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Cue: The Sneaky Duplex. It’s a term, a lifestyle, a means to supplement mortgage costs, and so much more.
If you've been searching for creative ways to make homeownership more affordable, let me introduce you to the Sneaky Duplex. It’s a term we coined, and it’s helped homeowners like me cover a significant portion of our mortgage—sometimes up to $22,000 a year! But what exactly is a sneaky duplex, and how can you make it work for you? Let’s dive in!
What Is a Sneaky Duplex?
A Sneaky Duplex is a house hacking strategy that involves turning a spare bedroom into a separate rental unit by adding an exterior door and separating it from the rest of your house. This allows you to maintain your privacy while creating a new income stream. It’s perfect for short-term rentals on platforms like Airbnb or longer-term stays for traveling professionals.
The best part? Guests have their own entrance, so they never have to enter your personal living space. It’s like offering them a mini hotel room that’s entirely separate from your home, giving you peace of mind and extra income each month.
My Personal Experience with a Sneaky Duplex
Watch Here to Tour My Sneaky Duplex!
In our home, my partner and I transformed a guest room into a sneaky duplex. Here’s how we did it:
- Step 1: We closed off the room from the rest of the house using a hidden bookshelf door. This helped keep our living space separate from the rental area.
- Step 2: To ensure privacy, we added soundproofing and a sound machine.
- Step 3: We replaced the window with a sliding glass door, giving our guests a private entrance. The room is at the front of our house, we specifically went house hunting for a house we could turn into a sneaky duplex!
- Step 4: We furnished the room like a hotel suite with a cozy bed, a mini fridge, a Keurig, plush bathrobes and even a small porch outside.
Now, it’s listed on Airbnb and is consistently booked. Our goal is to bring in about $2,000 a month to help with our mortgage payments. Watch the reel to see my sneaky duplex in action.
How a Sneaky Duplex Helps with Mortgage Payments
This guest room has been a game changer for us. It saves us around $22,000 each year—money that goes directly toward our mortgage. Last July, we earned $2,400, up from $1,700 the previous year. Summers in Texas can be slower, but this little suite keeps bringing in income, even when the heat is intense.
And, yes, we do all the cleaning ourselves! By managing it directly, we avoid the $60 per clean that would add up to over $5,000 a year. When we travel, we work with a trusted local property manager who takes care of everything while we’re away, ensuring a seamless experience for our guests.
A Community of Women Using Sneaky Duplexes
The concept of the sneaky duplex has caught on with other members in our community too. A handful of women have utilized this strategy to reduce their mortgage payments, just like we have. One community member even created a Harry Potter-themed sneaky duplex, and it’s been a huge hit! Guests love the unique experience, and she’s been able to make her home work as an investment rather than a financial burden.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sneaky Duplexes
Q: Isn’t this just an efficiency or a studio?
A: Sort of! A Sneaky Duplex is about seeing potential where others might not. It’s a way to create a rental space without buying a new property, and it’s perfect for generating extra income while keeping your home intact.
Q: Is it legal?
A: Absolutely! As long as you’re following local rules and using your property as your primary residence, you’re in the clear. Where I live, renting out a room with an exterior entrance is legal, making it a great way to earn extra income.
Q: How much did it cost to convert a room into a sneaky duplex?
A: The cost can vary depending on your specific setup, but for us, the main expenses included installing the sliding glass door, the bookshelf door kit, soundproofing materials, and furnishing the room to make it feel cozy and welcoming. Altogether, it was around $10,000, but the return on investment has been worth it. We’ve already made back our costs through the extra rental income, and now it’s all profit that goes toward reducing our mortgage each month!
Why We Call It a Sneaky Duplex
Investing in a traditional duplex is great, but those properties can be hard to find and often come with a hefty price tag. A Sneaky Duplex, on the other hand, lets you create a similar setup in a home you already own. It’s a simple yet effective way to turn your property into a true investment—because just owning a home isn’t enough anymore. You’ve got to get creative!
Curious About Creating Your Own Sneaky Duplex?
If you’re interested in house hacking and creating a sneaky duplex, I’d love to help you make it happen! Join our online community for women who are exploring creative real estate strategies just like this. Inside, you’ll find support, resources, and maybe even your next real estate partner.
