How to Save on Duplexes and Find Affordable Listings Near You

Whether you're a first-time buyer, investor, or looking to reduce your housing expenses, duplexes offer a smart path to property ownership. By living in one unit and renting the other, you can offset your mortgage while building equity—and there are ways to find them below market value.

Here’s how to save on a duplex, where to find one near you, and why this housing option is gaining popularity.

Benefits of Buying a Duplex

Live in one unit, rent the other – Use the rental income to help cover your mortgage
Lower per-unit price compared to two separate homes
Great for multigenerational families – Each side has private space
Ideal for first-time investors – Start generating income right away
Property appreciation – Duplexes often rise in value faster than single-unit homes in urban markets

Many duplexes also qualify for conventional, FHA, or VA loans, just like single-family homes.

Where to Find Affordable Duplexes Near You

Start your search with these trusted online resources:

1. Zillow & Realtor.com

Filter your search by property type: “Multi-family” or “Duplex”
Set max price and ZIP code to find low-cost options nearby

2. Craigslist & Facebook Marketplace

Check the “real estate for sale” section for by-owner deals or off-market properties
Often includes listings not found on major listing sites

3. Auction and Foreclosure Sites

Sites like Auction.com and Foreclosure.com list distressed duplexes at discounted prices
Great for buyers willing to do light repairs or renovations

4. Local County Tax Auctions

Some counties sell tax-delinquent duplexes at deep discounts
Search for “county property auctions” or “sheriff sales” in your area

5. Real Estate Wholesalers

Wholesalers often list undervalued off-market duplexes
Follow local wholesaling groups on social media or sign up for investor email lists

Tips for Saving Money on a Duplex

Look in emerging neighborhoods just outside city centers
Consider a fixer-upper if you’re open to DIY or renovations
Buy during the winter months when demand is lower
Negotiate seller-paid closing costs to lower your out-of-pocket expenses
Use house hacking strategy – Live in one unit while collecting rent from the other

Also check if your city offers down payment assistance programs, especially for owner-occupant multi-family homes.

Conclusion

Duplexes offer a unique blend of affordability, income potential, and housing flexibility. Whether you want to reduce your mortgage, start investing, or house extended family, finding an affordable duplex is one of the smartest ways to enter the real estate market. Just know where to look, act fast, and negotiate smart—your next home could help pay for itself.

Sources

Zillow – https://www.zillow.com

Realtor.com – https://www.realtor.com

Foreclosure.com – https://www.foreclosure.com

Auction.com – https://www.auction.com

Facebook Marketplace – https://www.facebook.com/marketplace

Craigslist – https://www.craigslist.org