Long Beach Island Duplexes

Duplexes on Long Beach Island are a popular option for investors and families alike. Most are either traditional stacked units—one floor over another—or side-by-side townhome-style layouts with separate entrances. While older homes often follow the up-and-down format, newer builds sometimes feature custom designs or condo-style ownership. Duplexes offer flexibility, rental potential, and a practical way to enjoy LBI with shared or multi-generational use.

Classic Style

This traditional style has one unit on the first floor and another directly above it. Common in older homes across LBI, it’s a tried-and-true layout that’s still being built today, offering separate living spaces under one roof.

Side-By-Side Style

These newer duplexes sit next to each other like townhomes, each with its own entrance and multiple floors. They feel more like individual homes and are popular for their privacy, layout, and modern design.

Custom Layouts

These duplexes often have a more unique or offset design, sometimes built new or created through major renovations to existing homes. They may feature private entrances, upgraded finishes, and layouts tailored for rental income, shared ownership, or extended family use.

 FAQs

  • Most traditional stacked duplexes are sold as a single property, with both floors included. However, it’s not unheard of for just one floor to come on the market separately. Side-by-side duplexes are more commonly sold as individual units, with each side having its own deed. Custom or other multifamily properties are typically sold as an entire building rather than in separate portions.

  • If you own the entire building, insurance is usually handled with one homeowner’s policy and one flood policy for the whole property. For side-by-side duplexes, each owner typically carries their own homeowner’s insurance, but liability coverage is shared. Flood insurance is often shared as well, though in some cases it can be separate. When liability and flood insurance are shared, it essentially creates a “mini HOA,” where both owners contribute agreed-upon “dues” to cover these costs. Often this is already set up before you purchase.

  • Yes, in most cases a duplex or other multifamily property can be converted to single-family use. However, once it is rezoned or rebuilt as a single-family home, Long Beach Island regulations do not allow it to be converted back into a multifamily property.

  • For a duplex with a single owner of the entire building, repairs are handled and paid for directly by that owner, typically using insurance when applicable. In duplexes with separate owners “under one roof”, responsibility depends on the type and location of the damage. If the issue affects only one unit, that owner is usually responsible. If it impacts shared elements—such as the roof, foundation, or exterior walls—both owners contribute to repairs, often through insurance policies and any shared funds set up for joint expenses.

  • Yes, many, if not all, duplexes—especially side-by-side layouts—have separate meters for electricity, gas, and water. This makes it easier for each unit to manage its own utility bills. Older or traditional stacked duplexes may share some or all utilities, but these have mostly been separated.

  • Many LBI duplexes are used as vacation rentals, either for one unit or both. Owners often rent one side while using the other for personal use, which can help offset expenses. Rental demand is strong during the summer season, making duplexes a popular choice for investment or passive income.

Buyer Information

Learn important information pertaining to a buyer in this real estate market. Learn about the process, typical closing costs, mortgage info, insurance info, local recommended professionals, and more!