The Pros and Cons of Duplex Apartments
A duplex home has two living units attached to each other. The two units can be either next to each other as townhouses or above each other like apartments.
In a duplex apartment there are two floors with separate entrances and the living space is distributed between the two levels. The floors are connected through an indoor staircase.
Most often, the living room and kitchen are on the lower level while the bedrooms are constructed on the top floor.
The design and layout vary depending on the buyer’s preference, location, and size of the property. The layout would also depend on whether the buyer is planning to utilise both floors for their family or rent out one unit. In the case of customers who wish to rent out the top or bottom unit, both the units are designed as separate homes with kitchens, etc, yet are connected through an indoor staircase.
Duplex living is gaining popularity in India. But one must be mindful of the fact that building a duplex has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. In case you are planning to construct a duplex apartment, you should consider all the points.
In this article, we look at all aspects of building a duplex apartment so that you can make an informed decision.
Pros of Duplex Apartments
Increased Property Value
A well-maintained and attractive duplex can increase the overall value of the property, making it a wise investment. It helps you maximise the equity in your property.
More square footage
You get more square footage in a duplex apartment as compared to high-rise apartments since there is no land wasted in common areas.
Rental Income
A duplex can be an excellent source of added revenue since you can live in one portion and rent out the other, or rent out both units to tenants. Thus, you can get more returns from your investment.
Cost-Effective
Building a duplex can be more cost-effective than building two separate homes since you can save on certain costs, such as land, permits, and utilities.
Shared Maintenance
Duplexes typically share a common wall or structure, which means that maintenance costs can be shared between the two units, making it more affordable for the owners.
Family Living
Duplexes are well suited to large families as all members can stay together under the same roof, and yet retain privacy. Also, most duplexes are constructed in residential localities thus making your purchase even more worthwhile.
Multi-purpose
A duplex home comes with a greater number of rooms. The extra rooms can be utilised as a home office, study, library, tv room, or even a kids’ playroom.
Reduced Land Use
By building a duplex, you can maximize the use of your land, leaving more open space for other activities or future expansion.
Less Crowded
If you prefer a more separate and private space, duplex living would be ideal for you. Unlike apartments where you share the building and facilities with other residents, you would be owning the entire space.
Cons of Duplex Apartments
Noise and Privacy
Duplexes often share a common wall or a common floor, which can lead to noise and privacy issues, especially if the tenants have different lifestyles and schedules. Noise can be transmitted through the walls and it can cause disturbance to the residents. But this can be taken care of by constructing well-insulated walls.
Maintenance
Since the duplex comes with a huge space, regular maintenance and cleaning require time, effort, and money. You would be responsible for all repairs and maintenance expenses.
In the case of shared living, maintenance responsibilities can become a source of disagreement between the two units’ owners, leading to disputes.
Limited Options
Building a duplex can limit your design options since you have to consider the shared structure and adhere to certain building codes. High-rise living is more common in metro cities due to lack of availability and high per square feet price. You might have to consider constructing a duplex in the suburbs as it would be more feasible.
Insurance Costs
Insurance costs for duplexes can be higher than those for single-family homes since they typically involve more liability coverage.
Financing Difficulties
Securing financing for a duplex can be more challenging than financing a single-family home, requiring more significant down payments and higher interest rates.
Resale challenges
It might be difficult to get a buyer for your duplex home if you decide to put it up for sale.
Regulatory Issues
Depending on local regulations and zoning laws, building a duplex may require additional permits and approvals, which can add to the overall cost and time of the construction process.
Building a duplex can be a great investment and a source of rental income, but it also has its challenges and limitations. It is essential to carefully consider your options and do your research before deciding to build a duplex. We hope this article would help you consider all the aspects of living in a duplex apartment.
