1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom Duplexes

[Javon Gordon]

I'm looking to buy a 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom duplex. Just wanted someone's else opinions on those. Are they easy to rent out?

[James Mc Ree]

It all depends on the location.  You will probably find you have higher turnover with 1 BR/BA than if you have 2 or 3 bedrooms since your tenant is likely to move out as soon as he/she meets someone.

[Javon Gordon]

Thanks James, That's a very good point of view!!

[Christopher Giannino]

I would agree with what @James Mc Ree said.  You will be limited to the types of tenants you attract (could be a good thing).  Also, I would think that you won't be able to charge as much rent as say a 2 or 3 bedroom duplex.  Is there a reason why you'd want a one bedroom duplex opposed to say a 2 or 3  bedroom duplex?

[David Wandel]

I have 11 properties that are 1 bed 1 bath. (one is a 3 unit). They all are in C- or worse neighborhoods. They cash flow great. $700 or more a month net. We haven't had too much trouble getting them rented and we do have some long term tenants in place. We have 5 that have been with us for 3 or more years.

Most of our tenants are single moms,retirees,or on disability. Most are market tenants but we do have 1 section 8 and 3  that are placed with Catholic Charities and we are currently working with a non profit for the homeless to place some of their clients.

We have actually found a fairly decent demand for one bedrooms here in the Baltimore area.

I also have 9 detached single families in B neighborhoods. it still all comes down to tenant screening. I self manage and really have no personal preference between the two from a management perspective.

[Javon Gordon]

Chris, Just wanted to add to my inventory, I really like the 2/3 br multi family homes and I thought to myself what if I had 1bd/1br how would that turn out

[Bettina F.]

Set them up so they are easy to turn over -- Allure floors, standard washable semi gloss paint, month to month rental agreements so it is easy to get rid of non-payers (if that is true in your area), and clear instructions to tenants on what they need to do to get SD returned.  Much of the downside a high turnover can be mitigated with proper planning.

The hot trend in Seattle is "micro apartments" -- tiny little studios with high end finishes and glossy marketing.   Your one bedrooms would seem palatial in comparison.

[Gail K.]

If you wish to work with the HUD VASH program (i.e., the program for homeless veterans) many would qualify for a 1 bedroom unit. A fair number in this program are single vets and thus their vouchers would be limited to such units.

Gail