GMAC Real Estate Adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit
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Adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit

Takeaways

  • An ADU immediately upgrades the value of your second home property.
  • ADUs typically have less stringent building codes and restrictions than attempting to divide and develop your property.
  • An ADU is a great way to create rentable space on your second home property.

Did you know?

  • An ADU increases your equity stake in the real estate.
ADUs can minimize the headaches when adding to your property. A great way to increase the income potential of your mixed-use second home is to add an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) to the property. These detached living spaces are also known as “mother-in-law units” and are built on property with an existing primary dwelling.

An ADU can be a converted building, like a barn or garage, already located on the property, or it can be completely new construction. The benefits of having an ADU along with your second home is the unit provides additional rental income and it will increase your property value, and by extension your equity stake in the real estate.

When you’re looking into either converted an existing building, or starting from scratch, be sure you understand the zoning regulations and building codes applied to your second home property. You will likely find minimum requirements to ensure the new structure is up to code, and the square footage, footprint and height of your ADU will probably need to fall below a maximum amount.

The ADU is a great alternative to subdividing your second home real estate for development. That process can be lengthy and full of red tape. And might not be an available option with some property. An ADU offers many benefits and can usually be done more easily than dividing your second home real estate.

Search for Second Homes for Sale

To search for a selection of second homes for sale, please visit lifestylehomesearch.com, or visit the website of a GMAC Real Estate Office that serves the area where you'd like to buy a second home. To learn more about buying Second Homes or Vacation Homes, explore the rest of this section, or contact a GMAC Real Estate Agent.