Above/below vs Side by Side Multifamily

[Holly Saxby]

I am a newbie looking at a multifamily property for sale that I see on the MLS . It is basically a 3 bed/2 bath upstairs and 3 bed/2 ba downstairs with a studio over the garage. I am wondering if tenants prefer side by side units and shy away from someone living above them or if I am just putting my personal preference into the mix. Any advice whether they rent slower or not?

[Dawn Anastasi]

I have definitely seen more demand for side-by-side duplexes over upper/lower duplexes.  Side by side feels more like your own space versus having someone clomping above you or having to walk up a flight of stairs to get into your unit.