Eyeing a Somerville triple-decker so you can live in one unit and let rental income help cover the mortgage? You’re not alone. These classic three-story homes are part of Somerville’s history and a smart path into multi-family ownership when you do your homework. In this guide, you’ll learn how triple-deckers work, what to watch for during inspections, how financing and local rules apply, and the due diligence that keeps your investment on track. Let’s dive in.
What a triple-decker is
A triple-decker is a wood-frame, three-story home with one apartment per floor. Most were built from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. You’ll often see stacked porches or bays, a flat or low-pitched roof, and a long, narrow footprint that fits Somerville’s tight lots.
Many still show period details like wood floors and original moldings. Kitchens, baths, and systems are often updated in phases, so expect a mix of old and new.
Why Somerville triple-deckers attract buyers
Somerville’s growth during the streetcar era created strong demand for dense, walkable housing. Triple-deckers offered an affordable, low-rise way to live near transit and jobs. That still rings true today.
- Live-in income: You can occupy one unit and rent the others to offset expenses.
- Flexible strategies: Owner-occupiers, small investors, and renovators use them in different ways.
- Location benefits: Transit access, walkability, and proximity to popular squares can support rents and resale.
- Scale on one lot: Three units share one roof and one parcel, which can help your long-term value.
Tradeoffs include older systems, more complex operations than a single-family, limited parking on some streets, and the need to manage tenants and comply with local rules.
Investment basics: income and expenses
Before you bid, map out a simple income-and-expense model. Focus on what is real today, not just potential.
- Rents and leases: Review the current rent roll and all leases. Compare to market rents for similar units to gauge upside. Build in vacancy assumptions.
- Operating costs: Include taxes, insurance, utilities (and who pays), maintenance, reserves, and any property management.
- Capex planning: Older buildings often need roof, porch, mechanical, or envelope work. Budget a contingency.
- Lender view: Many lenders will count some documented rental income in underwriting for 2–4 unit properties when you plan to occupy one unit. Investor loans have different terms.
Market prices, days on market, and cap rate expectations shift quickly in Greater Boston. Ask for current comps and rent data before you write an offer.
Financing 2–4 units
You can often use conventional financing or certain government-backed options if you occupy one unit. Down payment, reserves, and documentation requirements vary by program and lender. If you buy as an investor, you may need different mortgage products with distinct rates and terms.
- Owner-occupied, 2–4 units: Conventional and some government programs may apply when you live in one unit. Requirements differ, so compare options.
- Non-owner investor: Expect investor or commercial terms and stricter underwriting.
- Documentation: Be ready with leases, rent history, and unit details for appraisal and underwriting.
Work with a lender who regularly closes multi-family deals to avoid surprises.
Taxes, insurance, and risk
- Property taxes: Ask for recent tax bills and assessment history from the Somerville Assessor’s Office. Look for trends and any exemptions or abatements.
- Insurance: Multi-family policies should reflect rental occupancy and older-structure risks. Costs may be higher than a single-family, especially with wood siding or outdated systems.
- Flood exposure: Check FEMA flood maps and city planning resources. Flood zones affect both mortgages and insurance pricing.
Somerville rules to know
Somerville sets requirements that apply to rental housing and building changes. Confirm details with the city before you plan work or adjust use.
- Rental registration and inspections: Expect registration or permitting steps for rentals through Inspectional Services. Periodic inspections or certificates of occupancy may apply with ownership or use changes.
- Zoning: Verify allowed uses, density, setbacks, and parking in the zoning ordinance. Plans to convert units, add space, or alter layouts might need relief.
- Permits and code: Any material changes, from porch rebuilds to mechanical upgrades, require permits and inspections. Unpermitted work can delay closings and add cost.
- Safety and health rules: The Massachusetts Lead Law applies to pre-1978 homes and affects rental units and some owner-occupied work. State sanitary codes and local housing codes set habitability and life-safety standards.
- Tenant protections: Massachusetts has legal protections for tenants. Coordinate with a real estate attorney when buying or selling with occupants in place.
- Historic overlays: Exterior changes in historic districts or on designated properties may require review by the Somerville Historical Commission.
Inspection checklist for triple-deckers
Older wood-frame buildings can be solid when maintained, but targeted inspections are essential. Hire a licensed inspector who knows multi-family homes.
Structure and foundation
- Look for settlement, cracks, or shifting in stone, brick, or concrete foundations.
- Note sagging floors, especially between bearing walls and under heavy kitchens.
- Evaluate porch supports, ledger connections, and stairs for safety.
Roof and exterior envelope
- Check roof age and condition, flashing, gutters, and chimneys.
- Inspect siding, window operation, and weather sealing.
- Review porch decking, rails, and exterior stairs for rot and secure connections.
Water and drainage
- Assess basement dampness, drainage, and grading.
