The Duplex & ADU House Hack

One of the best house hacks I know — and one that doesn’t require a ton of effort — is buying a multi-unit property.

And when I say “multi-unit,” I’m not talking about some giant apartment complex. I mean something simple, like a duplex or even a single-family home with an ADU.

Here’s why it works so well:

Most mortgages today are way higher than the average rent. So if you’re going from paying around $2,000 a month in rent to facing a $6,000 mortgage, that jump can feel overwhelming.

But when you own a duplex or a property with an ADU, that extra unit can generate $1,500–$2,000 a month in rental income. That money directly offsets your mortgage, shrinking the gap between renting and owning. In some cases, it can even bring your monthly payment close to what you were already paying in rent.

And here’s the bonus most people don’t realize: lenders will count 75% of that projected rental income when looking at your qualifying income. That means not only do you lower your out-of-pocket expense each month, but you can also qualify for a higher purchase price than you would with just your salary alone.

It’s a simple, powerful way to step into homeownership, build wealth, and use real estate to your advantage — without taking on the full weight of the mortgage yourself.

If you’re serious about buying but nervous about payments, a multi-unit property might be the smartest move you can make.