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Duplex · Requirements

Duplex Loan Requirements in Florida

Duplex loan requirements in Florida come down to the property qualifying as readily as you do. Here is what underwriters check on a duplex and how to clear it before you write an offer.

2
Units
From 3.5%
Owner-Occ Down
Counts
Rental Income
House-hack
Florida
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Duplex · Requirements

Duplex Loan Requirements in Florida

On a duplex, underwriters verify the property type, occupancy, and condition alongside your credit, income, and reserves. The property-specific items — appraisal comps, any HOA or project review, and clear title — are where duplex deals stall. As a broker we pre-check those items so your approval does not surprise you late.

A duplex is the classic house-hack: live in one unit, rent the other, and the lender lets you count that rental income to qualify. As a primary residence, a duplex still gets low-down owner-occupied financing.

Owner-occupied, a two-unit property qualifies for FHA at 3.5% down, conventional at 5%, and VA at $0 down for eligible buyers — and the projected rent from the second unit can offset the payment in your debt ratio. As a pure investment, expect 20%-25% down with DSCR or conventional investor financing.

We structure the duplex loan around how you will use it. For house-hackers we maximize the rental-income credit; for investors we lean on DSCR so the property's cash flow carries the approval.

Duplex at a Glance

✓Owner-occupied FHA from 3.5% down on two units.
✓Projected rent from the second unit helps you qualify.
✓VA $0 down available for eligible buyers.
✓Investor purchase: DSCR or conventional, 20%–25% down.

Read the full duplex financing guide, or compare other angles: Financing Guide · FHA · Conventional · DSCR.

Duplex Snapshot
Units2
Owner-Occ DownFrom 3.5%
Rental IncomeCounts
FloridaHouse-hack
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01
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02
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03
Processing
Our team handles paperwork
04
Close
Typically 14–21 days
FAQ

Duplex Loan Requirements Questions

What are the requirements to finance a duplex?

Beyond credit, income, and reserves, a duplex must meet property condition, appraisal, and (where applicable) HOA or project standards. We confirm the property-specific requirements early so nothing derails the close.

Can I use rental income to buy a duplex?

Yes. When you live in one unit, lenders count a portion of the projected market rent from the other unit toward your qualifying income, which can meaningfully raise what you can afford. We document the rent properly so it counts.

What down payment do I need for a duplex?

If you live in it, FHA allows 3.5% down, conventional 5%, and VA $0 for eligible buyers. As a pure investment, expect 20% to 25% down via DSCR or conventional investor loans. Occupancy decides the number.

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Figures are illustrative only and vary by property, credit score, loan amount, income, and market conditions. Subject to credit approval. Not a commitment to lend. NMLS# 1859012. Equal Housing Lender.