Single-family Home vs Multi-family Home | Bankrate (2024)

When it comes to buying a home, you’re probably thinking about the neighborhood, the number of bedrooms, how tasteful the finishes are and whether or not the price makes sense to you.

But there’s something more fundamental to consider: Whether you want an actual detached residence, or a set of rooms within a larger building. Or, as the real estate pros say, a single-family or a multi-family home.

While the freestanding house fits in more with the American Dream, apartments have advantages too.From design to zoning to financing, here’s a rundown of what the major differences are between a single family home and a multi-family home.

What is a single-family home?

A single-family home is a freestanding residential unit that is designed and built for one family. To be considered a single-family home, the property should also be an individually owned lot or parcel separate from other dwellings in the area.

This is true even if the underlying land is fractional. Take a townhouse, for example. Even though it may be attached to other dwellings, it is built on its own section of property, according to the United States Census Bureau. This is reflected in the title of the property, which denotes when a piece of real estate has land attached or not.

There are many different types and styles of single-family homes, including:

  • Ranch
  • Split-level
  • Manufactured
  • Bungalow
  • Twin home
  • Townhouse

What is a multi-family home?

A multi-family home is a residential dwelling that includes more than one living unit. The difference between the multiple units is defined by each having a separate entrance, living facilities (kitchen, bathroom) and utilities. Each has its own address.

Multi-family properties allow each inhabitant to live a separate life. They’re not dependent on the other to set the temperature on the heating unit, nor will they share a utility bill. The different dwellings can be stacked on top of or to the side of one another. However, they share interior walls, ceilings and floors.

Multi-family housing also typically has common facilities, such as a basem*nt, an attic, elevators or stairs, or a garage. They may also have common amenities like outdoor spaces, a pool, fitness facility, or playground.

There are many different types of multi-family properties, including:

  • Duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes
  • Apartment complexes
  • Condos
  • Co-ops
  • Age-restricted property (think 55+ communities)
  • Assisted living centers
  • Rowhouses (characterized by shared walls running from the base to the roof of each dwelling)

Single-family vs multi-family homes: key differences

While the main difference between a single family and a multi-family home is families are legally allowed to live there (obviously), there are some other distinguishing factors.

Separation of living facilities: In a single-family home, all the systems that run the home are independent and autonomous from other homes nearby. A multi-family home has separate utility meters, entrances, and plumbing and HVAC fixtures and outlets for each of the units, but the units all make use of the same systems and facilities (furnace, water tank, etc.) Communal areas for multi-family property are common.

Legal distinctions: Single-family homes are considered residential real estate. Multi-family homes can be considered residential or commercial real estate: Smaller multi-family homes are those with four or fewer units and are considered residential property; commercial multi-family property has five or more units. The definition can be significant for several reasons, including zoning and financing(see below).

Zoning regulations: Through their zoning laws, cities may restrict where commercial properties in general, and multi-family properties in particular, can be built. Single-family home zoning may also be restrictive, especially if you want to use the home as a short-term rental or build an ADU (accessory dwelling unit) on your land. Some municipalities have banned short-term rentals or ADUs altogether.

Financing: Financing is different for multi-family homes depending on how many units there are. A conventional loan can be used when investing in a property with four or fewer units, whether it’s a single-family or multi-family home. In a multi-family property with more than four units, a commercial loan must be utilized. Commercial mortgages have different terms than residential mortgages do.

For lending purposes, a property that has between one and four units can be financed as a single-family home. If one of the units is lived in by the owner, it can also be financed as an owner-occupied single-family home, which can grant borrowers very favorable terms and interest rates.

Loan limits: Single-family properties that are financed with a conforming loan are subject to the 2022 federal limit of $647,200 in most areas and $970,800 in high-cost areas. A mortgage for more than this amount would require a jumbo loan or a piggyback mortgage.

Financing for multi-family properties is evaluated on a case-by-case basis with amounts ranging from $1 million to $1 billion. Often, the mortgage terms are based not so much on the value of the property itself, as is the case with single-family houses, but on the rental income generated by the tenants living in the building.

Investing in a single-family or multi-family home

Both single- and multi-family homes can function as investment properties. In fact, multi-family dwellings usually do function as investments — a source of income and property appreciation — for their owners, even if they live on-site in a unit as well.

