The Advantages of Buying a Duplex Home

Many people reject the idea of buying a duplex home before they’ve really done a lot of research into it. They mistakenly think duplex homes are somehow “lesser” than single-family detached homes, so they focus on other options, even though those options may be less than ideal. 

However, there are plenty of good reasons to buy duplex homes. In fact, you may find it’s the best choice for your family. 

Affordability 

Duplex homes can be more affordable than detached homes. In some cases, you may pay $100,000 less for a duplex home that has many of the same features you’ve been looking for in a more traditional home. The lower prices are due to sharing some of the building and lot costs with the family living in the other half of the home. 

This difference in price may mean you can buy a brand-new home instead of a resale that could have problems you can’t see. You might just appreciate the way the lower monthly payments allow you to have more spending money to do the types of things you really want to do. Either way, the savings are a big benefit. 

Private Feel 

Modern duplexes have an incredibly private feel. You won’t be able to hear noise coming through the walls, and the side-by-side design of today’s duplex homes (as opposed to the top-and-bottom models from the past) means your new home will have the same feel as other traditional homes. Having bedrooms on the top floor is one of the reasons why most people want those traditional homes, and you'll get that in a modern duplex. 

The Space You Need 

You might be surprised to learn most duplexes have square footage comparable to what you’d find in a detached home: around 1,500 square feet. In fact, some duplex homes have even more space than smaller detached homes. Furthermore, many duplex homes allow you to finish the basement, adding a significant amount of living space to an already affordable home. If you thought a duplex home would be too small for your family, you should look into their floor plans. 

Great Neighbourhoods 

Many home builders in Winnipeg are building duplex homes in brand-new communities that also include townhomes and detached homes. You get all of the same benefits of these communities as the families paying much more for their new homes, including features like playgrounds, walking trails, and new schools. If your alternative is living in a detached home in a less-than-ideal community, the answer seems clear. 

Modern Design 

Another good reason to buy an affordable duplex home over a resale home is the opportunity to get a home that includes all the modern features you’re looking for, including open-concept layouts, granite or quartz countertops, and tile backsplashes in the kitchen. You get the exact home you want without having to do renovations. Even if a resale home is in relatively good condition, people often need to make changes to the colours on the walls and go without home warranty. 

Living Close to Parents 

Many people buy one side of a duplex home without knowing who will move into the other half. Some people, though, love to take the opportunity to buy the full duplex home for multi-generational living. On one side, you have parents and/or grandparents; on the other, a young family with children. 

This arrangement works particularly well for childcare and multi-generational families. 

It’s also a good arrangement for situations where ageing parents want to have their independence but may need a little help from time to time. In a duplex, they’ll have more privacy than they would living in an in-law suite, and their children can be around to check in on them or drive them to the grocery store. 

If this is something that interests you, be sure to let the builder know. Usually, the owners of each side of the home must qualify for a home loan on their own, though it may be possible for one family to purchase both sides of the duplex. 

We know there are many benefits to buying a duplex, but if you haven’t checked one out, you need to see it for yourself. We offer duplex-style show homes in a variety of new communities throughout Winnipeg. You may be surprised by what you see.