Monday, January 13, 2025

Accessory Dwelling Units -- want to build one? It is a lot easier than it has been in the past...

At the end of 2019, during an interview with the Sacramento Bee asking my opinion about the local Sacramento real estate market, the reporter asked about my most "out there" forecast or trend: I responded with -- wait for it -- constructing Accessory Dwelling Units, aka - ADU's

At that time, I was optimistic that as some state legislation encouraged city/county ADU application streamlining and the "by-right" ability of residential property owners to add ADUs to their properties, we'd see more homeowners building them. There are many parcels in greater Sacramento that could easily accommodate ADUs, whether that means converting existing space like a garage or basement to an ADU, or constructing a freestanding ADU Casita in the backyard. We could have thousands of mini-infill projects all over our region adding more housing at affordable prices.

Well, fast forward to 2025: ADUs have arrived! 

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a secondary residence on the same lot as a primary home. It can be attached, detached, or created by converting existing spaces like a basement. ADUs offer flexible living solutions, increase housing unit supply, and provide more affordable housing options. Examples include detached cottages, garage conversions, or repurposed home areas.

I am noticing ADU construction all over greater Sacramento...I am also noticing more and more that you can purchase existing resale homes with ADUs (which is now a searchable property characteristic in our MLS), and I am noticing new construction builders offering options for detached ADUs or attached "multigen" suites -- separate attached units with private entrances, kitchenettes, living space, and private bedrooms/bathrooms. Super cool, and I can tell you these are in demand.

I am so glad to see that Sacramento County and many of the cities withing Sacramento County have not only made the permit/application process easier for ADUs -- they have also created pre-approved design plans!

ADU info in different jurisdictions -- 

If you are interested in constructing an ADU, I can point you to a few different builders who have come to specialize in them...or if you are wanting to purchase a resale or new construction home with an ADU, I am happy to assist you. Don't hesitate to reach out.

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