How Young Adults Can Use Duplexes and Triplexes to Jumpstart Homeownership

Many young adults in their early 20s are leaving college and entering the workforce with solid jobs and a sense of financial independence. While that’s a great milestone, one common challenge remains: breaking into homeownership. Despite earning decent incomes, many are finding it hard to afford a single-family home, especially in today’s competitive housing market.

A creative and practical solution? Consider buying a duplex, triplex, or fourplex.

What many first-time buyers don’t realize is that homes with up to four units are still considered “residential” properties. That means:

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  You qualify for the same residential financing as you would with a single-family home.

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  Interest rates are lower, compared to commercial properties (which apply to five units or more).

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  You can live in one unit and rent out the others, using rental income to offset your mortgage.

This strategy not only helps cover your monthly payments but also allows you to build equity over time. It’s a smart, forward-thinking way for younger people to get started in real estate while generating passive income.

If you're a parent looking to help your child transition into adulthood, consider helping them invest in a multi-unit property instead of co-signing on a single-family home. It’s an opportunity for them to learn financial responsibility, property management, and long-term wealth building—all at once.

In an environment where affordability is a major barrier, multi-family homes up to four units offer an ideal entry point into the housing market. Whether you’re a young professional or a parent trying to guide your child, thinking outside the traditional real estate box can pay off—literally.