House Hacking in Indianapolis: How to Live for (Almost) Free

Ever wish your mortgage could pay itself?

For a growing number of first-time buyers in Indianapolis, that’s not a fantasy — it’s house hacking. By buying a duplex, triplex, or single-family with a rentable basement or garage unit, you can live in one part and rent out the other.

It’s the smartest way to build wealth while you live — and Indy’s market is primed for it.

🧠 What Is House Hacking?

House hacking means buying a property that generates rental income while you live there. Think:

• A duplex where you live on one side, rent the other

• A single-family home with a finished basement apartment

• A home with a garage you convert into a rentable unit

Thanks to FHA loans, you can house hack with as little as 3.5% down — and use projected rent to qualify for more home.

➡️ Download our House Hacking Playbook to see real Indy examples, tips, and numbers.

📍 Why House Hacking Works in Indianapolis

Indianapolis is quietly becoming a house hacker’s haven:

• Home prices are still accessible — median home value sits around $250K

• Rents are rising — especially in neighborhoods like Near East Side and Twin Aire

• Multi-units are more common here than in many cities — especially vintage duplexes and shotgun-style homes

Let’s say you buy a $225K duplex in Christian Park. Your mortgage is ~$1,600. Rent the other side for $1,200, and you're living for $400/month — while building equity and owning an asset.

🔍 Best Indy Neighborhoods to House Hack In

🏘 Christian Park
Affordable duplexes and side-by-side units under $230K

📈 Near East Side
Tons of fixer-uppers with rental potential, plus rising rent demand

🌳 Riverside
Historic homes and up-and-coming blocks near the 16 Tech expansion

🎨 Garfield Park
Plenty of bungalows with garage or basement units; strong tenant pool

🚍 Twin Aire
Affordable inventory + Purple Line access = future-proof investment

➡️ Want to see what’s available? Book a free buyer consult and get our handpicked multi-unit listings.

🛠️ Pro Tips from Roots Investor-Agents

• Use an FHA 203(k) loan to buy + renovate a duplex with 3.5% down

• Consider house hacking with roommates if multi-units aren’t available

• Look for properties with separate entrances, meters, and parking

• Use our Investment Calculator to test cash flow and ROI

🎯 Ready to Buy Smart?

We’ve helped dozens of Indy buyers turn their first homes into income-generating assets. Our agents have done it themselves — and we’ll walk you through the numbers, the loan options, and the neighborhoods that make it work.

📘 Get the House Hacking Playbook
🤝 Book a Free Buyer Consultation