Buying half of a Duplex?

[Chanté Owens]

Hi BP Contributors!

I had a question about something I've seen posted a few times about people purchasing 1/2 of a Duplex. Is that common? I thought in general, that when purchasing a Duplex it was for both sides, but since I've seen comments contrary to that, I'm wondering if it may be area/region specific, or if you could purchase 1/2 a Duplex anywhere?

My apologies for such a strange question, but I've been curious about this for awhile.

Thanks in advance for any responses!

[Andy Webb]

@Chanté Owens - you can definitely buy just 1/2 a duplex - I see a lot of listing in my area where just 1/2 is for sale.  As an investment, I would advise against buying just half a duplex since you do not control the whole property.  What if you need to do foundation work or roof repair and the other owner does not have the cash or the will to participate?  Friends of ours got started with half-duplexes and very much regret it for this reason.  I think at one point they paid to have the entire roof of the full duplex replaced, because the other owner was elderly and had no cash to participate.  

Andy