, a duplex has all the same features you would expect in a single family home. The home just shares a common wall with a neighboring property.

Two-story and single story duplexes are most common. Single duplexes are sometimes referred to as patio homes, especially if they are in a senior or zero maintenance community.

You can purchase a duplex, and upon doing so you are a homeowner.

Some duplexes are a part of an HOA (homeowner’s association) or a POA (property owner’s association). Also, the responsibility for exterior maintenance varies widely. More on this in this post.

Outside of understanding who does what regarding maintenance, there is no difference in owning a duplex compared to a single family home. A duplex works like a single family home. You own it. You can decorate it however you want. Just always follow the covenants and restrictions if there are any, which generally only pertain to the exterior.

Who Maintains A Duplex Home?

The answer really depends on the situation. Let’s take a look at those.

First, review any covenants and restrictions. Some properties are covered by covenants and restrictions. The HOA or the POA will have those. If there is no HOA or POA, the covenants and restrictions will be available from a title company. These documents will layout who is responsible for the maintenance and any fees or special assessment processes for getting the work completed.

If there are no covenants and restrictions, common law practice, which is different in every state, will dictate who is responsible for what.

Right now I am sure some of you are saying that I stated a condo only has a shared wall. Yes, that is true, but the shared wall also has a latent effect on other structural elements being shared. For example, usually both sides of the duplex have the same color and style of siding. What happens as they siding deteriorates? Who repairs it? Or the driveway, or the roof?

Here’s what can clear up this misunderstanding. Duplexes always have a shared, common wall. Beyond that, there are countless possibilities depending on the existence of covenants and restrictions, the construction of the unit, and local laws.

So, what do you do if you want to buy a duplex?

Easy. Work with a great agent who will help you understand exactly what you are buying. Read the HOA or POA documents and the covenants and restrictions. If these things do not exist, get a great home inspector. He or she will be able to take a look at the meet point of the two units to help you understand what could compromise your side, thus what you will want to take care of. After that, do an inventory of the amount of shared space making sure to look at the back yard, roof, driveway, and the shared wall.

Pros And Cons Of A Duplex

First, we will start with the advantages of buying a duplex. Then we will look at the disadvantages.

Pros Of A Duplex

1. Lower to No Maintenance

Duplexes, especially if in a planned unit development (PUD) often come with little to no routine exterior maintenance. Think of yard maintenance and snow removal, things like that. Major exterior improvements are often completed by an HOA or POA.

2. Location, Location, Location

Yes, this old saying still exists in real estate. If you like the city like being able to walk to stores, restaurants, and bars, consider a townhome. Duplexes are usually found inside a city as opposed to the outskirts or rural areas.

3. More Affordable Prices

Duplexes often sell for a lower price than single family homes due to less demand for this home type.

4. Lower Total Cost Of Ownership

The ongoing cost of ownership for a duplex is usually lower than that of a single family home. Utilities are often less because one side of the home is insulated. Smaller yards means less expense on yard upkeep. Insurance is often less expensive, too.

Cons Of A Duplex

1. Neighbors

Remember, a duplex shares a common wall with one other property. So, you will have at least one neighbor you see on a pretty regular basis.

2. Poor Organization

If there are no covenants and restrictions or a POA or HOA to provide guidance on exterior maintenance of the unit, it will be up to you and the owner of the attached unit to come to an agreement. This can get very difficult.

3. Less Appreciation

Duplexes appreciate at lower rates than single family homes.

4. Control

A strict HOA or POA may have rules and regulations you find to be too strict. Before buying your duplex just make sure to read the covenants and restrictions if these exist.

Conclusion

A duplex home looks and can be used just like any single family home. It just happens to have a twin adjoined to it. And someone lives there. And you will probably get along with that person pretty well.

You can find duplex homes for sale in Northwest Indiana right here on Quadwalls.com. Start searching today! Quadwalls.com is dedicated to helping home buyers and sellers make better decisions. Contact us. We have a team of real estate agents ready to assist you.