Would you welcome a family member into your home if you had the extra space? Maybe you’re interested in exploring the idea of rental properties but are not yet ready to dive in. Having a second residential home on your primary property has a lot of benefits. With the versatility and convenience of tiny homes, it’s no surprise these ADU (accessory dwelling units) are making a major comeback, especially in Florida, where real estate in general is in hot demand.

If you’re unfamiliar with ADUs or how they could supplement your home and lifestyle, we’ll tell you all about why this concept is making a comeback, especially in high-cost housing markets:

What Is An Accessory Dwelling Unit?

An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a second residential home on the same lot as a primary, single-family home. An ADU can either stand alone or be attached to the existing structure, and it must have independent living space, including a kitchen, bathroom, sleeping area, and separate entrance. An ADU must also be kept up to code and be smaller than the main home.  In some cases, a garage or basement can even be converted into an ADU. but extra bedrooms, sheds, or buildings without utilities generally don’t qualify.

While the concept is not new, the tiny house phenomenon has certainly been driving an ADU comeback. Because tiny houses are affordable and accessible (they can even be purchased on Amazon), setting up a second home in your backyard has never been easier. But is it the right move for you?

Top Reasons Why an ADU(Accessory Dwelling Unit) Might Be Right For You

ADUs are highly convenient, and Central Florida residents pursue ADUs for a multitude of reasons. Here are some reasons why an ADU might be the perfect option for you.

• You Have to Care For An Elderly Relative – Taking care of aging loved ones is a big responsibility. With the cost of nursing home and in-home care skyrocketing, many are looking for creative, affordable ways to provide their family members with the care they need. If your home is too small to move in a family member in need, having a convenient dwelling in your own backyard could be the perfect solution. Plus, it’d allow your family member to maintain some level of independence while you’re still close by when needed.
• Your Nest Is Partially Empty – If your post-college kid is still living in their childhood bedroom, an ADU could be a good transition step. Allowing them to live in a different home on the same property gives them freedom while allowing you to reclaim some of your own space.
• You’d Like To Generate Rental Income – With AirBnB, VRBO, and other online rental platforms, generating rental income from an ADU has never been easier. If you’re not fully ready to make the leap into real estate investments, an ADU can allow you to test the waters. Especially if you’re in a high-demand area, renting an ADU can definitely become a profitable endeavor and even a passive income stream.
• You Host A Lot of Visitors – If you have a lot of friends or family who frequently visit from out of town, offering them a nice place to stay close to your home can help them save on hotel costs and encourage them to visit more often.
• You’d Like To Downsize Without Losing Your Property – If your home is too big, but you love the location, an ADU might be a good option. If you’re a senior, building a smaller, one-floor home can make life more manageable while also allowing you to enjoy your beautiful Central Florida property.
• You’d Like To Increase Your Property Value – Because an ADU can increase the amount of usable living space, it can increase the total square footage of your property, which will ultimately lead to appraisers giving you a higher valuation. It can also make your property more valuable to a wider population, and the rental income potential can also boost your property value.

Whether you’re looking to generate more income, host friends or family, or make better use of your space, an ADU is a fantastic way to enhance your property. As demand for affordable housing increases in Florida, there couldn’t be a better time to add an ADU to your lot.

If you’re wondering how to get started with an ADU or want to explore Central Florida properties that have ADUs in place, get in touch with the expert REALTORS® at Bee Realty Corp. We can help you find or build an ADU that meets your personal and financial goals.