Why Buying a Duplex Is One of the Smartest Moves for Income-Minded Home Buyers

Happy Wednesday!

A question I hear all the time from buyers is: “Can I buy a house and rent out part of it to help with my mortgage?”

It’s a great idea — but the answer isn’t always simple.

Many homes in the Florida Keys are built on stilts. Some owners enclose the space under the home and think they can rent that area out. But here’s the truth: you usually can’t legally rent that space unless the property is zoned for more than one living unit.

Zoning Rules Matter

To rent out a separate living space, the property must:

• Be zoned for multi-family use

• Have more than one legal living unit

• Meet local rules for things like separate meters for water and electricity

Just enclosing space under a stilt home doesn’t make it a second unit. It doesn’t make it legal to rent. That’s why checking the zoning and building permits before you buy is key.

What’s a Buyer to Do?

One of the easiest ways to protect yourself — and to generate rental income — is to buy a duplex.

Duplexes Make Sense Because:

✔ You can live in one unit and rent out the other
✔ You can rent both units and create steady cash flow
✔ Duplexes are already built for two households
✔ They’re usually zoned and permitted correctly for rental use

That means no guesswork. No zoning surprises. Just a clear path to rental income that helps cover your costs.

How Duplexes Help Your Bottom Line

Imagine this:

• Your mortgage payment is lower because rental income helps pay it.

• You build equity while someone else helps cover your housing costs.

• You can even use tax benefits that apply to investment properties.

For many buyers, a duplex is a home and investment in one.

Great Options on the Market Today

If you’re curious about duplexes available right now — whether you want a classic Keys style, a newer build, or something close to water access — I’d love to show you what’s out there.

Duplexes don’t stay on the market long, especially those that are move-in ready and rental-friendly.

Thinking about an income-producing property?
Send me a message or call me — I’ll help you find the perfect duplex that works for your lifestyle and your goals. In the meantime, click here to see the duplexes currently on the market.