4plex

A fourplex, also spelled four-plex or quadruplex, is a residential building that contains four separate housing units. The units can be arranged within a single structure with four distinct entrances and shared walls, or as a pair of duplex buildings connected or positioned in close proximity.

Each unit typically includes its own kitchen, bathroom(s), and living areas, and may have either individual or shared utility metering depending on the property. Common layouts include two stories with two units per floor, or one level per unit in a broad building. The design may emphasize privacy through partitioned entrances, sound insulation, and separate outdoor spaces for each unit.

Ownership and financing options vary. A fourplex may be owned by a single landlord who rents all four units, or subdivided into four independently owned condominiums or townhomes within the same building. Financing is generally handled as multi-family housing; lenders may require higher down payments, stricter income verification, and reserves compared with single-family loans.

Zoning and regulatory considerations commonly apply. Fourplexes are typically located in multi-family zones and must comply with local building codes, fire and safety standards, parking requirements, and occupancy regulations. Some jurisdictions impose rent controls or tenant protections that influence management practices and cash flow.

Economics and market use often drive fourplex investment. They offer more units than a duplex or triplex, potentially increasing rental income and economies of scale, while also presenting greater management complexity and vacancy risk. They are commonly used in urban and suburban markets as a bridge between single-family homes and larger multifamily properties.