DALLAS MULTI-FAMILY EXPERTS

Dallas has a huge variety of multi-family properties peppered throughout the city. You'll find beautiful brick duplexes in Oak Lawn, Oak Cliff and East Dallas, some built by locally famous architects like Charles Dilbeck. There are also new construction multi-family properties going up all over town as demand for good quality rentals continues to grow.



Dallas used to be a great place to pick up cheap duplexes back in the day, especially if you were willing to put in some sweat equity. Well the word has gotten out and multi-family properties in Dallas have increased in price significantly. Of course so have rents, so it's still possible to see a good ROI and cap rate but it takes a little more to get into a property than it used to.

Dallas multi-family homes typically have a "look" to them that really identifies them. It's hard to put a finger on but around here when we see a quality up/down brick duplex with a nice balcony on the front and some unique brickwork we say "Dallas!" immediately. You can find those solid brick duplexes in the East Dallas and Oak Lawn/Park Cities areas. For the biggest variety of multi-family styles in Dallas look to Oak Cliff where you will find some of those aforementioned brick duplexes as well as smaller side-by-side duplexes and gorgeous prairie-style duplexes and craftsman bungalows as well.

Dallas Duplex FAQ's

How much do duplexes cost in Dallas?

Pricing in Dallas is all over the map depending on where you're looking. It is possible to still get a Dallas duplex in the $200k's but you might not be happy with the neighborhood. On the other end of the spectrum the sky's the limit for Park Cities brick duplexes or huge luxury duplexes in North Dallas. If you can budget between $500k-$750k you can usually find some good examples of quality Dallas duplexes with good rents.

Can I get a mortgage for a Dallas duplex?

Yes, it is possible to get a mortgage on a duplex. That's one of the best things about duplexes - if you plan to live in one side you can usually get a conventional 30-year financing the same way you can with a single family home. The terms and rates should be very similar (depending on your credit and income). The best part is you can use the income from the other half to offset your mortgage. We've have some clients that pay their entire Principal & Interest with that rental income! You can still get financing if you don't plan to live in one half, but you may pay a higher rate because then it's considered an investment loan and higher risk.

Can I finance a Dallas duplex with an FHA Loan?

Yes, you can use FHA financing to buy a duplex if you plan to live in one half. That can help you get into a duplex with a lower down payment, and it's especially popular with first-time buyers. The property will have to meet all the FHA requirements and you'll have to pay for Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). 

Are Dallas duplexes a good investment?

Well, that's the question it comes down to isn't it? And we can't give you a straight yes or no answer here. Dallas Duplexes can be a good investment, but that depends on your own individual situation and investment goals. We strongly recommend you talk with your own CPA and/or Financial Planner to determine whether investing in a duplex is right for you. It's important to keep in mind that real estate is not liquid - it could take a while to sell it and there are expenses involved. And the last thing you want to do is get into a position where you HAVE to sell. Real Estate is cyclical and investors who get into a cash bind in a down market are the ones who typically lose money on their investment.