how hard is to convert a 2 multifamily to a 3 multifamily?

Multi-Family and Apartment Investing
9yFollow

how hard is to convert a 2 multifamily to a 3 multifamily?

Alexandru Novac
New York City, NY · Member since 2017 · 6 posts · 0 votes

I am in the process of purchasing a 2 multifamily with a huge 2br/kitchen/bathroom attic that i think can be converted to a 3 multifamily. How should I proceed?  Many thanks

0Reply
42 views

Most Popular Reply

Chris MasonPro Member
Moderator
Lender · CA · Member since 2015 · 9k+ posts · 10k+ votes
9y

Hi @Alexandru Novac,

This is an incredibly city-specific question. Tag the city it's in, maybe someone with experience in that city will chime in.

2Reply
See this reply in the discussion

5 Replies

Jump to latestLatest
  • Russell BrazilBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Agent · Washington, D.C. · Member since 2012 · 17k+ posts · 30k+ votes
    9y

    Check the zoning to see if it allows for it. Also check to see if there are any local requirements such as needing X amount of parking spaces per unit. 

    [email protected]301-893-4635Podcast Guest on Show #192
    District Invest Group545 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
  • Chris MasonPro Member
    Moderator
    Lender · CA · Member since 2015 · 9k+ posts · 10k+ votes
    9y

    Hi @Alexandru Novac,

    This is an incredibly city-specific question. Tag the city it's in, maybe someone with experience in that city will chime in.

    2Reply
  • Alexandru Novac
    OP
    New York City, NY · Member since 2017 · 6 posts · 0 votes
    9y

    It's in @JerseyCity NJ

    0Reply
  • Ro Maga
    Newark, NJ · Member since 2015 · 162 posts · 102 votes
    9y
    Yes, you need to check with JC's building department for that. The short answer is that if it were easy and inexpensive, there wouldn't be so many illegal units throughout. At the very least, you're going to have to add a fire escape, and minimal room heights, in addition of making sure everything is up to code. We looked at what it would take in Newark to do a conversion to a 3 family, and among other things it involved a minimum amount of parking spots (3?). Also, the process might open you up to additional upgrades, like redoing all of the house's electrical and/or plumbing. If your heart (or your spreadsheet) is set on a 3-family home, it will most likely be cheaper and more time efficient to pay the difference and buy a 3-family. Unless, of course, you were planning to gut the whole house in the first place. But don't take my word for it; check with the city.
    1Reply
  • Mark Fedorov
    Allentown, PA · Member since 2014 · 264 posts · 120 votes
    9y

    JC's building department is hell. If you really want to do that, you need to hire an architect to put together plans, but also (and more importantly) guide the process though the building (and possibly zoning) depts. Do not start this project lightly, I can not stress enough how much extra time, money and patience this will take.

    I suggest finding a JC architect, with experience with the building department, and get his take on the project, also try to make the AOS so that your deposit is refundable until you have the permits to get this done.

    1Reply
Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.
Log InJoin for Free