How Buying A Minneapolis Duplex Can Save Families

Owning a duplex can solve a lot of family problems.

For example, if mom and dad want to head south for the winter but leave all the snow removal at home to their adult children, it’s a lot easier if it’s right next door.

Perhaps mom is slowing down a bit. She’s fine living on her own, but change is on the horizon. Maybe the presence of toddlers means an extra set of familiar hands could offer a respite now and then. Or maybe the kids are home from college, and it’s them you need a break from.

No matter what the circumstances, while you may love these people, it might also be nice for you to have your own space. That’s where a home with an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), a mother-in-law suite, or better yet, a duplex becomes the ideal solution.

According to Pew Research, in 2021 18% of all Americans lived in multigenerational households. A study by Generations United found 66.7 million adults over the age of 18 live in a multigenerational household. That’s 1 out of every 4 people. It’s also triple the number of those living with at least two generations of adults in a household in 2011, and quadruple to total in 1971.

While most respondents in the Pew study said the living arrangements were either convenient, 23% said they were also stressful.

Enter a duplex. While the media would have us believe the solution is as easy as building an ADU, the cost of doing so is prohibitive for most. Estimates I heard prior for detached ADUs in the Twin Cities prior to tariffs started at $250,000 and head north from there. Recent figures have been in the $300’s.

A duplex is existing construction. It isn’t subject to tariffs. Rather, it’s priced according to what comparable properties sold for. They’re available in nearly every price point, and even in some affluent neighborhoods.

There’s no permitting to wait for, no construction delays, an no shared living spaces until a building is completed. Just move in and shut the door when alone time is needed.

If you’re in the market for a Minneapolis or St Paul duplex well-suited for multi-generational living, give me a call.