Duplex / Triplex / Fourplex
2-4 Unit Property Mortgage Rates
Buy a duplex, triplex, or fourplex - live in one unit, rent the others. FHA 3.5% down, VA 0% down, or Conventional 15-25% down. See live multi-unit pricing below (set Number of Units in the form to 2, 3, or 4).
Conventional Loan Facts
- Down payment as low as 3% for first-time homebuyers, 5% for others
- Down payment assistance programs available to fully cover the 3% down payment
- Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) required below 80% LTV - automatically removed at 78%
- Maximum DTI typically 45%, up to 50% with strong compensating factors
- Minimum credit score generally 620; best rates at 740+
- Available for primary residence, second home, or investment property
- No upfront mortgage insurance premium - only monthly PMI if applicable
Multi-Unit Down Payment Matrix
| Program | Owner-occupied | Investment |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional 2-unit | 15% down | 25% down |
| Conventional 3-4 unit | 25% down | 25% down |
| FHA 2-4 unit | 3.5% down | Not available |
| VA 2-4 unit | 0% down | Not available |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a 2-4 unit property with FHA?+
Yes - FHA allows 3.5% down on owner-occupied 2-4 unit properties. You must live in one unit. Recent FHA changes made multi-unit FHA more flexible by allowing rental income from the other units to help qualify.
Can I buy a duplex with VA?+
Yes - VA allows 0% down on owner-occupied 2-4 unit properties for qualifying veterans. You must live in one unit. Rental income from the other units can help qualify subject to the lender's overlay.
What is "house hacking"?+
House hacking is buying a 2-4 unit property as an owner-occupant, living in one unit, and renting the others. The rental income offsets your housing payment. With FHA 3.5% down or VA 0% down, this is the lowest-capital path to becoming a landlord.
How much down do I need for an investment 2-4 unit?+
Conventional non-owner-occupied 2-4 unit purchases require 25% down (75% LTV cap). Some programs go to 20% down with strong reserves. Cash-out refinance maxes at 70% LTV.
Will rental income help me qualify?+
Yes. Conventional and FHA both allow rental income from the non-owner-occupied units to be counted (with documentation). Typically 75% of market rent (per appraiser) counts toward qualifying income on Conventional; FHA has its own formulas.
Are 2-4 unit rates higher than single-family rates?+
Yes - typically 0.25% to 0.75% higher on Conventional, slightly higher on FHA. The pricer above prices multi-unit accurately when you select 2, 3, or 4 units in the form.
Is the $2,000 Best Price Guarantee available on multi-unit?+
Yes - on qualifying fixed-rate Conventional Conforming, FHA, and VA owner-occupied 2-4 unit loans of $200,000+. Investment property (non-owner-occupied) multi-units are excluded.
Apply for a 2-4 unit loan
Live rates, $2,000 guarantee on qualifying owner-occupied loans.
Start my applicationFHA 3.5% down multi-unit
VA 0% down multi-unit
Pure investment property?
See DSCR Direct for investor loans