Buy or build homes next to friends & family
Now the people you'd choose to be your neighbors can actually become them.
“A reframing of what success looks like in America”
“A cheat code for living a happy life”
“The ‘live near friends’ movement has leveled up.”
Turn the fantasy
into reality
Seattle, WA
TriplexGrandma gets the first floor. Mom gets the second. The third is all yours.
Oakland, CA
Side-by-side duplexYour morning coffee: now served with a side of BFF on your front porch.
San Mateo, CA
CompoundThe privacy of your own home. The shared backyard of your compound dreams.
Seattle, WA
TriplexGrandma gets the first floor. Mom gets the second. The third is all yours.
Oakland, CA
Side-by-side duplexYour morning coffee: now served with a side of BFF on your front porch.
San Mateo, CA
CompoundThe privacy of your own home. The shared backyard of your compound dreams.
Two paths to living near friends
Pick the one that fits your timeline and ambition.
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.
Build a custom compound
Turn an underused lot into a custom-built compound. End-to-end assistance on site selection, zoning, finance, and design.
Coming soon: Austin, Washington, D.C.
Get on the waitlistThe best way to get started
Book a free 15 minute consultation. A Live Near Friends expert can:
Clarify your goals
Explain common financing and legal options
Share advice for getting friends and family on board
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.
How it works
Get inspired
Explore curated properties perfect for living next to friends & family
Book a 15-minute consultation
Chat with a Live Near Friends advisor to clarify your goals, budget, and next steps.
Find and buy your compound
Buy your home with a Live Near Friends specialist real estate agent.
Make your home your own
[If needed] Use our end-to-end services to build additional homes or renovate existing ones.
Get inspired
Explore curated properties perfect for living next to friends & family
Book a 15-minute consultation
Chat with a Live Near Friends advisor to clarify your goals, budget, and next steps.
Find and buy your compound
Buy your home with a Live Near Friends specialist real estate agent.
Make your home your own
[If needed] Use our end-to-end services to build additional homes or renovate existing ones.
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
Bay Area, CA
Seattle, WA
Seattle, WA
Custom-built
Properties with the right bones for a compound conversion.
El Cerrito, CA
3 homes · $3.6M
Burlingame, CA
6 homes · $8.2M
Mountain View, CA
5 homes · $6.6M
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
New parents in Oakland, CA
Carmen & Osman and Deena moved into their respective homes in an existing minihood. They're parenting their one-year-olds around lots of other toddler-parents.
College friends reunited in Durham, NC
Reed & Eric took a pandemic leap of faith to live near Lauren & Mollie. Over the years, their families have gotten incredibly close, and bagel breakfasts are a weekend ritual.
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.