Top Duplex and Townhome Plans: Smart Designs for Long-Term Returns

Investing in residential real estate continues to be one of the most reliable paths to long-term wealth—and well-designed duplexes are at the top of the list. At Peer House Design LLC, we specialize in architect-designed duplex and investor-friendly house plans that balance market appeal, build efficiency, and profitability.

Whether you’re a first-time investor, a seasoned developer, or a homeowner looking to offset a mortgage with rental income, here’s what makes our top duplex and investor plans stand out.

Why Duplexes Are a Smart Investment

Duplex homes offer a unique combination of benefits that single-family or larger multifamily properties often can’t match:

  • Two income streams on one parcel

  • Lower construction cost per unit compared to apartments

  • Simpler financing than larger multifamily projects

  • Flexibility for owner-occupants (live in one, rent the other)

  • Strong appeal in urban, suburban, and growing rural markets

When designed correctly, duplexes can blend seamlessly into residential neighborhoods while delivering excellent returns.

What Makes a Great Investor-Focused Duplex Plan?

At Peer House Design LLC, every duplex plan is created with real-world investment performance in mind. Our most popular plans share a few key traits:

1. Market-Ready Curb Appeal

Our duplexes are intentionally designed to look like high-quality single-family homes, not utilitarian rentals. Styles often include:

  • Modern farmhouse

  • Contemporary and modern

  • Craftsman-inspired

  • Clean, timeless traditional forms

This boosts rental demand, resale value, and neighborhood acceptance.

2. Efficient, Repeatable Layouts

Strong investor plans prioritize:

  • Identical or mirrored units for construction efficiency

  • Simple rooflines and structural systems

  • Smart plumbing and mechanical stacking

  • Minimal wasted square footage

The result: lower build costs and faster timelines.

3. Tenant-Friendly Interiors

Our top duplex plans consistently feature:

  • Open-concept living, dining, and kitchen spaces

  • Private entrances for each unit

  • In-unit laundry

  • Adequate storage and bedroom separation

  • Functional outdoor spaces when possible

Happy tenants stay longer—and that means better cash flow.

Popular Duplex & Townhouse Plan Configurations

Duplex Plan #239

Duplex Plan #239 is a clean, modern side-by-side duplex designed with both livability and investment performance in mind. Featuring a symmetrical layout with private entrances and attached garages for each unit, this plan offers strong curb appeal while maintaining construction efficiency.

Inside, each unit is thoughtfully laid out to maximize usable square footage, with open-concept living areas, functional bedroom separation, and everyday conveniences that appeal to long-term tenants or owner-occupants. The exterior design reads as a high-quality single-family residence, making it an excellent fit for residential neighborhoods while supporting strong rental demand.

Ideal for investors, house hackers, or small-scale developers, Plan #239 delivers a smart balance of design, durability, and return on investment—built to perform today and hold value for years to come.

See Duplex Plan #239 here

Duplex Plan #16

Duplex Plan #16 is a modern, urban-inspired duplex designed for high-density living without sacrificing style or privacy. Featuring a clean, contemporary exterior and two clearly defined private entries, this plan is ideal for infill lots and growing neighborhoods where smart use of space matters.

Each unit is thoughtfully stacked to maximize livable square footage, offering open-concept living areas, strong natural light, and efficient vertical circulation. The flat roof and minimalist detailing give the building a timeless, modern presence, while the straightforward form supports cost-effective construction.

Perfect for investors, developers, or homeowners looking to generate rental income, Plan #16 delivers a sleek architectural profile with practical layouts built to perform in today’s urban rental market.

See Duplex Plan #16 here

Townhouse Plan #46

Townhouse Plan #46 is a contemporary, multi-level townhouse design created for high-density developments that demand strong street presence and long-term market appeal. With clean lines, modern materials, and a repeating façade rhythm, this plan is ideal for urban and suburban infill projects, mixed-use neighborhoods, and small-scale residential developments.

Each unit is vertically stacked to maximize livable space while maintaining privacy, featuring open-concept main living areas, generous windows for natural light, and efficient circulation throughout. The modular design supports repeatable construction, making it a smart choice for developers and investors focused on scalability and cost control.

Designed to balance architectural character with build efficiency, Plan #46 delivers a polished, modern townhouse solution that attracts today’s buyers and renters while supporting strong project economics.

Duplex Plan #10 is a bold, contemporary duplex designed for urban living and modern investment strategies. With its clean, box-style massing, flat rooflines, and strong vertical lines, this plan makes a striking architectural statement while remaining highly efficient to build.

Each unit features a private entrance and a thoughtfully stacked layout that maximizes interior space and natural light. Large windows, open living areas, and clear separation between public and private zones create an interior that appeals to today’s renters and owner-occupants alike. The compact footprint makes this plan especially well-suited for narrow lots and infill developments.

Ideal for investors, developers, or house-hackers, Plan #10 combines modern design with practical performance—delivering strong curb appeal, efficient construction, and long-term rental potential.

See Duplex Plan #10 here

Townhouse Plan #192

Townhouse Plan #192 is a highly efficient, multi-unit townhouse design created for investors and developers seeking strong density with straightforward construction. Featuring a clean, linear form with exterior stair access and upper-level entries, this plan is ideal for maximizing rentable square footage while keeping build costs in check.

The stacked layout allows for multiple units under one roof, with private entrances and clearly defined living spaces that appeal to long-term tenants. The simple roofline, repetitive structural system, and efficient circulation make this plan especially well-suited for workforce housing, small multifamily projects, or suburban infill developments.

Designed with performance and practicality at its core, Plan #192 delivers a smart balance of density, durability, and return—making it a dependable choice for investor-focused residential projects.





Built for Flexibility & Local Adaptation

Our plans are intentionally designed to be modifiable:

  • Adjust square footage or bedroom counts

  • Adapt foundations for slab, crawlspace, or basement

  • Customize exterior materials to meet local codes or HOA requirements

This gives investors a strong starting point while still allowing for project-specific customization.

Designed by Professionals, Priced for Investors

Unlike generic plan catalogs, Peer House Design LLC plans are:

  • Professionally designed with architectural intent

  • Focused on buildability, not just aesthetics

  • Priced to make sense for real investors, not just dreamers

You get the benefit of thoughtful design—without the cost or time of starting from scratch.

Ready to Build Smarter?

If you’re looking to expand your portfolio, house-hack your first property, or develop small-scale multifamily housing, our duplex and investor plans are built to support long-term success.

👉 Explore our full collection of duplex and investor-ready plans at peerhousedesignllc.com
👉 Have a specific site or market in mind? We can help you choose—or tailor—the right plan.

Design smarter. Build efficiently. Invest with confidence.

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