Owning a Roslindale triple-decker lets you live in one home and have two units help pay the mortgage. It is a smart way to build equity and tap into Boston’s strong rental demand. The key is buying the right building with the right plan. In this guide, you will learn how triple-deckers work in Roslindale, how to underwrite rents, what inspections to order, and which rules matter in Boston so you can move forward with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Triple-decker basics
A triple-decker, sometimes called a three-decker, is a three-story, wood-frame building with one apartment per floor. Many have stacked front porches, flat or low-slope roofs, and original details from the early 1900s. They were built to house working and middle class households across New England and remain a staple of Boston’s multifamily market.
For buyers, the appeal is simple. You can live in one unit and rent the others, or hold all three as rentals. Layouts vary by building, so look closely at bedroom counts, light, storage, and porch condition during showings.
Why Roslindale stands out
Roslindale blends village-center charm, transit access, and a wide range of multi-family housing. Roslindale Village offers shops and dining, and many homes sit near bus routes, the commuter rail, and connections to the Orange Line at Forest Hills. You can review routes and schedules on the MBTA website.
Access to transit and local amenities supports both rental demand and long-term resale. For a high-level neighborhood overview and planning context, explore the Boston Planning and Development Agency’s neighborhood resources.
Pricing and comps in Roslindale
Triple-decker pricing depends on location, building condition, lot size, and rental income. Markets move fast. Ask your agent to pull very recent Roslindale comps for 3-unit properties, ideally within the last few months, and to analyze both active and closed data. Historical sale records are also available through Suffolk County public records.
When reviewing comps, pay attention to:
- Unit mix and bedroom counts by floor
- Condition of exterior elements, especially porches and roofing
- Presence of separate utilities, updated systems, and in-unit laundry
- Current rent roll and lease terms
Underwriting the rents
Before you offer, build a simple income-and-expense view. Focus on these basics:
- Gross Rent Multiplier (GRM). Purchase price divided by annual gross rent. Lower GRM can indicate better value relative to income.
- Net Operating Income (NOI). Gross scheduled rent minus typical operating expenses, excluding mortgage and capital improvements.
- Cap Rate. NOI divided by purchase price, a quick way to compare returns.
- Cash-on-Cash Return. Annual pre-tax cash flow divided by your cash invested.
Ask for copies of leases, rent rolls, and security deposit records. Verify payment history. Budget for vacancy and turnover. If you plan to self-manage, account for your time. If you plan to hire a manager, include that cost in your pro forma.
Financing options for 3-unit properties
Many buyers use owner-occupant financing for a triple-decker. A few common paths:
- FHA for 2–4 units. FHA will insure loans on 2–4 unit properties if you live in one unit as your primary residence. Review current rules on HUD’s site.
- Conventional loans. Lenders follow Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac guidelines. Pricing and down payment needs are often more favorable for owner-occupants than for pure investors. Ask your lender how they will treat rental income, especially for units without long-term leases.
- Investor loans. Some lenders offer loans based on the property’s income. Terms vary, and rates and down payments are often higher than owner-occupant loans.
Key questions for your lender:
- What down payment is required for a 3-unit if I live in one unit?
- How will you count rental income, current leases, or projected market rents?
- What reserves are required for a 3-unit in Boston?
Inspections that matter for triple-deckers
Older wood-frame buildings need careful due diligence. Order a general multi-family inspection and add specialists as needed:
- Porches and structure. Porches are common failure points. Ask for a close look at posts, footings, and ledger attachments.
- Roof and drainage. Flat or low-slope roofs often need more frequent replacement. Confirm age, membrane type, and water management.
- Electrical. Look for outdated panels, knob-and-tube wiring, and insufficient capacity for modern loads.
- Plumbing and heating. Identify older galvanized supply lines, old boilers, and any oil tanks.
- Sewer scope. A camera inspection can reveal aging drains and root intrusion.
- Lead paint and asbestos. Most pre-1978 homes may contain lead. Learn the basics of Massachusetts lead law on Mass.gov and the EPA’s renovation rules on the EPA lead page.
If you plan renovations, confirm permit history and ask the City of Boston about required permits and inspections. Start with the city’s building permit resources.
