Does it make sense that someone is required to sell both sides of a duplex in NC?

Question

I toured a duplex that is a new build and the developer said that he had to sell the units together, that it was required. Any insight on if this is a Charlotte or North Carolina limitation? I wasn't sure if it was just a limitation that he encountered as a developer or if as the new owner I would run into that should I ever need to sell in the future, just want to make sure that I knew more before jumping in.

Laura Shinkle · Answer

Just a little broader comment on the topic....I've seen quite a few new construction homes that are 1/2 of a duplex. They're calling them duet homes. There's no HOA, the parcel is subdivided into two parcels so each home conveys with land.

Our new UDO for Charlotte is encouraging more higher density housing, so we may start seeing this more as builders are trying to build more housing on the same amount of land. If the zoning department requires a specific amount of road frontage for each lot, and that prevents the lot from being subdivided, then we may start seeing that more.

Good question! I don't think I've run across that yet.

Scott Johnson · Answer

Howdy, fellow North Carolinian!

Have you checked the zoning on the property? Higher density areas like Charlotte may require that only higher density properties are constructed in that area. Here in Greenville not so much, but it may be a zoning requirement.

I'm sitting down with a Zoning official today to get a better understanding of zoning changes in regard to their 2026 Master Plan. What I've been learning by reading it is awesome. I'm also studying NC DOT Road Projects and their effects.

Also check to see if they've been separated into different parcels. They may have slapped them together and didn't want to take on the surveying cost of parceling them out. In that regard, maybe there's an opportunity to buy them, survey them and sell them for a higher price.

Theresa Harris · Answer

It could be they are on a single title.

Dan H. · Answer

In some jurisdictions there are creative ways to sell individually without subdividing. It may not be possible in your jurisdiction. It is also a more complex/sophisticated value add that likely should be attempted by experienced RE investors that are OK with some risk.

Typically a duplex has both units sold/bought in any transaction.

Good luck

Typically a duplex has both units sold/bought in any transaction.

Good luck

Russell Brazil · Answer

Sounds like it's a duplex, and not two separate properties.

Tiamo Wright · Answer

Thank you!! I was able to check with planning and it is indeed the issue that it is a duplex that they could not subdivide the land into two parcels. You are all the best!!

Scott Allen · Answer

@Tiamo Wright

If they're on the same parcel and the property is zoned as a duplex - it would make sense that he is selling it as a duplex.

If it is a duplex that has been converted into two condo then it would make sense that each unit could be sold separately (in Ohio at least).

Does it make sense that someone is required to sell both sides of a duplex in NC?

Does it make sense that someone is required to sell both sides of a duplex in NC?

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