what's a Duplex/Multi-Family home? (real estate, apartments, renter)

[hueimo]

what's the difference between this type of a home and a townhome/condo? thanks.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

They are stand-alone buildings. A duplex is for 2 families, multifamily can be a triplex or a 4-plex, but they have no connecting walls to other buildings. Many townhomes are actually duplexes but they don't have to be. Some are 6 or 7 buildings all connected by common walls. A condo is a type of real estate ownership not necessarily a townhouse, could be one of 100 apts in a large building. Also there is a co-op, a cop-operative building but I don't know of any in SLC.

[coolcats]

Also, generally a duplex or multi-family is sold together and the owner then rents the units and acts as landlord. In my opinion, and maybe this is a stereotype, those units are generally in neighborhoods that are not kept up a nice as townhome/condo/single family neighborhoods, simply because the residents are renters and not invested in the properties.

[newtoutah]

A duplex where I come from is two houses stuck together. A townhouse is several in a row and a multi family is either an apt complex or a house that is turned into several apartments. And coolcats, Im a renter and I live in a very upscale neighborhood, not the ghetto, snobsville, but not slobsville.

[coolcats]

Originally Posted by newtoutah

A duplex where I come from is two houses stuck together. A townhouse is several in a row and a multi family is either an apt complex or a house that is turned into several apartments. And coolcats, Im a renter and I live in a very upscale neighborhood, not the ghetto, snobsville, but not slobsville.

But do you live in a duplex. Are there duplexes around? There are renters in every neighborhood. The key word I used is generally. I'm sure there are some very nice duplexes out there, but I'd say in general duplexes are in lower income areas.

[newtoutah]

I live in a townhouse so basically it is a duplex, just extras added on

[kwm03160]

Originally Posted by newtoutah

I live in a townhouse so basically it is a duplex, just extras added on

Duplexes are usually not controlled by an HOA. Townhomes usually have 3+ units and are controlled by an HOA.

[newtoutah]

Not all. Back in Maryland in the townhouse we had we didn't have an HOA. I think its stupid with the one I live in because all they do is mow the grass and thats it. We have NO ammenities or anything and we pay 150 a month. The owner doesn't WE the renters do.

[coolcats]

Originally Posted by newtoutah

I live in a townhouse so basically it is a duplex, just extras added on

No – as I explained before there is a difference. Townhomes are built sharing common walls. But ownership of each unit is individual. So the owner of the townhouse next door to you can buy and sell at will, and not affect your ownership rights. Now there is such a thing as a twin home, which is basically two homes that share one common wall.

But when you see a house listed as a duplex or a multi-family home, that means it must sold as one lump unit. So if the owner of a duplex wants to sell, he / she has to sell both units. Semantics in a way, but there is a difference. Most of the people who buy duplexes or multifamily homes are investors who are looking to be landlords.

[newtoutah]

Originally Posted by coolcats

No – as I explained before there is a difference. Townhomes are built sharing common walls. But ownership of each unit is individual. So the owner of the townhouse next door to you can buy and sell at will, and not affect your ownership rights. Now there is such a thing as a twin home, which is basically two homes that share one common wall.

But when you see a house listed as a duplex or a multi-family home, that means it must sold as one lump unit. So if the owner of a duplex wants to sell, he / she has to sell both units. Semantics in a way, but there is a difference. Most of the people who buy duplexes or multifamily homes are investors who are looking to be landlords.

Maybe here but not where Im from. Two different people own duplexes all the time if they were seperated originally. We also have something called row homes as well. Something messed up here is including basement as sq footage in a house.