Turn Your Vacant Lot into a High-Value Duplex Opportunity
We’re looking for a small number of buildable lots in Northwest Indiana. Sell your land for a fair price — or partner with us to share in the upside of a new duplex build.
- ✔ Quick zoning & build-fit analysis
- ✔ Sell outright or joint-venture for higher returns
- ✔ Local Realtor® & builder specializing in NWI duplex development
See If Your Lot Qualifies
Enter your parcel details below. We'll review and get back to you quickly.
Why Landowners Choose PennyReady Ventures
Local experience, transparent communication, and a proven track record in Northwest Indiana make us a trusted partner for landowners considering a sale or a build partnership.
Local Duplex Development Expertise
We specialize in identifying, designing, and developing duplex projects in Lake & Porter County. We understand local zoning, setbacks, utilities, and the unique build requirements in each municipality.
Fair & Transparent Options
Whether you want a straightforward land sale or prefer a joint-venture build for long-term upside, we provide clear numbers and honest guidance — no pressure and no obligations.
NWI-Based Realtor® & Investor
As a local Realtor®, builder, and investor, John understands neighborhood values, buyer demand, rental rates, and the factors that impact the highest and best use of your land.
What We Build
Our duplex design is specifically engineered for Northwest Indiana’s zoning, density, and rental demand — making it one of the strongest “highest and best use” options for qualifying vacant lots.
Modern 3 Bed / 2 Bath Duplex Homes
Based on our FIRCREST Duplex Plan — a 2-story design with approx. 1,500 sq ft per unit, attached garages, efficient layouts, and modern curb appeal — this product fits seamlessly into many NWI neighborhoods and zoning districts.
- ✔ ~1,500 sq ft per unit (per plan)
- ✔ 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, open-concept main floor
- ✔ Attached garages & covered porch entries
- ✔ Modern elevation with strong curb appeal
- ✔ Ideal for long-term rentals or owner-occupied duplex living
The full architectural set includes elevations, floor plans, foundation plans, and structural details — ensuring a smooth permitting and build process across Lake & Porter County.
Is Your Lot Eligible?
Most NWI lots qualify — but here are the main factors we review to determine if a duplex build is feasible.
Lot Size & Shape
Typical minimum: 55–70 ft width depending on the city. Deeper lots offer more flexibility for garages, drainage, and setbacks.
Zoning & Land Use
Many areas of Lake & Porter County allow duplexes (R-2 / R-3 / MDR). Even some single-family zones permit two-family homes with a review.
Utilities & Access
Lots with existing sewer/water connections qualify fastest. Corner lots and paved-road access add additional value.
About John Schmoeger
Local Realtor®, Duplex Developer & NWI Market Expert
John brings a unique combination of real estate experience, construction knowledge, and local insight to every land evaluation. As a licensed Realtor® with extensive hands-on involvement in duplex development across Northwest Indiana, he understands zoning, build-fit feasibility, rental demand, and neighborhood dynamics at a deep level.
John works directly with landowners to provide clear, honest guidance — whether you're considering selling your lot outright or partnering on a new duplex build for long-term financial upside. No pressure, no gimmicks — just straight answers backed by local expertise.
Zoning Overview for Northwest Indiana
Many lots in Lake & Porter County already qualify for duplex construction. Here’s a simple breakdown of the zoning districts where two-family homes are commonly permitted — or allowed with a planning review.
R-2 / Two-Family Residential
Typically the most duplex-friendly zone. Duplexes are normally a permitted use with standard setback requirements. Many lots in Portage, Hobart, Merrillville, and Hammond fall under this designation.
R-3 / Medium-Density Residential
Allows two-family homes in many municipalities. These districts often provide more flexible lot coverage, width minimums, and accessory options — ideal for duplex infill development.
Conditional Use in R-1 / Single-Family Zones
In several NWI cities, duplexes may be allowed in R-1 or R-1A zones with a planning department review or special exception. We handle this evaluation for you.
Municipality-by-Municipality Differences
Each city (Portage, Valparaiso, Chesterton, Hobart, Gary, etc.) has its own duplex rules, lot width requirements, and review processes. We check your zoning instantly during the Build-Fit Analysis.
Corner Lots & Non-Conforming Lots
Corner lots often receive more favorable access approvals. Undersized lots may still qualify under “legal non-conforming use” — something most landowners aren’t aware of.
We Verify Zoning for You
No guessing. We review your parcel’s zoning, setbacks, utilities, and feasibility as part of your free Build-Fit Analysis — usually within 24 hours.
Our Build Process Timeline
Whether we purchase your lot outright or partner with you on a duplex build, our process is structured, transparent, and designed to move efficiently from land review to completion.
Lot Review & Build-Fit Analysis
We verify zoning, setbacks, utilities, topography, and feasibility. You’ll get clear answers quickly — usually within 24 hours.
Offer or JV Proposal
Based on the analysis, we present either a fair cash offer or a joint-venture proposal where you share in the upside of the duplex build.
Survey, Engineering & Permits
We coordinate surveys, architectural review, structural engineering, and the city permitting process. You stay informed every step of the way.
Site Prep & Foundation
Lot clearing, utility checks, excavation, footings, and foundation installation. This phase sets the structural base for a smooth build.
Framing & Exterior Construction
Structure is framed, roof installed, windows/doors set, and the duplex starts taking shape. Exterior appearance is completed in this phase.
Interior Buildout & Final Walkthrough
HVAC, plumbing, electrical, insulation, drywall, trim, flooring, fixtures, and finishes. Final inspections and a walkthrough complete the project.
Why Duplexes Are the Best Use of Your Lot
Duplex homes offer one of the strongest returns on land in Northwest Indiana. Whether you're considering selling or exploring a build partnership, here’s why duplexes outperform most alternatives.
Higher Land Value & Stronger ROI
Duplexes create two income-producing units on a single lot, raising the land's usable value. This often results in higher cash offers or stronger JV returns for landowners.
Lower Per-Unit Construction Costs
Shared walls, foundations, and utilities reduce overall construction costs per unit — making duplexes one of the most efficient structures to build in NWI.
High Rental Demand Across NWI
Duplex rentals are consistently in demand in Portage, Valparaiso, Merrillville, Chesterton, and surrounding areas — offering reliable long-term returns.
Fits Many Existing Lot Sizes & Zoning Districts
Most neighborhood lots already meet width and density requirements for duplex approval under R-2, R-3, MDR, or conditional-use zoning.
Simpler Construction & Faster Approvals
Duplexes use predictable engineering and permitting workflows, leading to fewer surprises and a faster build timeline.
Flexible Options for Landowners
Sell your lot outright or partner on a duplex build for long-term upside. Both paths create meaningful value depending on your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Straightforward answers for Northwest Indiana landowners considering a sale or joint-venture duplex project with PennyReady Ventures.
Ready to See What Your Lot Can Become?
Get a fast, no-obligation review of your Northwest Indiana property. We’ll check zoning, setbacks, utilities, and duplex feasibility — all 100% free.
Check My Lot Eligibility