Ask any experienced landlord or property manager which unit type they find easiest to lease, and the 2-bedroom, 1-bath answer comes up again and again. It is not the biggest or the fanciest, but it hits a sweet spot between affordability and usable space. Both units at 309 & 311 Grace Ave follow this proven format.
Why renters love two bedrooms
A 2-bedroom unit works for a surprisingly wide range of households. A couple might use the second bedroom as a home office. Two roommates can split the rent. A small household may want the extra room for flexibility. Because the unit fits many situations, the pool of potential tenants is larger than for a studio or one-bedroom.
The single bathroom is a trade-off, but in a 2-bedroom layout it is widely accepted, particularly at a price point below larger rental homes. Renters shopping in this category usually weigh monthly cost heavily, and a 2-bed/1-bath often lands in that comfort zone.
The footprint
The two units at Grace Ave total roughly 1,571 to 1,600 square feet, which works out to about 785 to 800 square feet per unit if split evenly. Exact unit sizes should be confirmed from the floor plans. For a 2-bedroom, that is a compact but practical size, with enough room for a living area, a kitchen, two bedrooms, and a bathroom without wasted hallway space.
Features that matter
Several features in the property support day-to-day livability:
- A dedicated living area: Renters can furnish a real living room rather than squeezing a couch into a bedroom.
- A dedicated kitchen: Separate cooking space is a plus for households that cook at home.
- In-unit laundry setups: This is consistently one of the most requested rental amenities, and it can influence both lease speed and tenant retention.
- Wooden cabinetry: Storage and warmth in the kitchen and elsewhere.
- Tiled flooring: Durable, easy to clean, and generally lower maintenance than carpet.
Efficiency is an investor advantage
A tight, efficient layout does more than please tenants. Smaller footprints can mean lower utility use, lower maintenance, and faster turnovers. When a unit is easy to clean, repaint, and re-lease, vacancy periods tend to be shorter. Over time, that adds up.
Efficient layouts also make renovation budgeting simpler. With fewer rooms and fewer finishes, a value-add plan can focus on high-impact items rather than a sprawling scope.
How the layout supports a value-add plan
Because both units share the same basic format, an owner can standardize the scope of work. The same flooring, paint palette, vanity, and fixtures can be specified for both units, which simplifies purchasing and makes it easier to get contractor pricing. It also means one unit can serve as a model for the other: once a finish package proves it can attract a tenant at the target rent, it can be repeated. That repeatability is one of the quiet advantages of owning matching units on one property, and we will explore the renovation budget in detail in the second half of this series.
What to check during a visit
When you tour a unit like this, pay attention to the details a tenant will notice first:
- Natural light in the living area and bedrooms
- Closet and storage space
- How the kitchen flows into the living space
- Water pressure, outlets, and window condition
- Where the laundry connections sit and whether they are accessible
Make notes and take measurements so you can compare against other properties you are considering.
Where to see the plans
If you are weighing this property against others, the floor plans are the best place to start. They show room dimensions and flow, which lets you picture the units as a tenant would.
Next step: View Detailed Floorplans.
Unit square footage is approximate and should be verified. This article is informational only and is not financial or legal advice.