- Ask about past water events and any sump or membrane solutions.
- Investigate any signs of old underground oil tanks.
Mechanical systems
- Confirm electrical service capacity and panel condition. Flag knob-and-tube wiring or outdated panels.
- Identify plumbing materials. Galvanized or lead components may need replacement.
- Review heating systems, hot water heaters, and ventilation by unit.
Fire and life safety
- Verify two means of egress where required and safe stair geometry.
- Check fire separations between units and the condition of fire escapes if present.
- Confirm smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and interconnected to code.
Hazardous materials
- Expect lead paint in pre-1978 buildings. Plan for testing and compliance for rentals.
- Look for potential asbestos in older insulation, floor tiles, or adhesives.
- Request any past remediation records and permits.
Renovation and value-add
The most common projects on triple-deckers are practical and code-driven.
- Porches and roofs: Rebuild or replace aging porches and roofs to protect the structure.
- Electrical and plumbing: Upgrade service and replace older piping to support modern loads and fixtures.
- Kitchens and baths: Phase cosmetic updates across units to lift rent while keeping occupancy.
- Code items: Address egress windows, stair rails, and detector interconnection.
- Layout changes: Conversions or reconfigurations need design, permits, and inspections. Allow time and budget for professional help.
Build a phased plan and reserve funds for surprises. Thoughtful, permitted work can drive value and reduce risk.
Location factors in Somerville
Triple-deckers are found across many of Somerville’s older neighborhoods. Proximity to transit and amenities often drives demand.
- Transit and walkability: Access to MBTA lines and bus routes, plus bike lanes and paths, can support rents and resale. Living near Union Square, Davis Square, and other commercial nodes is a draw for many tenants.
- Parking: Some lots are tight, and off-street parking can be limited. Understand on-street permit rules and tenant expectations.
- Schools and parks: If schools matter to you, review Somerville Public Schools information and neighborhood assignments. Parks, restaurants, and local retail also influence demand.
Due diligence and documents to request
Ask the seller for a complete info package and verify with public records when possible.
- Income and tenant files: Current rent roll, all leases, security deposit records, and a history of who pays which utilities.
- Taxes and insurance: Recent tax bills, assessment history, insurance policy summaries, and any claims records.
- Permits and occupancy: Rental registrations, certificates of occupancy, building permits, and contractor invoices for past work.
- Inspections and reports: Prior home inspections, oil tank sweeps, lead testing, and any mold or asbestos remediation.
- Municipal services: Water and sewer account status and confirmation of connections.
Bring in a team: a Somerville-focused agent, a multi-family inspector, a lender experienced with 2–4 units, a real estate attorney familiar with Massachusetts landlord-tenant law, and contractors or an architect for scope and permit planning.
How to buy smart in a competitive market
- Clarify your strategy: Owner-occupy, invest, or renovate-and-hold. Your plan affects financing, offer terms, and renovation scope.
- Run the numbers: Model conservative rents, real operating costs, and a reserve for capital projects. Stress test for rate changes and vacancy.
- Write protective offers: Use inspection contingencies, lease review, and estoppel letters when units are occupied. Confirm the appraisal is realistic for condition.
- Verify rules early: Check rental registration, zoning, and any historic overlays before committing to big plans.
- Plan the first year: Budget immediate safety fixes, schedule key upgrades, and set clear processes for tenant communication and maintenance.
Ready to explore opportunities and compare live listings with real rent comps and operating budgets? Our team pairs neighborhood insight with fast, data-driven guidance so you can move with confidence. Connect with Moving Greater Boston to start your triple-decker search.
FAQs
What defines a Somerville triple-decker?
- A three-story, wood-frame building with one apartment per floor, often with stacked porches, built mainly between 1880 and 1930.
Why choose a triple-decker over a single-family?
- You can live in one unit and use rental income from the other two to offset expenses while building equity on one lot.
How do I finance a 2–4 unit home if I plan to live there?
- Many buyers use conventional or certain government programs for owner-occupied 2–4 units, with terms and requirements that vary by lender.
What inspections are most important for older three-deckers?
- Focus on structure, porches, roof, water intrusion, electrical and plumbing systems, and fire and life safety items like egress and detectors.
Do Somerville rental properties need registration or inspections?
- Yes, rental registration and inspection requirements apply through the city’s Inspectional Services; verify current rules before renting.
What should I review in the seller’s documents?
- Rent roll, leases, tax bills, assessment history, insurance summaries, permit history, occupancy certificates, and any past inspection reports.
How do historic districts affect exterior work?
- Properties in local historic districts or with municipal designation may need review by the Somerville Historical Commission for exterior changes.
Do lead paint rules apply to these homes?
- Most pre-1978 buildings may contain lead paint, and Massachusetts Lead Law sets requirements for rentals and certain owner-occupied work.
