Duplex house plans offer significant advantages in residential real estate vs single-family houses. Duplexes can generate rental income to offset mortgage costs, increase property value through appreciation, and provide flexible, multi-generational living options.
What is a Duplex?
A duplex is a residential dwelling combining two separate living units under a single roof, on one plot of land, usually sharing a common wall or floor/ceiling, but with separate entrances.
We review 11 popular duplex house designs and then analyze the PROS & CONS of building a duplex. Though there are certain key benefits of building a duplex, some real disadvantages of duplex living are worth considering.
1. New American Duplex (1,143 sqft each unit)
GET DUPLEX PLAN 100324GHR HERE
This New American duplex house design offers 2 units with 1,143 square feet and 3 bedrooms each. As illustrated, it is a single-level plan with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, separate entrances, and a shared wall.
Though you won’t see a garage or a covered patio in this plan, it boasts an open-concept layout of the living area and a cottage-style exterior. Also, the popularity of this plan is proven by actual builds that came to life in TX, so you can check the photos and visualize the space.
GET DUPLEX PLAN 100324GHR HERE
In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing real estate market, it can be daunting for homeowners to find an affordable and strategic investment opportunity. The rising cost of land in urban areas has made it increasingly challenging to find a viable option for expanding property and building equity.
However, there is one investment opportunity that is often overlooked but has the potential to be highly efficient, cost-effective, and financially savvy: building a duplex.
2. Traditional Duplex House Plan with 3 Bedr Units
This traditional 2-story duplex offers two 1,567 sq ft units, each with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. With a clever use of space, the main floor boasts 661 square feet, a 1-car garage, an open-concept living space encompassing kitchen and great room, and a pocket office space under the stairs. As you walk upstairs, you’ll find a small TV alcove with access to all 3 bedrooms and the laundry area.
3. 2-Bedroom Ranch Duplex with a Covered Porch
This smaller duplex offers 752 sqft of total living space, 2 bedrooms, and 1 bath in each unit. An expansive covered front porch is shared by both units and features 2 private entrances.
As these plans can be modified and customized, it feels logical to move the bathroom closer to both bedrooms, switching it with the kitchen. As a result, you’ll have an open-concept great room at the front of the house and a conveniently located shared bathroom.
Overall, this single-level design is suitable for multi-generational living. For example, this duplex could serve as a small house for a family and a granny flat next door.
4. Modest Country Duplex House Plan
This modest country duplex offers 997 sqft of total living space in each of the 2-bedroom units. Furthermore, you have an expansive front porch and a private back patio.
Each unit features 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, a well-appointed kitchen with an eat-in island, laundry/mudroom, and a private rear entry. Most importantly, this plan offers large rooms, walk-in closets, and lots of storage.
With no wasted space, it is a perfect rental unit to add to your portfolio and bring a nice return on investment (ROI).
5. Country Craftsman Duplex House Plan
If you are looking for a bigger duplex house plan with a garage, take a closer look at this plan. With a generous 1,248 sqft of space, 3 bedrooms, and 2 baths in each unit, this single-level home is designed with comfort in mind.
You’ll also enjoy ample closet space, a dedicated laundry area, and added storage in the garage. The open living and kitchen area opens up to a front porch, providing a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. Plus, the included garage serves as an extra sound buffer for added privacy.
6. Cozy Cottage Duplex
Among all duplex house plans, this is our architectural team’s favorite. With a cozy exterior and thoughtfully designed interior, this cottage-style duplex offers two 1,046 sqft units. Inside, you’ll find the great room, well-appointed kitchen, 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 full baths, and plenty of closet storage.
Furthermore, a great covered front porch provides a space to socialize and enjoy outdoors. Whether you are looking for a design suitable for multi-generational living or a potential rental unit, this duplex offers a stylish solution.
7. Modern Duplex with 1,100 SqFt Units
This duplex house plan offers 2 mirror units sharing a central wall, measuring 1,106 sq ft each. As you step inside from a private front porch, you are greeted by a great room and a well-appointed kitchen with a central island.
To get some rest, retreat to the back, where you’ll find a luxurious main bedroom with a walk-in closet and private bath. Moreover, the plan offers 2 additional bedrooms that share a full bath.
8. Modern Single-Story Duplex
If you are searching for smaller duplex house plans, these 2-bedroom units offer 890 square feet of total living space each. The transitional exterior design of this duplex features clean lines, a neutral color palette, and a mix of brick and siding. The open-concept living area features a spacious family room, dining area, and a modern L-shaped kitchen. Both bedrooms have access to private baths and spacious closets. Though the house plan lacks a porch and a garage, it offers a comfortable living space with the added benefit of rental income potential to the homeowners.
9. One-Story Duplex House Plan with 1-Bed Units
If you are looking for tiny duplex house plans, this design offers 2 mirror units, 395 sqft each. With a 32′ by 27′ footprint, this compact dwelling could offer a potential ROI if built as an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) on your property. Just under 400 sqft, each 1-bedroom, 1-bath unit offers a compact living space. As a result, it can be used as a rental, a granny flat, or a guest house. Among all the featured duplex house plans in this collection, it is the most budget-friendly option.
