Curious why so many Boston streets feature tall, porch-fronted homes with three stacked apartments? If you have walked through Dorchester, Roxbury, or Jamaica Plain, you have likely seen a classic triple-decker. You might be weighing one as a home, an investment, or both. In this guide, you will learn what a triple-decker is, how they were built, what to inspect, and the basics of financing, ownership, and resale. Let’s dive in.
Triple-decker basics
A triple-decker, also called a three-decker, is a three-story, wood-framed building with one self-contained apartment on each floor. Most were built on modest urban lots with rectangular footprints and stacked front porches or bay windows. Exterior siding is usually wood clapboard or shingles.
These buildings are a hallmark of New England cities, especially in Massachusetts. In Boston and Suffolk County, you will find them across many inner neighborhoods that grew during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Why Boston has so many
Triple-deckers were built mainly from the 1870s to the 1930s. They offered practical, relatively affordable housing for industrial-era workers and immigrant families. Their compact footprints helped create walkable streets near streetcar lines and job centers.
In Boston, you will commonly spot triple-deckers in Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, Roxbury, Mission Hill, and parts of Allston and Brighton. Some appear in South Boston and East Boston as well. Many are documented in local historic surveys due to their architectural and social importance.
Typical layouts and features
Each floor usually holds a full apartment with a kitchen, living room, one to three bedrooms, and a bathroom. Many buildings feature a front or rear stair that serves all three levels. Some have separate rear stairs for egress.
Common floor plans include a front parlor or living room with bedrooms clustered off a hallway and the kitchen toward the back. Two-bedroom units are standard, though some three-bed layouts exist depending on footprint. Attic or basement spaces may have been converted over time.
Exterior details often include stacked porches, bay windows for light, and decorative wood trim. Roofs are commonly flat or shallow pitched. Earlier buildings used balloon framing, while later ones used platform framing.
Common building systems and upgrade needs
Older triple-deckers can be charming and solid, but plan for due diligence on systems and the envelope. Typical issues include:
- Boilers and hot-water systems that are near or past useful life
- Older plumbing, including galvanized or lead components in very old buildings
- Electrical modernization needs, such as knob-and-tube wiring or undersized service
- Limited insulation and single-pane windows that affect energy efficiency
- Porches and exterior woodwork that require regular painting and structural maintenance
- Environmental concerns like lead-based paint, possible asbestos in older materials, and basement moisture or mold
A prudent buyer will verify roof age, boiler and hot-water equipment, electrical capacity, plumbing materials, porch integrity, foundation condition, and any environmental hazards.
Ownership paths in Boston
You have three primary ways to own a triple-decker in Boston:
- Multi-family rental: You own the whole building and rent all three units.
- Owner-occupied: You live in one unit and rent the other two. This is a common way to offset costs.
- Condominium conversion: You legally convert each apartment into an individual condo that can be sold separately.
Co-op structures exist but are rare for this property type.
Rules and permits to know
If you plan to rent your units, Boston requires rental registration and compliance with local housing codes through Inspectional Services. Periodic inspections and enforcement apply. Always verify the latest program names and requirements directly with the City of Boston.
For renovations or condo conversions, you will work with building permits and code compliance through the City of Boston. Condominium creation follows Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 183A. If the building has tenants, state and local rules may require specific notices or relocation assistance. Historic district overlays can add review steps for exterior changes.
Financing 2–4 unit properties
Most 2–4 unit properties qualify for conventional mortgages, and lenders often allow owner-occupants to use products similar to single-family loans. FHA loans can insure mortgages on 1–4 unit buildings if you will live in one unit, with lower down-payment options and property standards.
Investor financing often requires higher down payments or different underwriting. Lenders may set stricter terms for non-owner purchases. Newly converted condominiums must meet lender guidelines for condo projects, including reserves and owner-occupancy thresholds.
Work with a lender or mortgage broker experienced in Boston 2–4 unit underwriting. Requirements and terms change, so early lender conversations can save time.
