What is the difference between a twin home and a duplex?
While twin homes and duplexes may appear similar from the street, they differ in key ways—especially in terms of ownership, lot lines, maintenance responsibilities, and financing.
🏘 Twin Home:
A twin home consists of two single-family homes that are attached by a shared central wall (also known as a party wall). Each home is built on its own individual lot, and each side is separately owned—meaning each homeowner is responsible for their own side of the property. This setup is legally similar to two standalone homes that simply share a wall.
- Ownership: Each side has a distinct parcel ID and deed.
- Lot Lines: A legal property line runs down the center, typically through the shared wall.
- Maintenance: Each owner handles their own repairs, roof, siding, landscaping, etc.
- Financing: Qualifies as a single-family home loan.
- Resale: You can sell your side independently of the neighbor.
Twin homes are popular in planned residential neighborhoods across Fargo, Moorhead, West Fargo, and Horace because they offer the privacy of a detached home with lower maintenance and affordability.
🏢 Duplex:
A duplex is a single structure that contains two separate living units—either side-by-side or stacked (up/down)—and sits on one single lot. It is owned by one individual or entity, and the entire property is considered one legal residence with two units.
- Ownership: One deed, one parcel, one owner (usually a landlord or investor).
- Lot Lines: No dividing property line between the units.
- Maintenance: The owner is responsible for both units.
- Financing: Typically financed as a multi-family property.
- Use: Commonly used as rentals, live-in-one/rent-the-other, or multi-generational homes.
Duplexes are ideal for real estate investors or homeowners looking to generate rental income while living in one unit. In some cases, duplexes can later be converted into twin homes with zoning and utility updates.
⚖️ Twin Home vs. Duplex: Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Twin Home | Duplex |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Each unit separately owned | One owner for both units |
| Lot Structure | Two individual lots | One single lot |
| Financing Type | Single-family mortgage | Multi-family/investment loan |
| Maintenance | Each side self-managed | Owner manages both |
| Resale Flexibility | Can sell one side independently | Entire duplex sold together |
| Ideal For | First-time buyers, downsizers | Investors, landlords, house hackers |
📍 Pro Tip: Not sure if a listing is a duplex or twin home? Ask us! Modern Market REALTORS® will help you verify zoning, ownership, and financing options before you buy.
