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ADUs Offer Many Benefits & Grow in Popularity

By jh_admin In Real Estate

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are more popular than ever, as more people realize the benefits of owning one of these small units that can easily be placed on their property. Cities throughout California are embracing the benefits of ADUs by helping streamline and ease the permitting process for the public. Likewise, Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation to create more affordable housing, including removing construction barriers to make the manufacturing and delivery process quicker and easier.

All of these changes, along with improved financing options for ADUs and manufactured homes, make having an ADU an attractive and affordable investment. Homeowners who have the space on their property can earn passive income by renting the unit as a long-term rental or Airbnb if allowed by their community.

Home buyers as well as existing homeowners are also discovering that ADUs can be perfect to create

a home office, providing multi-generational housing for in-laws or college graduates returning home, or providing a space for a home gym or hobbies. In California, where land is limited, backyard ADUs offer invaluable flexibility for homeowners, typically at a more affordable cost than a remodel and expansion to the home.

Combine the need for extra space with the ever-increasing cost of housing and rent, and it’s easy to see why ADUs are rapidly growing in popularity. Not only are ADUs and manufactured housing an affordable housing option, but it is also against the law here in California for a city or homeowner’s association (HOA) to prohibit a homeowner from putting an ADU on their property.

Because ADUs add square footage to a property, they also often increase property values, without the time and expense of a complete addition or remodel. ADUs are also considered eco-friendly since the units don’t require additional land; they use fewer resources to build and maintain than a site-built structure; they often make use of existing infrastructure; and they use less energy for heating and cooling. Other energy-saving features may be added, depending on the manufacturer.

As ADUs continue to gain popularity and construction barriers continue to ease with cities and HOAs, HomeQuest encourages you to explore this dynamic and affordable solution for housing or extra space. If you have been considering an ADU or would like to learn more about the options available, please reach out to us here at HomeQuest.