Buying a Duplex in Maryland | Smart Investment Guide
- Kat Moore — The German Realtor®
- Oct 6
- 3 min read
Thinking about buying a duplex in Maryland? Learn the pros, cons, financing tips, and best areas to invest. Is a duplex right for you? Find out here.
Thinking about buying a duplex in Maryland? Maybe you’ve heard the buzz about “house hacking” or you’re curious if owning a rental property is really as glamorous as Instagram makes it look. Spoiler: it’s not always champagne and passive income 😅 — but it can be a fantastic move if you go in prepared.
🏡 First Things First: What Is a Duplex?
A duplex is basically one building split into two separate living spaces. Sometimes they’re side-by-side (like twins) and sometimes stacked (like siblings sharing bunk beds). Each unit usually has its own entrance, kitchen, and bathroom.
The big appeal? You can:
Live in one side and rent out the other (hello, mortgage helper 🤑).
Rent out both sides and enjoy the income stream.
Multigenerational living — grandma in one unit, you in the other (built-in babysitter, anyone?).
💰 Why Consider a Duplex in Maryland?
1️⃣ Rental Income: Maryland’s rental market, especially near job hubs, is strong. Renting out one unit can offset a big chunk of your mortgage.
2️⃣ Financing Options: If you live in one unit, you can often use an owner-occupied loan (like FHA or VA). That means lower down payments and better terms than traditional investment loans.
3️⃣ Tax Benefits: From mortgage interest deductions to depreciation on the rental portion, there are plenty of potential tax perks. (Quick note: I’m not a tax advisor—talk to your CPA for the fine print.)
4️⃣ Flexibility: Life changes. One day you might need the whole place; another day you might want steady rental income. A duplex gives you options.
⚠️ Things to Watch Out For
Shared Walls, Shared Problems: If the roof leaks, it’s your responsibility. For both units. Same with plumbing, HVAC, or that mysterious squirrel in the attic. 🐿️
Tenant Management: Renting sounds fun until your tenant pays late, calls you at 2 a.m. about a dripping faucet, or decides to practice the drums.
Financing Hurdles: Not all lenders love multi-unit properties. Make sure your lender is familiar with duplex loans (and bonus points if they’re local to Maryland).
HOAs & Zoning: Some areas in Maryland have zoning restrictions or HOA rules that affect rentals. Always double-check before you buy.
📊 Maryland Market Snapshot
Anne Arundel County: Great for military families and commuters. Duplexes here often rent quickly because of Fort Meade.
Baltimore City: More duplex options, but research carefully — neighborhood demand can vary street by street.
Prince George’s County: Close to D.C., strong rental demand but higher price points.
💡 Pro Tips If You’re Considering a Duplex
Run the Numbers Twice: Factor in vacancies, repairs, and property management (even if you plan to DIY). If it still makes sense, you’re on the right track.
Get a Home Inspection: Duplex = double the mechanical systems to check. Don’t skip this step.
Think Long-Term: Ask yourself: Do you want to be a landlord? For how long? Could you sell later as a single-family home or only to another investor?
Talk to a Local Realtor (hi, that’s me): I can help you identify which Maryland neighborhoods have strong rental demand and solid appreciation potential.
❓ FAQs About Buying a Duplex
“Can I use a VA loan to buy a duplex?”: Yes! VA loans allow you to purchase up to 4 units, as long as you live in one.
“Do I need a property manager?”: Not required. But if you’re busy or out-of-state, one can save your sanity.
“Are duplexes more expensive than single-family homes?”: Usually, yes — but remember, you’re also generating income from day one.
👩💼 Bottom Line
Buying a duplex in Maryland can be a smart move—whether you’re a first-time buyer looking to offset your mortgage, an investor adding to your portfolio, or someone who just likes the idea of living near family but not too near.
👉 Thinking about buying a duplex in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Prince George’s County and Southern Maryland? Let’s chat about the numbers, the neighborhoods, and whether a duplex is the right fit for your goals.
Kat Moore | Realtor | Advisor
Samson Properties
📞 410-414-5967 (cell), 443-975-7555 (office)
The Kat Walk To Homeownership
Disclaimer
This blog post is provided for general informational purposes only and reflects my perspective as a licensed real estate agent. It does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Laws and regulations can change, and individual circumstances vary. Please consult a licensed tax professional, attorney, or other qualified advisor for advice specific to your situation.
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