Homes for multiple families: The 5 most common varieties

In the world of architecture, there are many types of homes for multiple families. Dozens of different terms and specific varieties of multifamily housing have existed over centuries, but even in modern times, there are more options than many homeowners realize. For both renting and owning, multifamily house plans are an efficient and affordable choice for many.

But what are the main types of multifamily houses?

Duplexes, triplexes & fourplexes

Duplexes and their larger forms are an incredibly common type of multifamily home for renters and owners alike. A duplex is defined as a single building split into two separate apartments, each with its own individual door to the outside. In some cases, all units share a common area or amenity, such as a garage or laundry room.

Apartment & condominium buildings

Apartment and condo buildings are a prominent multifamily housing type most often found in cities and other densely populated areas. These buildings feature multiple units - anywhere from half a dozen to hundreds - in a single multistory building. Each floor can have multiple individual apartments, either featuring doors to the outside or interior hallways.

Apartment & condominium communities

Similar to an apartment building, an apartment community is made up of multiple buildings managed or owned by the same entity. The individual buildings and units vary in size, but usually share one or more community amenities such as laundry facilities, fitness centers or outdoor recreational spaces.

Townhouses

Townhouses are a specific type of multifamily house plan that either exist as their own structure or part of a larger building. They are defined as a home with two or more floors, frequently including a garage or small outdoor space.

Housing co-ops

Housing cooperatives, or co-ops, are a unique form of multifamily home in which each resident owns shares in the community rather than their individual property. Co-ops can be separate housing units in a community, or all in a single building.

Often, co-ops operate similarly to a boarding house, in which residents have individual bedrooms but share common areas like kitchens, living rooms and outdoor living spaces.

While the most common examples, these are only a few types of multifamily house plans you can find all over the world.