Single Family Attached (duplexes)

[tvp2003]

Curious to know what others think -- we were touring some open houses on the weekend and there were a half dozen recent/new duplexes on the market within a relatively small area. We didn't bother looking at all of them since they all seemed the same (or at least similar) in terms of layout, some with more expensive finishing than others.

Are duplexes as popular as the supply would suggest they are? Or is it just a function of builders/developers trying to maximize inner city location (i.e. $$$)?

Other than the small lot size/backyard, sharing a wall, and dealing with shared renovations if/when they occur (i.e. roof/exterior), are there other downsides to owing a duplex? What about re-sale, especially in the $500k+ price range?

[ken0042]

Are there a lot of them available because they aren't selling? Myself, looking at duplexes a while ago I was surprised at how close they were in price to single family. Saving less than 10% in the suburbs wasn't worth the potential hassles.

[GGG]

The big reason to do is that it makes a much more liveable house.

If you have a 50 foot lot and you need 3 ft on each edge and 3ft between the houses you are down to 20ft wide houses. Sharing a wall that goes up to 22ft. And with narrow houses every bit counts.

[core_upt]

Originally Posted by GGG

The big reason to do is that it makes a much more liveable house.

If you have a 50 foot lot and you need 3 ft on each edge and 3ft between the houses you are down to 20ft wide houses. Sharing a wall that goes up to 22ft. And with narrow houses every bit counts.

4' on each side in most areas, if I'm not mistaken. So 2 detached homes are each on a 25' lot, but with 8' in sideyards, you're down to a 17' wide home.
A duplex will allow you to have an overall width of 42', so 21' per side... that's an extra 4' in width which makes a big difference.

[dubc80]

I'd put serious thought into the back lane and the backyard/garage setup.

Is the back lane paved? If it's un-paved how will it be for snow removal if you park in your garage? I don't think the city goes back there to clear it but you'd have to check. Also if it's un-paved how will it be in the spring when the snow melts, or when we get the annual June downpours? Will it be one big sloppy muddy mess back there?

Do the neighbors have crap all in the back lane? I would hate that.

I always though a detached garage with a back lanes are a pretty big security risk for theft and B&E's. Motion sensing lights or a security system along with pretty solid fencing would be a must, I think!