When it comes to deciding which to invest in, Nest Seekers International Real Estate Advisor and Chief Economist Erin Sykes says, “Depending on size, [a] multi-family may be better for a more experienced investor. If there are multiple tenants, you would need experience in managing those relationships, collections, maintenance of the property and turnover.”

“I’d say leave multi-family to the pros,” agrees Todd Watkins, co-founder of RailField Partners, a multi-family property investor and asset manager headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland. “It is a full-time job, and when you have more at stake you probably don’t want to start with something big. People who are handy and can do repairs and maintenance on their own may be more able to handle it.”

In contrast, renting out single-family homes can be simpler — especially if it’s a part-time arrangement or vacation-home sort of situation. Sykes says, “Single-family home investment is ideal for a location where there is seasonality and thus a strong rental market (think Palm Beach, the Hamptons, Jersey Shore). Thus, you can charge a premium for the shore rental season and then live in the property during the extended off season.”

“The important thing investors should also consider is the location of the property when deciding whether to buy multi-family or single-family real estate,” says Alex Shekhtman, CEO and founder of LBC Mortgage, a Los Angeles-based mortgage brokerage.

“Properties in high-density areas are more likely to be suitable for multi-family development, as there will be greater demand for rental units. However, properties in lower-density areas may be better suited for single-family development, as there is likely to be less competition from other investors. Ultimately, the decision of whether to buy multi-family or single family real estate depends on a variety of factors and should be based on the individual investor’s goals and objectives.”

Single-family vs multi-family homes: pros and cons

Single-family home

Pros

  • More privacy and space
  • More autonomy, ability to customize
  • Easier for novice investors

Cons

  • More expensive (than comparable multi-family home)
  • Complete responsibility for repairs, maintenance
  • Not as much rental income potential

Multi-family home

Pros

  • Cheaper than comparable single-family home
  • Less responsibility for property upkeep
  • Can live in one unit and rent out the others
  • Greater potential for rental income

Cons

  • Less space, privacy; must share facilities
  • Restricted decision-making
  • Landlord duties
  • Management costs, expenses

Final word on single-family vs multi-family homes

A single-family home is the quintessential American Dream House, complete with a big yard and lots of rooms. But other folks — especially singles, childless couples and empty nesters — might prefer multi-family home life and its communal set-up.

When it comes to investing, a large multi-family property costs more upfront to purchase and maintain, but the potential for cash flow and property appreciation is also much greater. By purchasing real estate with more than one unit, there’s a strong possibility that the rental side of the multi-family home can help or completely cover the costs of the mortgage. A multi-family property can also serve two purposes: as a residence for the owner (and/or other relatives), as well as a business.

Ultimately, deciding between the two different property classes is a matter of what your goals are and what makes the most sense for you, your lifestyle and your finances.

Single-family Home vs Multi-family Home | Bankrate (2024)

FAQs

Single-family Home vs Multi-family Home | Bankrate? ›

A single family property comprises just one residential unit. Also called a “detached dwelling” which simply means it is a standalone structure. A multifamily property, such as an apartment building, has more than one residential unit, and each of those different units is typically rented out by a different tenant.

What is the difference between single home and multi home? ›

A single family property comprises just one residential unit. Also called a “detached dwelling” which simply means it is a standalone structure. A multifamily property, such as an apartment building, has more than one residential unit, and each of those different units is typically rented out by a different tenant.

Why single family homes are better than multifamily? ›

Single-family homes usually cost less than multi-family properties, so they're better for buyers who have a limited budget. They're also easier to finance and have lower down payment requirements.

What is bigger than a single-family home? ›

A multi-family home is a residential dwelling that includes more than one living unit. The difference between the multiple units is defined by each having a separate entrance, living facilities (kitchen, bathroom) and utilities. Each has its own address.

What is a single-level home called? ›

Single-level homes, also called ranch homes, are typically designed so that one living space flows right into another. Your gourmet kitchen may flow into the dining room, which is open to the living room and the patio beyond.

Is owning multiple homes a good investment? ›

Owning multiple rental properties can help investors reduce risk through portfolio diversification. The snowball effect describes how real estate investors use cash flow from one rental property to purchase multiple properties over time.

