Are there any disadvantages or special considerations that need to be taken into account if you want to turn a single family house into a multifamily?

My wife and I are looking to buy our first home. I've convinced my wife to get either a duplex or a single family house that could be easily converted.

​

I just toured a house today that seems like it would fit the bill. It is about 2,200 sq. ft. and there is a section of the house that could easily be walled off and would have a bath room, large bed room/living area small kitchen, its own entrance. The rest of the house is large enough that we really wouldn't miss the extra space.

​

Are there any disadvantages to doing something like this? The county property appraiser has the house classified as "Single Family". Would I have to apply to get the property rezoned?

​

I grew up one county north of where I'm currently looking to buy a house. My mother inherited a single family home with an attached "efficiency" apartment. It had its own bathroom, kitchenette and entrance and was walled off from the rest of the house. She always rented the two sections out separately but paid for the water since there was only one water meter. If you search Miami Craigslist for [efficiency]( https://miami.craigslist.org/search/apa?maxAsk=650&query=Efficiency&srchType=A ) you will see a lot of listings for this type of apartment. It is something that is really common in South Florida. I'm assuming that my idea would be fine and legal though I want to do some more research to make sure. Since my mother inherited the house like that, she hasn't really be able to answer any questions on whether or not I would have to do anything special to get the house rezoned.

submitted by /u/o_safadinho
[link] [comments]

source https://www.reddit.com/r/RealEstate/comments/fb79ht/are_there_any_disadvantages_or_special/