Is a front or back duplex unit better?

Neither in general. Front units suit families with older kids and people who like street life. Back units suit young children, entertaining and privacy.

Why is the back unit of a duplex more expensive?

Back units usually offer more privacy, a larger yard and direct garage access. Developers price for those features, even when the front unit has a better layout or light.

Are side by side duplexes noisier?

They typically share a longer party wall, so there is more surface for sound to cross. Build quality decides how much you hear.

The Duplex Intensive

Duplex 101 / 09

Front, Back or Side by Side: Choosing a Duplex Layout

By Sonia Felix, REALTOR® | byfelix.

Oakwyn Realty Downtown

Why they all look the same on paper

You are touring duplexes and every layout looks fine. Front, back, side by side, they seem interchangeable until you live in one and realize it was not built for how you live.

The front unit

A front unit suits families with kids around 7 to 14. They are old enough to play out front, spot friends walking by and call out for a spontaneous play date the way it used to work.

It also suits people who like connection. You see the street move. You know your neighbours and want to keep it that way. Front units usually have easier guest parking and a shorter walk to the shops.

The back unit

A back unit suits younger children who need a yard you can watch closely. It also suits people who entertain often and want privacy while they do it. Turn the music up, host late, and the street does not need to know.

Back units often come with the lane side garage or carport, which is part of why they are usually priced higher. More on that.

The side by side

A side by side suits someone who wants the feeling of a single family home. Front and back access, a whole house sensation, without being one.

The tradeoff is a longer shared wall. You are closer to detached living, but the wall between you and your neighbour is doing more work, and you will hear more of it. How to test that.

Buy for who you are now

Each layout is built for a different life stage and a different tolerance for noise, privacy and connection to the street. Choose for who you are now, not who you were five years ago or think you will be in five more.

Feel the difference

Not sure which one you are? Let me take you on a private tour of three or four duplexes in your budget, in different layouts, so you can stand in each one instead of guessing from photos.

Common questions

Is a front or back duplex unit better?: Neither in general. Front units suit families with older kids and people who like street life. Back units suit young children, entertaining and privacy.
Why is the back unit of a duplex more expensive?: Back units usually offer more privacy, a larger yard and direct garage access. Developers price for those features, even when the front unit has a better layout or light.
Are side by side duplexes noisier?: They typically share a longer party wall, so there is more surface for sound to cross. Build quality decides how much you hear.