Advancements made in house planning and designing have always given rise to the comforts of people. Other than providing us with shelter, basic facilities and amenities, they have also defined our lifestyle. Bungalows, cottages, penthouses, villas, duplexes; houses come in various forms. A duplex house is a two-unit building made of two apartment-style settings on each floor or side-by-side. However, in Bangladesh two-storey duplexes are more popular than a side-by-side setting.
A duplex house is a type of a luxurious house and people purchase them either for their own residential needs or as an investment property. Whatever the reason may be, if you are planning to purchase a duplex house, think carefully before making the deal. Because every duplex comes with a unique set of advantages and disadvantages. To that, here are 7 pros and cons of buying a duplex house that you should consider.
Advantages of duplex houses
No duplex house will turn you down from enjoying certain benefits. Since this is a type of house that is more focused on providing comfort with a luxurious lifestyle, expect nothing less than these in a duplex house.
Privacy and space
Most duplex house plans come with sophisticated designs and specifications. Since there is more space to work with, a duplex often includes a large courtyard and a veranda that can also work as a garden. And in some special cases, for example, if you have a family member who requires close supervision routinely but also needs privacy and space, for both parties, a duplex house can cater to these needs. This is an ideal situation for a duplex house plan. Because it allows you to live on a different floor of the house without infringing on the other family member’s privacy.
Accommodation for more
Since you have more space and more rooms, you can accommodate more people in the house. Say you have grandparents who need extra care and supervision or you are living with an extended family. In scenarios like these, a duplex is ideal to tackle such issues. Besides, you do not have to worry about the accommodation space when guests or friends come over.
Relatively affordable
Considering the amount of carpet area, a duplex house can be more affordable than a single-storey luxury house of a similar size. However, it also depends on the area where the house is located. And you can see this trend all over the world where a duplex is considered more affordable than a single-storey family home.
Cash flow
Duplex houses have the added advantage of cash flow. If you have a small family and don’t mind sharing your space with others, you can rent out the other apartment. That way it can become a source of additional income. This is especially helpful if you purchase the property on a loan. You can use the money to repay the loan. More than that, a duplex house tends to have more resale value and appreciates faster.
Disadvantages of duplex houses
When talking about the pros and cons of buying a duplex house, just like any house, a duplex house also has its disadvantages. So think of these disadvantages before purchasing the house.
Maintenance
In a spacious house like a duplex, the upkeep can be challenging. Other than supervising the property maintenance, you may also have to bear additional expenses. That also means you have to invest more of your time and energy in the process. That said, you may need to hire a professional to do all these for you, otherwise, a duplex may not provide you the comforts and conveniences you are looking for.
More utility bills
More space needs more energy. That is to say, with a duplex you have two separate units to worry about as far as the utility bill is concerned. Renting out your duplex or not, be prepared to see a hefty amount on utility bills.
Finding a suitable tenant
It may not always be easy to find a tenant or a family willing to live in a duplex setting. This might be because of an environment where both parties may need to share space. Also, there are other aspects such as privacy and security. It may not always be a smooth experience for both parties. We have an excellent article regarding the responsibilities of landlords towards tenants. Check that out for getting an overall idea. Besides, tenants are also temporary. There is no guarantee of a fixed cash flow. So it’s best to think about all this before you rent your duplex.
All in all, duplexes are amazing luxury houses that can facilitate you with comforts, privacy, and space. But like any other house, there are pros and cons of buying a duplex house as well. You just have to check a few things before buying and if it fits the needs, carry on with the purchase.
We hope you found this article helpful. If you do, please let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
