pros and cons of a duplex home

I

ilovepink

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Hello. Im trying to purchase our first home at the moment and came across a great deal in the last few days. the house is a "duplex"
its the perfect location for us and perfect price also. but to tell the ruth i dont no much info about a duplex and would really appreciate some advice regarding pros and cons. thanking you all in advance
 
Here is the cons !

No garden
No were to hang your clothes to dry
Might not have room for garbage bins
If you have a baby- might have to push the buggy up and down the steps
Maintenance fee's
Not easy to clean windows - both front and back
If their is party on in underneath apartment - you will hear the whole thing.
No room for storage - DIY tools - bikes etc

Pros

Heat rises , so you can get free heat from the downstairs apartment.
Not so easy for break - in's
 
The only pros I can think of are that they are generally cheaper than a proper house and you might have a bit more security in that your neighbours are so close.

The cons would be the same as an apartment. Beware that the sound-proofing mightn't be great between walls and floors. In some developments I've viewed duplexes were actually cheaper than the apartments because the living space was broken up - small sitting room and small kitchen instead of one large open plan living space.

If it is a ground floor duplex with a shared garden at the rear be mindful that you might have kids playing right outside your sitting room. Also check the plans and see where how the apartment above/below you is laid out so that you don't have a living room/kitchen over your bedroom.
 
Also if its a duplex over an apartment you possibly may not be allowed have wooden floors on your ground floor.
 
HI - I see a lot of cons and not many pros so thought Id give some of my experiences, not all duplexes are the same.

I live in a duplex - ground floor with just one apt above me.

Pros

Management fee (mine €700) deals with bins (storage shed - no smelly bin in garden), cleans windows once a year, treats wood every other year, covers buildings insurance, fixes any problems that arise outside the building, maintains a very nice landscapped garden.

I have own access front door - drive to front door

I have own pretty large private patio (enough room for garden table for 6 and garden shed) out the back

I have a lovely partially enclosed landscapped garden outside the gated patio shared with another 19 apts that I dont have to tend to. Safe for young children.

Close to neighbours

Larger that the three bed homes in this case. Living room in the largest Ive seen in the areas. Although kitchen fits a table and chairs for only four comfortably

Cons

Can sometimes hear neighbours walking up the stairs (no sounds from apt above)

No attic

Management rules (can be good or bad - no satelite, no hanging out washing)

Cannot change anything about outside area or big jobs inside - no extension in a few years etc.

Hope this helps
 
thank you so much for all your help. thats fabulous advice.im thinking twice to be honest
 
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