New offering Friend compounds (Bay Area) Learn how →

Buy or build homes next to friends & family

Now the people you'd choose to be your neighbors can actually become them.

Get started

Turn the fantasy
into reality

Two paths to living near friends

Pick the one that fits your timeline and ambition.

Move-in ready properties
Path 1

Move-in ready properties

Explore curated properties on our platform, then work with a Live Near Friends specialist agent to purchase. Our specialist agents handle the details others can't.

Effort level Medium
Time required 3-6 months
Available in Bay Area, LA, Seattle
See what's in your city
Build a custom compound
Path 2

Build a custom compound

Turn an underused lot into a custom-built compound. End-to-end assistance on site selection, zoning, finance, and design.

Effort level High
Time required 1-3 years
Available in Bay Area
Learn more

Coming soon: Austin, Washington, D.C.

Get on the waitlist

The best way to get started

Book a free 15 minute consultation. A Live Near Friends expert can:

1

Clarify your goals

2

Explain common financing and legal options

3

Share advice for getting friends and family on board

Book a free consultation

Free 15-minute call · No commitment required

The inspiration:
Radish in Oakland

Live Near Friends founder Phil Levin and his wife Kristen bought a property in 2018. What started as 7 friends has grown into 20 friends spread across 6 neighboring buildings and 8 kids.

Build your own Radish
Aerial view of Radish compound in Oakland

How it works

1

Get inspired

Explore curated properties perfect for living next to friends & family

Live Near Friends app
2

Book a 15-minute consultation

Chat with a Live Near Friends advisor to clarify your goals, budget, and next steps.

Book a 15-minute consultation
3

Find and buy your compound

Buy your home with a Live Near Friends specialist real estate agent.

Find and buy your compound
4

Make your home your own

[If needed] Use our end-to-end services to build additional homes or renovate existing ones.

Make your home your own

We design the relationship,
not just the buildings

What happens when one family wants to sell in 5 years? How do you split shared spaces? Who decides on renovations? We plan for all of this on day one — so your compound is built on solid ground, socially and legally.

Curated "multiplayer" housing

No digging required.

Our team handpicks ideal properties for friends-and-family living.

Ready-made properties

Properties for sale right now in our featured cities.

San Francisco, CA

San Francisco, CA

Duplex: 5 bed / 3 bath
Bay Area, CA

Bay Area, CA

3-unit compound: 6 bed / 5 bath
Seattle, WA

Seattle, WA

Duplex: 4 bed / 5 bath
Seattle, WA

Seattle, WA

Home with JDU: 4 bed / 5 bath

Custom-built

Properties with the right bones for a compound conversion.

El Cerrito, CA

El Cerrito, CA

3 homes · $3.6M

Burlingame, CA

Burlingame, CA

6 homes · $8.2M

Mountain View, CA

Mountain View, CA

5 homes · $6.6M

San Mateo, CA

San Mateo, CA

4 homes · $6.5M

Success stories

Dive into the daily lives of folks who moved near their friends in our latest collection of case studies. Learn how they chose their homes and neighborhoods, and hear their stories of spontaneity and support.

Read more on our blog

Frequently asked questions

What does it mean to live near friends?

Living near friends means intentionally buying homes or units close to one another—often on the same property—so you can share daily life while maintaining private space.

Live Near Friends helps people buy and build duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and multi-home properties designed for this lifestyle.

What is a family compound?

A family compound is a property with multiple homes or units that allow extended family members to live independently while staying close together.

Common setups include:

  • A main home plus an ADU
  • A duplex or triplex
  • Multiple homes on one lot
  • Large properties eligible for subdivision

Family compounds are increasingly popular as housing costs rise and families look for built-in support systems.

Can you get a mortgage with friends?

Yes. Many lenders allow multiple individuals on a mortgage, though they might be required to meet credit score, income, or other requirements.

In some cases, buyers form an LLC or use fractional ownership structures depending on lender requirements and state laws.

How much does it cost to work with Live Near Friends?

Live Near Friends typically earns compensation through standard real estate transaction commissions, similar to traditional buyer representation.

For most buyers, there is no separate upfront fee to explore properties or begin conversations. Costs and commission structures vary by market and transaction type, and transparency is provided early in the process.

Buyers looking to build their own compound can purchase a flat-fee package from Live Near Friends that includes all steps, from purchase to breaking ground. Packages start at $40,000 for a new ADU.

What types of properties are best for living with friends?

The most common property types include:

  • Duplexes
  • Triplexes
  • Fourplexes
  • Homes with ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units)
  • Adjacent homes purchased together

These options allow shared land while preserving private living spaces.

How does Live Near Friends work?

Live Near Friends helps groups of friends or family:

  • Clarify their goals and ownership preferences
  • Identify properties suited for shared living
  • Understand co-ownership and financing options
  • Connect with experienced real estate and legal professionals
  • Navigate the purchase process as a coordinated group
  • Renovate or build properties for multiplayer living

The platform is designed specifically for people who want to buy property together—not just find a house.

Why choose Live Near Friends instead of a traditional real estate agent?

Traditional agents typically focus on one buyer or household at a time. Live Near Friends' network of expert real estate agents specializes in multi-party purchases and intentional proximity living.

That means guidance on:

  • Co-ownership structures
  • Group decision-making
  • Property types suited for shared living
  • Long-term planning and exit strategies

The focus isn't just on buying a home but on building a sustainable, friend-centered living arrangement.

Friends gathering

What are you waiting for?
Time to build your best life.

See what's in your city