Buying half of a Duplex?

Question

Hi BP Contributors!

I had a question about something I've seen posted a few times about people purchasing 1/2 of a Duplex. Is that common? I thought in general, that when purchasing a Duplex it was for both sides, but since I've seen comments contrary to that, I'm wondering if it may be area/region specific, or if you could purchase 1/2 a Duplex anywhere?

My apologies for such a strange question, but I've been curious about this for awhile.

Thanks in advance for any responses!

Chanté Owens · Answer

@Alexander Felice That's my thought too, because you are connected to another unit, and if they don't have the money and/or desire to maintain their unit, it also drags you down. Well, from just these few responses, it doesn't sound like something I'd want to be a part of in my future RE investing world!

Alexander Felice · Answer

This is my fear as well. Someone tried to sell me 1/2 a duplex a few monhts back. Unit needed a bunch of work: exterior paint, new roof, fence work, etc. The other owner had no interest in repairs.

So you buy half a duplex and paint 1/2 of it? put 1/2 a roof on? obviously not. Buying 1/2 a duplex is like having a partner on a deal but your partner is a complete stranger. pass.

just my opinion of course.

Andy Webb · Answer

Right - you have a built-in mediator with a townhome or condo.  Of course, they can raise ridiculous assessments to cover those roofs, foundation, whatever.  For that reason we personally also avoid them.

Andy Webb · Answer

@Chanté Owens - you can definitely buy just 1/2 a duplex - I see a lot of listing in my area where just 1/2 is for sale. As an investment, I would advise against buying just half a duplex since you do not control the whole property. What if you need to do foundation work or roof repair and the other owner does not have the cash or the will to participate? Friends of ours got started with half-duplexes and very much regret it for this reason. I think at one point they paid to have the entire roof of the full duplex replaced, because the other owner was elderly and had no cash to participate.

Andy

Chanté Owens · Answer

That would make sense.

Chanté Owens · Answer

@Andy W. Thanks for your response, and that was part of my curiosity around buying half a duplex, since you wouldn't have control over it's entirety and it's connected to another property. However, as I write that, I guess it's the same as purchasing a condo or a townhome too, since they are connected to someone else too, but with a condo (generally) I believe the HOA would take care of roofs, and such.

Buying half of a Duplex?

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