About three years ago, Ilya Lachugin joined Alex Sato in his tiny Hell’s Kitchen apartment. “We had a stove, sink and refrigerator — that’s all,” Mr. Lachugin said. “I cook, Alex cleans.” Mr. Lachugin, 33, who is originally from Moscow, yearned to buy a home. Mr. Lachugin constantly browsed online listings, and last winter the couple decided to visit some …
