A single building contains two separate living units, each with its own entrance, kitchen, and bathroom. That building is a duplex. Owners often live in one unit and rent the other, or treat both as investment property.

Duplexes sit between single-family homes and larger multi-family buildings in scale and financing options. They can be side-by-side or stacked. Local zoning determines where they may be built or created through conversion.

For owner-occupants, the rental income can help cover the mortgage. For investors, duplexes offer a modest step into multi-unit ownership without the complexity of larger buildings. Shared walls and systems require clear agreements about maintenance and noise. Resale appeal depends on both the condition of the units and the strength of the local rental market.

• Residential building with two separate units
• Often owner-occupied on one side
• Provides rental income potential
• Subject to local zoning and financing rules