In California, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) have seen a significant rise, accounting for one in five new homes in 2023, up from one in ten just three years prior. This surge is partly due to legislation that has simplified and expedited the approval process, encouraging homeowners to build ADUs on their properties. For example, Mike Bradley’s family in Berkeley expanded their home to accommodate multiple generations by adding a 1,000-square-foot ADU for $350,000.
ADUs offer a solution to California’s housing shortage by utilizing existing residential lots, especially in areas with large properties. However, while ADUs can provide rental income and increase property value, they don’t always lead to significant resale value boosts due to reduced lot sizes. Developers are also integrating ADUs into new subdivisions, increasing housing density without changing zoning laws.
Despite the benefits, ADUs are not a comprehensive solution to the housing crisis. They are often built for personal use or short-term rentals rather than long-term housing. Legislation has enabled ADUs to be a popular choice, but experts, emphasize the need for a broader range of housing types to meet the state’s needs.
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