How to inspect a triple-decker
A comprehensive multi-unit inspection is essential. Build your team with a home or building inspector who has multifamily experience and add specialists as needed. Key steps include:
- Full building inspection of structure, roof, porches, and common areas
- Mechanical review of boilers or furnaces, hot-water systems, electrical panels and service, and chimney conditions
- Plumbing review of pipe materials, water heaters, and sewer lateral condition (sewer scoping is often wise in older neighborhoods)
- Environmental checks for lead paint, possible asbestos in older materials, and mold in moisture-prone spaces
- Life safety review of smoke and CO alarms, legal means of egress, and stair/fire separation compliance
- City review for open violations, unpermitted work, and rental registration status
Maintenance and operating costs
Owning a triple-decker means planning for ongoing operating expenses and reserves. Budget for:
- Heating fuel or gas, hot water, and common-area electricity
- Insurance tailored to multifamily risks
- Exterior maintenance like painting and porch repair
- Roof replacements and periodic boiler or water heater replacements
- Potential energy upgrades such as insulation, windows, and modern heating systems
- Property management or your own landlord time and tools
Energy retrofits can improve comfort and lower operating costs, which benefits both owner-occupants and investors.
Resale and what affects marketability
Triple-deckers appeal to several buyer groups: house-hackers who plan to live in one unit, investors seeking rental income, and buyers focused on condo conversion. Your resale value depends on:
- Neighborhood demand and proximity to transit, employment, and amenities
- Overall condition and level of deferred maintenance
- Clear legal status, no open violations, and correct rental registration
- Unit mix, light, private outdoor space, and parking options
Buildings in move-in condition with updated systems typically sell faster to owner-occupant buyers. Investors tend to focus on solid rent rolls and minimized capital expenditure needs.
Neighborhood examples in Boston
Triple-deckers are common in Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, Roxbury, Mission Hill, and parts of Allston and Brighton. You will also find examples in South Boston and East Boston. Distribution varies block by block, so evaluate each property in its specific context.
What to ask the seller
Before you write an offer, request documentation that helps confirm condition and performance:
- Current rent roll, lease terms, and vacancy history
- Recent capital improvements with dates and receipts for roof, boilers, and electrical service
- Any open building or housing code violations
- Evidence of lead-safe work when applicable, plus smoke and CO alarm compliance
- Utility bills for the last 12 months to estimate operating costs
Next steps
If a triple-decker fits your goals, start with a clear plan. Confirm your financing path with an experienced lender. Line up inspections that match the building’s age and systems. Verify city compliance, especially if you will rent units or plan a condo conversion. A thoughtful approach will help you buy with confidence and set up for successful ownership.
When you are ready to tour properties or want a second set of eyes on a potential purchase, connect with a neighborhood-savvy team that supports buyers, sellers, and investors across Boston. Work with RE/MAX Real Estate Center for local guidance from search to closing and beyond.
FAQs
What is a triple-decker in Boston real estate?
- A triple-decker is a three-story, wood-framed building with one apartment per floor, a classic New England housing type widely found in Boston.
Where are triple-deckers most common in Boston?
- You will often find them in Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, Roxbury, Mission Hill, and parts of Allston, Brighton, South Boston, and East Boston.
Can you use FHA or conventional loans for a triple-decker?
- Yes, many 2–4 unit properties qualify for conventional loans, and FHA can insure loans if you live in one unit, subject to lender and property standards.
What inspections are most important for older triple-deckers?
- Focus on boilers and hot-water systems, electrical capacity and wiring, plumbing and sewer lateral, roof and porches, foundation, and potential lead or asbestos.
What should I know about condo converting a triple-decker?
- Conversions follow Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 183A and may involve tenant protections, permits, and code upgrades, plus lender guidelines for new condos.
Are triple-deckers good investments in Boston?
- They can be, but returns depend on rents, expenses, condition, capital needs, and compliance; verify the rent roll and budget realistic reserves before you buy.
