Multiple Choice
These multifamilies -- all under $300,000 -- let you build sweat equity.
$259,000
150 Birch Street, Abington
Square footage 2,618
Lot size 15,245 square feet
Bedrooms 8
Baths 2 full, 1 half
2008 taxes $4,041
Last sold for First time on market
PROS This 1900 three-unit house has been in the same family almost since it was built. Wood floors and high ceilings are among its charms, and because both of the identically laid-out first and second floors have a small back bedroom off a large kitchen, they could easily be reworked to create a master bedroom with bath. The third floor was originally a large attic, so it has high peaked ceilings and skylights. With a galley kitchen, an office, a bedroom, and a huge living room, it could command a decent rent. CONS The layout is a bit odd, and the house needs some work. CONTACT Martin Brackman, Premier Properties, Raynham, 508-941-3233
$297,900
86-88 McLellan Street, Dorchester
Square footage 3,986
Lot size 3,049 square feet
Bedrooms 7
Baths 3 full
2009 taxes $3,335
Last sold for $20,000 in 1966 (estimated)!
PROS This legal two-family with three units has great bones, some original moldings, and off-street parking. The two lower units have nearly identical layouts, with a large front parlor open to a dining area with wood-burning fireplace, and two bedrooms and the kitchen off a long hallway. The only difference is that the second floor has an additional bedroom and office area in front. With some effort, the third-floor unit could be super-cute, with two arched windows in front, a small eat-in kitchen, and two bedrooms with shared bath. CONS The house needs a fair amount of work. CONTACT Abbas Raja, Interstate Realty, Malden, 617-216-4045, interstaterealty.us
$299,000
9-11 Locust Street, Winthrop
Square footage 2,420
Lot size 6,098 square feet
Bedrooms 4
Baths 2 full
2009 taxes $3,311
Last sold for $46,000 in 1988 (estimated)
PROS Located a block from the beach, this two-family has high ceilings and original woodwork. In each unit, the living room is open to the dining room, which has a built-in hutch and a small butler's pantry leading to the kitchen. The kitchens themselves are large, with breakfast nooks, while on each floor the two bedrooms share a hall bath with clawfoot tub. The upper unit has an office in front with a balcony off it and could easily be doubled in size by building a staircase to the huge unfinished attic. CONS The roof, windows, kitchens, and baths need replacing. CONTACT Dan Laterowicz, Vernon A. Martin Inc. Realtors, Ipswich, 978-312-1251 