Why is single family housing a huge disadvantage? ›

Disadvantages Of Single Family Homes

Single-family homes also have their downsides. They cost more to own and maintain. They typically don't give you access to condo features such as common gyms, pools, tennis courts, etc. Homes require constant maintenance.

Why are single-family homes so popular? ›

Single-family homes are becoming increasingly popular for a variety of reasons. Firstly, they offer more privacy and space than other types of housing such as apartments or condos. Secondly, single-family homes tend to be less expensive in terms of monthly rent payments when compared to larger multi-unit dwellings.

Do single-family homes appreciate faster than multifamily? ›

The value of single-family homes appreciates faster; however, you can forcibly appreciate the value of a multifamily property by increasing its income and lowering operating expenses.

What are the four types of houses? ›

Top 5 Different Types of Houses
  • Single-Family Home. A single-family home is a detached building built on a lot. ...
  • Condo. Condominiums, or condos, are units within larger buildings that share at least one wall with a neighboring unit. ...
  • Townhouse. ...
  • Multi-Family Home. ...
  • Co-op.
Feb 20, 2019

What is another name for a single-family home? ›

A stand-alone house (also called a single-detached dwelling, detached residence or detached house) is a free-standing residential building. It is sometimes referred to as a single-family home in contrast with a multi-family residential dwelling.

What are the disadvantages of a single family? ›

Although a single-parent family has its benefits, it can have the following disadvantages:
  • Having less money. ...
  • Spending less quality time. ...
  • Work overload and multitasking‌ ...
  • Negative feelings. ...
  • Disciplining your children. ...
  • Behavioral problems. ...
  • Relationship problems. ...
  • Clinging to your children.
Sep 8, 2021

Do single-family homes appreciate faster? ›

Determining future home appreciation is no easy feat depending on many factors from location and attractiveness to feel of the neighborhood and the value of the land that the property sits on. While there are certainly exceptions, it's common for single family homes to appreciate faster than condominiums.

Are single-family homes a normal or inferior good? ›

Housing property is a normal good. For normal goods, an increase in income increases the quantity demanded and a decrease in income reduces the quantity demanded.

What is a house with 3 floors called? ›

A split-level house, also referred to as a tri-level house, is different from a traditional home layout because it has multiple floors that are connected by short flights of stairs.

Why is it called a single-family home? ›

A single-family home is a free-standing residential building. Single-family homes are designed to be used as a single-dwelling unit, with one owner, no shared walls, and its own land.

Are split levels making a comeback? ›

It's an architectural style that's poised for a comeback. According to Apartment Therapy, some homebuyers are specifically seeking out homes in which rooms are split between two or more floors. This is the type of home design that was popular in the 1970s.

What is the 50% rule? ›

What Is The 50% Rule? The 50% rule is a guideline used by real estate investors to estimate the profitability of a given rental unit. As the name suggests, the rule involves subtracting 50 percent of a property's monthly rental income when calculating its potential profits.

What is the 2% rule in real estate? ›

2% Rule. The 2% rule is the same as the 1% rule – it just uses a different number. The 2% rule states that the monthly rent for an investment property should be equal to or no less than 2% of the purchase price. Here's an example of the 2% rule for a home with the purchase price of $150,000: $150,000 x 0.02 = $3,000.

What percentage of Americans own 2 homes? ›

How many homes are there in the United States? There are more than 110 million residences in the United States, including both households and vacant homes, which means that 2.39% of all residences in the United States are used solely as second homes.

What is the main advantage of a single family home investment? ›

Low Overhead Costs

When it comes to investing, there are many different options to choose from. For example, you can invest in stocks, mutual funds, or single-family homes. Each option has its own set of pros and cons, but one key advantage of single-family homes is that they have relatively low overhead costs.

What are two disadvantages of owning your home? ›

Disadvantages of owning a home
  • Costs for home maintenance and repairs can impact savings quickly.
  • Moving into a home can be costly.
  • A longer commitment will be required vs. ...
  • Mortgage payments can be higher than rental payments.
  • Property taxes will cost you extra — over and above the expense of your mortgage.

