Duplex apartments combine the convenience of an apartment and some of the privacy of a traditional house. But what is a duplex apartment exactly, and what should your expectation be when you see listings for duplex apartments in Houston, San Diego, or elsewhere? There are actually multiple definitions for a duplex house or apartment. It all depends on who you ask and where you live. So let’s break it down. Here’s what you need to know about duplex apartments and whether they’re right for you.
What is a duplex apartment?
The most common definition of a duplex is a building with two separate units, usually resembling single-family homes, that share a wall or a floor. Each unit has its own entrance, and the homes can be arranged side-by-side or stacked vertically, with one on each floor. Whether referred to as a duplex house or a duplex apartment, the idea remains the same: two distinct living spaces within one structure.
A New York duplex apartment
In New York City, duplex’s can have a different definition.
A Manhattan duplex is often a single-occupancy apartment in a tall building spread over two floors, connected by an indoor (often spiral) staircase. These are considered duplex apartments, which are in many ways the opposite of a duplex house.
And while multi-family unit duplexes are an affordable option for those seeking a home-like experience, Manhattan single-unit duplexes — which are even sometimes penthouses — can often be some of the most expensive rental property in the city.
These units are frequent in neighborhoods like Tribeca, NoHo, Chelsea, West Village and the Meatpacking District, as well as along Fifth Avenue and Central Park West. This definition is also commonplace in the Chicago Loop and areas surrounding downtown.
The Manhattan duplex is also sometimes referred to as a maisonette. Although the word is French for “little house,” it has come to be used to refer to an apartment within a larger structure. In general, it’s a ground-floor apartment with its own entrance. In New York City, the maisonette usually has two floors, hence the use of the term “duplex” in an apartment building.
The difference between duplex and traditional apartments
An apartment is typically found in a building with lots of other units. If you live in one, you might share walls, floor and ceiling with a neighbor.
In a typical duplex apartment, you’ll only share one wall (if it’s a side-by-side) or your ceiling or floor (in an up and down).
The biggest difference, though, is that a single property owner owns the structure housing the duplex apartments. The landlord may live in one of the apartments or may rent out both apartments.
Duplex apartments also differ from other apartments in their layout and amenities. Although the average duplex is about 1,000 square feet — about the same size as the average two-bedroom apartment — it feels more like living in a house. They often feature amenities you would expect in a house such as in-unit laundry, porches and patios, backyards, driveways, and occasionally garages.
The pros of renting a duplex apartment
Here are some reasons to consider renting a duplex apartment:
- Neighborhood choice: It may allow you to live in a pricier residential neighborhood than you might otherwise be able to afford
- More amenities: You have access to amenities you might not have in a typical apartment building
- More privacy: You’ll only have to share one wall with your neighbor
- Less noise: It might be quieter than living in a multifamily apartment building
- Spacious layouts: You’ll most likely have more space inside a duplex apartment than a unit in a traditional apartment building
The cons of renting a duplex apartment
Here are some reasons why a duplex apartment might not be right for you:
- Lack of amenities: Duplex apartments don’t have the same amenities as larger apartment communities. If you’re looking for perks like on-site gyms and garage parking, you likely won’t find them in a duplex apartment
- Maintenance: You might be responsible for things such as lawn mowing and snow removal
- Higher cost: It might be more costly than renting an apartment
Is a duplex apartment right for you?
There are many advantages to choosing a duplex apartment, including house-like amenities, yards and privacy. They can offer the affordability of an apartment with the benefits of a home. Unless that is, you live in New York and your duplex is a multimillion-dollar apartment, in which case you may be happy trading that driveway for an incredible Central Park view.