Zoning, rental registration, and permits
Triple-deckers are multi-family dwellings under Boston zoning. Before you buy, confirm the property’s zoning district, allowed uses, and any overlay or historic district considerations with the BPDA’s zoning and planning information. Setbacks, lot coverage, and parking rules can affect additions, dormers, or exterior changes.
If you will rent units, review Boston’s rental registration and inspection requirements on the City of Boston website at boston.gov. Massachusetts landlord-tenant law covers security deposits, notices, and eviction procedures, and you can find guidance at Mass.gov. It is smart to understand these responsibilities before closing, especially if you are inheriting tenants.
Property taxes and insurance
Boston property taxes are based on assessed value through the City of Boston Assessing Department. Pull the current assessed value and recent tax bills, and keep in mind that major renovations can trigger reassessment. You can start with the city’s main site at boston.gov.
For insurance, look for policies that cover multi-family buildings and landlord liability. Underwriters will ask about age, wiring, heating fuel, porch condition, and any prior claims. If you plan to live in one unit, verify that your policy fits mixed residence-and-rental use, including loss-of-rent coverage if available.
Neighborhood, transit, and schools
Transit access supports rents and resale in Roslindale. Check commuter rail and bus options, as well as transfers to the Orange Line at Forest Hills on the MBTA site. Walkability to Roslindale Village, parks, and everyday retail is a plus for many renters and buyers.
For school questions, Boston Public Schools uses address-based assignments. Review enrollment guidance and performance data directly from Boston Public Schools. School options can change, so verify the most current information.
Resale and value factors
Features that tend to help value and rentability include:
- Well-maintained porches, siding, and curb appeal
- Updated kitchens and bathrooms
- Separate utilities and meters, where legal and properly permitted
- Compliance with Boston’s rental registration and inspection requirements
- Proximity to transit, shops, and parks
Watch for issues that can slow resale, such as unpermitted work, missing certificates of occupancy, or aging systems that will require near-term capital work.
A simple buyer checklist
Use this as a quick roadmap:
- Work with a Boston agent experienced with Roslindale triple-deckers.
- Run very recent Roslindale comps for 3-unit homes and review active and closed listings.
- Build your pro forma with realistic rents, vacancy, and management costs.
- Choose a lender and confirm down payment, reserves, and how rental income will be counted.
- Order a building inspection plus roof, porch, electrical, sewer scope, lead, and oil tank checks as needed.
- Verify zoning district and any overlay or historic rules with BPDA resources.
- Confirm Boston rental registration and inspection status on boston.gov.
- Review current leases, rent rolls, and security deposit records.
- Pull assessed value and recent tax bills; budget for potential reassessment post-renovation.
- Get insurance quotes tailored to small multi-family buildings.
- If you plan renovations, confirm permits and code compliance before you start.
- Keep reserves. For older buildings, many owners set aside 5 to 10 percent of gross rent for maintenance and capital projects.
Buying a triple-decker in Roslindale can be a smart path to long-term wealth and community roots. With solid due diligence and the right team, you can buy with clarity and confidence. If you are ready to explore opportunities or want a second opinion on a property, reach out to the Muncey Group. We would be honored to help you chart the best path forward.
FAQs
Can I use FHA to buy a Roslindale 3-unit if I live in one?
- Yes, FHA can insure loans on 2–4 unit properties if you occupy one unit as your primary residence; review current guidelines on HUD’s site and confirm lender requirements.
What inspections are essential for an older triple-decker in Boston?
- Order a general multi-family inspection plus targeted checks for porches, roof, electrical, plumbing, sewer, lead paint, asbestos, and any oil tanks or old heating systems.
How should I underwrite rents for a Roslindale triple-decker?
- Verify current leases and deposits, use recent local rent data, budget for vacancy and turnover, and calculate NOI, cap rate, and cash-on-cash return before you offer.
What Boston landlord rules should I know before renting units?
- Boston requires rental registration and periodic inspections, while Massachusetts law governs security deposits, notices, and eviction procedures; start with resources on boston.gov and Mass.gov.
How do zoning and permits affect triple-decker renovations in Roslindale?
- Zoning district rules, setbacks, and parking can shape additions or exterior changes, and most structural or system work needs permits; review BPDA guidance at bostonplans.org and confirm permit needs with the City of Boston.