10. Traditional Duplex House Plan with 945 SqFt Units
With a classic exterior, this traditional duplex features two 945 sq ft units. Enter inside through a welcoming covered porch that leads directly into a spacious living room. Furthermore, a well-designed kitchen with an adjacent breakfast area is separate from the living area and has access to a shared patio. Upstairs, you’ll find 2 bedrooms sharing a bath. Moreover, a spacious patio at the back is ideal for outdoor relaxation and grilling, especially if you are sharing a duplex with friends or family.
Is this duplex house plan suitable for multi-generational living? Firstly, it depends on your lifestyle, family situation, and preferences. In fact, duplexes allow family members (like aging parents or grown-up children) to live close by while maintaining privacy. Because a duplex often shares a roof, foundation, and sometimes utilities, maintenance costs are generally lower than managing two separate residential properties.
11. Modern Urban Duplex for a Narrow Lot
This Scandinavian-inspired duplex is 20′ wide and is uniquely suited to a narrow urban lot. Each unit has 800 sq ft of total living space, 2 bedrooms, and 2 baths. Both units have access to an outdoor space: a covered porch for a lower-level unit and a balcony for the upper-level unit. As you step inside, you’ll see a spacious living/dining area with an L-shaped kitchen in the corner. Furthermore, explore 2 bedrooms (each with a private bath) accessible through a small hallway.
As you browse these trending duplex house plans, it is important to focus on the pros and cons of building a duplex so you can make the right decision.
The Pros of Duplex House Plans
Building a duplex may offer some financial advantages to you as a homeowner. Duplexes could generate rental income to offset mortgage costs, increase property value through appreciation, and provide flexible, multi-generational living options, if needed.
It could be an efficient, cost-effective, and a financially-savvy investment in urban areas where land costs are at a premium. It may allow homeowners to build equity faster, take advantage of tax benefits, and reduce maintenance costs (duplex vs. two separate properties).
First and foremost, a duplex investment allows homeowners to build equity faster. By owning two units instead of one, homeowners could have an opportunity to earn rental income from the second unit. This additional income can then be used to pay off the mortgage, build savings, or invest in other properties. Essentially, owning a duplex means having two properties for the price of one, making it a savvy investment opportunity.
Aside from the financial benefits, building a duplex also has numerous tax advantages. Homeowners can deduct expenses related to the rental unit, such as mortgage interest, property taxes, and insurance, resulting in a significant reduction in their overall tax burden. This can be especially beneficial for those in high-tax areas, where every deduction counts.
Moreover, a duplex investment can also lead to reduced maintenance costs. By having two units under one roof, homeowners can save on expenses such as heating, cooling, and landscaping. Additionally, having two units means that if one unit is vacant, there is still income from the other unit, making it a more stable investment.
Of course, you should do your own research and consult financial and tax professionals before making a final decision to move forward with duplex house plans, as everyone’s situation is unique.
Key Benefits of Building a Duplex
- Lower cost to build a duplex vs 2 single-family houses
- Cash flow from rental income
- Return On Investment (ROI) potential
- Flexible living arrangement (multi-generational living)
- Tax benefits and deductions
- Lower maintenance costs (vs. 2 separate homes)
Cons of Duplex Living
Though there are many potential benefits of building a duplex, you should be aware of certain drawbacks and complications. Are you ready to be a landlord? Do you have the patience to deal with maintenance issues? Also, shared walls may mean a lack of privacy in your primary residence and noise issues from tenants.
One of the main considerations is whether you have the patience to deal with maintenance issues. As a landlord, you are responsible for ensuring that the property is well-maintained and any issues are promptly addressed. This could mean dealing with unexpected repairs, tenant complaints, and other unforeseen challenges. It takes patience and a certain attitude to manage a rental property.
Another factor to consider is the lack of privacy in your primary residence. As a landlord, you will be sharing walls with your tenants, which could affect your personal living space. Depending on the layout of the property, you may hear noises from your tenants, making it difficult to fully relax and enjoy your own home. This lack of privacy should be carefully considered, as it may impact your overall living experience.
In addition to these potential issues, there are also legal and financial considerations to be aware of when building a duplex. Landlord-tenant laws vary from state to state, and it is important to understand your rights and responsibilities as a landlord.
You will also need to budget for additional expenses such as property taxes, insurance, and any necessary renovations or repairs. Also, it is crucial to carefully evaluate the financial viability of building a duplex before making any decisions.
Cons of Building a Duplex
- Zoning regulations and restrictions
- High initial construction cost
- Landlord responsibilities
- Privacy issues & noise pollution
- Financial risks
- More complicated utilities set up (vs single-family home)
More Popular House Plans
If you are planning on building a new home, check out these popular ideas and floor plans:
- 12+ Trending Craftsman House Plans
- 12 Trending 2-Bedroom House Plans
- 11 Small Cottage House Plans: Charming and Budget-Friendly
In Conclusion
In conclusion, building a duplex has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, it offers the opportunity for additional income, shared expenses, and a sense of community. On the other hand, duplex living may come with added responsibilities, privacy issues, and potential conflicts with neighbors. Regardless of which duplex house plan you lean towards, it’s important to carefully weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