What is one disadvantage of investing in a single family house as a rental? ›

The Cons of a Single-Family Rental Property

The biggest con of putting your first investment capital in a single-family residential property is reduced cash flow: While they are definitely easier to manage, these properties also limit you when it comes to generating income.

What percentage of Americans own a single-family home? ›

Homeownership Rates By State In 2022
STATEPERCENT OF HOMEOWNERSHIP
California54%
New York54%
Hawaii58%
Nevada61%
47 more rows
Feb 4, 2023

What state has the most single-family homes? ›

Only one state—New York—has a majority of its housing in the form of multi-family units, with only 46.6% single-family units. In contrast, more than half of all states have 70% or more single-family units, led by Indiana and Kansas at 78.5% apiece.

What percent of Americans live in single-family housing? ›

Source: American Community Survey. According to the American Community Survey, there were 138 million homes nationwide as of 2018. Sixty-seven percent were single-family units, 27 percent were multifamily units, and 6 percent were manufactured housing units.

Who is the largest owner of single-family rentals? ›

Invitation Homes, the nation's largest owner of single-family rentals, has "a couple of billion dollars of dry powder" for would-be mergers or acquisitions, CEO Dallas Tanner told investors.

What age group owns the most homes? ›

Age Groups & Homeownership

Homeownership rates double between the ages of 25 and 29, and 70 and older are the most likely to be homeowners. The average homeowner is 56 years old. 23.4% of homeowners are between 55 and 64 years old.

Why multifamily is the best asset class? ›

We've alluded to this already, but the primary benefit to owning multifamily real estate is that it offers multiple sources of cash flow. The more units, the more sources of cash flow. The more diversified the cash flow, the less risky the investment.

What are the strongest types of houses? ›

Research-wise, concrete foundations, insulated concrete form framing (ICF), and a corrugated galvanised steel roof are the strongest house materials. Foundations are usually constructed from concrete because it is our strongest building material and it's important to have a sturdy house foundation.

What is the most common type of housing in the US? ›

Single-Family (Detached)

The majority of homes in the U.S. are single-family homes. They're less common in highly populated areas and are typically found in suburbs. Single-family homes are usually more private and offer more options for personalization (barring any homeowners association (HOA) requirements).

What is another name for a multi family home? ›

Multifamily residential (also known as multi-dwelling unit or MDU) is a housing classification where multiple separate housing units for residential inhabitants are contained within one building or several buildings within one complex. These units include apartments and condominiums.

What is the opposite of single-family home? ›

A multi-family home consists of multiple, separate legal housing units in a single structure.

What is a two home called? ›

A duplex house plan has two living units attached to each other, either next to each other as townhouses, condominiums or above each other like apartments.

What is a house behind a house called? ›

What Do You Call A House Behind A House? A house behind a house is also called a Rear Strata Block, Battleaxe Block or Rear Strata Development. Unlike street-facing residential-style homes, there are quite a few more requirements before an HBH can be built within your property.

What are small houses called? ›

Cottage Homes

Contrary to an accessory dwelling unit, a cottage home typically refers to a home that is small in size but is the primary structure on a property. Depending on your jurisdiction, it might also describe a backyard cottage – also known as a mother-in-law or granny flat.

What is the difference between a house and a home? ›

House refers to a building in which someone lives. In contrast, a home can refer either to a building or to any location that a person thinks of as the place where she lives and that belongs to her. A home can be a house or an apartment, but it could also be a tent, a boat, or an underground cave.

What is the difference between a townhouse and a single family attached home? ›

Single-family attached home: Similar to a duplex except units would be side by side only. Townhome/Rowhouse: A style of housing where similar homes are in a row and share a common wall.

Why are single parents more common? ›

The main cause of single parent families are high rates of divorce and non-marital childbearing. According to a 2019 study from Pew Research Center, the United States has the world's highest rate of children living in single-parent households.

How long do most people own their first home? ›

35% of homeowners have lived in their homes for 10 to 15 years. 16% have lived in their homes for less than five years. The average length of homeownership years is eight years.

Is it harder to buy a house as a single person? ›

Here are some of the challenges that may come with buying a house on a single income: It's harder to qualify for a mortgage: Your mortgage lender will look at your annual salary to determine how much you can afford to borrow. The higher the income, the more you'll qualify for.

