In the world of architecture, there are many types of homes for multiple families. Dozens of different terms and specific varieties of multifamily housing have existed over centuries, but even in modern times, there are more options than many homeowners realize. For both renting and owning, multifamily house plans are an efficient and affordable choice for many.
But what are the main types of multifamily houses?
Duplexes, triplexes & fourplexes
Duplexes and their larger forms are an incredibly common type of multifamily home for renters and owners alike. A duplex is defined as a single building split into two separate apartments, each with its own individual door to the outside. In some cases, all units share a common area or amenity, such as a garage or laundry room.
Apartment & condominium buildings
Apartment and condo buildings are a prominent multifamily housing type most often found in cities and other densely populated areas. These buildings feature multiple units - anywhere from half a dozen to hundreds - in a single multistory building. Each floor can have multiple individual apartments, either featuring doors to the outside or interior hallways.
Apartment & condominium communities
Similar to an apartment building, an apartment community is made up of multiple buildings managed or owned by the same entity. The individual buildings and units vary in size, but usually share one or more community amenities such as laundry facilities, fitness centers or outdoor recreational spaces.
Townhouses
Townhouses are a specific type of multifamily house plan that either exist as their own structure or part of a larger building. They are defined as a home with two or more floors, frequently including a garage or small outdoor space.
Housing co-ops
Housing cooperatives, or co-ops, are a unique form of multifamily home in which each resident owns shares in the community rather than their individual property. Co-ops can be separate housing units in a community, or all in a single building.
Often, co-ops operate similarly to a boarding house, in which residents have individual bedrooms but share common areas like kitchens, living rooms and outdoor living spaces.
While the most common examples, these are only a few types of multifamily house plans you can find all over the world.
About the Author
Hannah Sosinski
I started my career in the real estate industry at the age of sixteen and instantly fell in love.
I worked alongside one of the top producing agents in the country as their administrative assistant for nearly nine years before I took the leap to begin my own journey in the real estate industry.
Working alongside an agent who sells over three hundred houses a year educated me strongly on the Pittsburgh and greater Pittsburgh housing market. While working alongside this agent, I was lucky enough to be involved in several different types of real estate transactions and learned to properly determine home values, many aspects of negotiations and have learned how to close challenging deals while also handling a large amount of deals at the same time.
I have also spent the past seven years working as a property manager throughout Allegheny, Washington and Fayette County. I have managed everything from Section 8 to Luxury units.
Exploring the options of the real estate industry can be overwhelming. While working with me you’re able to sit back and relax as I have worked with many investors, home sellers and buyers and can help guide through the sale or purchase of your home and make it as easy on you as possible.
Whether you’re a first time home owner, downsizing, sizing up, looking to make your first/second or third investment, selling your home, etc. I can use my years of education to help guide you through the purchase or sale of the largest investment of your life.
I look forward to chatting about real estate with you!