1 bdrm or 2

[John Kesner]

I'm working on a duplex and wondering what people think is a better strategy I'm going to change the layout of each unit to make things more modern and max out the rental potential. The duplex has a great location close to downtown. Each unit is about 1075 sqft split between main floor and basement. I could make them big 1 bd 1 bth units or 2/1's. Is there an advantage to more beds? Or is it better to go with a large 1 bed and rent to singles and couples?

[Matthew Olszak]

@John Kesner

Also make sure one of the bedrooms meets the market for size of a 1br. If you split a 1br into a 2br, there is a risk 1br renters will see it as too small for a bedroom (since you can't cut a bed in half), and 2br renters will be able to rent a true 2br for slightly more so they too will see it as too small.

Best case scenario would be to have a large master br at the minimum acceptable size for a 1br, and a 2nd BR you could advertise as a 2nd or office, depending on the tenant. You won't have that option if you just go with a 1BR.