What is a con of owning a single-family home? ›

Single-family homes also have their downsides. They cost more to own and maintain. They typically don't give you access to condo features such as common gyms, pools, tennis courts, etc. Homes require constant maintenance.

What is the least desirable home style? ›

However, it's safe to say that the least popular styles (Italianate, Spanish Colonial, and French Chateau) are also the least commonly seen on American streets.

What are the advantages of a single home? ›

Single family homes have larger yards than attached condo and townhome units. More than that, the yard surrounding single-family homes is private, so you won't have any common areas shared between neighbors. This offers a great advantage for growing families with children who play outside.

What is single multihomed? ›

A single-multihomed topology means a single link per ISP, but multiple (at least two) ISPs.

What is an example of multi homing? ›

Host multihoming

For example, a mobile phone might be simultaneously connected to a WiFi network and a 3G network, and a desktop computer might be connected to both a home network and a VPN. A multihomed host usually is assigned multiple addresses, one per connected network.

What is a multi homed system? ›

Multi-homing is a method of configuring one computer, called the host, with more than one network connection and IP address. The multi-homed method provides enhanced and reliable Internet connectivity without compromising efficient performance.

What is the difference between home or house M? ›

House refers to a building in which someone lives. In contrast, a home can refer either to a building or to any location that a person thinks of as the place where she lives and that belongs to her. A home can be a house or an apartment, but it could also be a tent, a boat, or an underground cave.

What are the advantages of Multihomed? ›

Multiple Hosts Provide Redundancy

The main benefit of multihoming is having greater redundancy for network access. If the Internet goes down on one provider you can still access via another.

What are the requirements for multihoming? ›

In order to properly multi-home, your company must own an Autonomous System Number. ASNs are registered with Regional Internet Registries (RIR). For North America, the RIR is the American Registry of Internet Numbers (ARIN). In addition, your company must register for a block of IP addresses, no smaller than a /24.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of multihoming an Internet connection? ›

low cost; ISP redundancy. point of failure; it can be difficult to deal with policies and procedures of two different ISPs. especially good for geographically dispersed company; medium cost; working with one ISP can be easier than working with multiple ISPs.

What is the impact of multihoming? ›

Multi-homing on the rider side improves the wait/pickup time so all drivers and the multi-homing riders are better off. Moreover, the multi-homing riders have a positive impact on the single-homing riders.

What are multi-homing costs? ›

Switching costs describe how difficult or expensive it is for a user to switch from one product to another. Multihoming costs explain how easy or likely it is to use multiple competing networks simultaneously.

What is multi-homing in economics? ›

Multihoming. When two-sided markets contain more than one competing platform, the condition of users affiliating with more than one such platform is called multihoming.

What is meant by a dual-homed host? ›

A dual-homed host is a firewall system with two network interfaces (NICs). This system sits between an untrusted network and a trusted network to ensure secure access. The dual-homed host is connected to the untrusted network (e.g., the internet) and the trusted network (e.g., internal) at the same time.

Can a multi homed host act as a router? ›

A multihomed server acts as a host on multiple IP subnets. The server can sometimes have more than one network interface card and can act as a router.

What is IP aggregation? ›

IP and Ethernet aggregation is a converged networking approach that enables the aggregation of traffic from common Ethernet (Layer 2) and IP (Layer 3) services on the same, cost-efficient network architecture.

Is it OK to say I'm home? ›

“I'm home” can be used to announce one's arrival at home. It means "I have arrived at home" It can also denote one's presence at home at given times, as in “I'm home most Sundays” It can however, also denote one's location when used as an answer to “Where are you?” and answered “I'm home” now.

What makes a house a home? ›

To be a home, it needs to feel comfortable, like a place you belong to and are at peace with. A house may be decorated with the nicest furnishings money can buy, but that won't necessarily make it a home. The feeling of “home” can't be bought. It's an intimate relationship we have with the personal space we live in.

What makes a house different from a home? ›

The word house is used to talk about a building made for people or a family to live in. The word home is used to talk about the family living in a house, or the familiar space inside a person's house, or the place someone was born or lived as a child.

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