Study cites interest in ADUS growing among elderly

AARP’S 2021 Home and Community Preferences Survey found more than three-quarters of adults ages 50 and older want to stay in their homes (77%) and communities (79%) as they age. These findings are timely as the number of older adult households is rapidly growing, increasing the need to provide more accessible and affordable housing options. According to the Urban Institute, households headed by those aged 65 and older are expected to grow from 34 million to 48 million in the next 20 years.

The survey found growing interest in accessory dwelling units among older adults. While 33% say their houses would need renovations so they can age in place safely and independently, majority of adults surveyed say they would live in an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) or in-law

unit in order to live close to someone and maintain their own space (64%), in case they needed help with daily activities (62%), or to save money (52%). Moreover, 62% said they would consider building an ADU on their property for a loved one who needed care or for a family member or friend who needed a home (54%).

ADUS “are a way to inject new housing options into existing communities and have the potential to provide the options that people want,” says Rodney Harrell, vice president of family, home and community at AARP. Harrell says building an ADU can be more affordable and can provide more of the design features that people of all ages need than some of the older housing.

Brett Caviness, president of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors, notes in response to the state’s critical housing shortage, California has passed several laws making the process of acquiring an ADU permit faster and easier, reducing impact fees, and providing amnesty for unpermitted units.

“Many local jurisdictions have become receptive to these more affordable structures. Guidelines on zoning, lot size, rear yard coverage and setbacks have been eased, though vary depending on the city,” said Caviness.

Caviness explains ADUS are still considered affordable to construct since there would be no payment for land, major infrastructure, and parking. “ADUS can provide a source of income for homeowners and an investment. They provide additional living space for families and others, particularly seniors who wish to age in place and require care or wish to live close to family members.”

Mlslistings, the Silicon Valley-based multiple listing service serving the Bay Area and Northern California, has partnered with Symbium, a free property information portal that offers Symbium Build, an accessory dwelling unit feasibility tool free to Realtor members of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors and other agents in the Mlslistings subscriber base. Symbium Build can find out if an ADU is eligible on any California property, help the owner visualize how to fit the structure on a property, explore designs from already constructed ADUS or design their own, connect with a design professional to help get an ADU built, and evaluate costs and the next steps for getting the ADU actually designed, approved, and built.

Additionally, the tool can break down various kinds of ADUS for a property and pull all zoning codes and requirements of the city where the property is located. Using Symbium Build, Realtors can generate a free ADU report for a listing presentation, disclosure packet, and add further value in any real estate transaction by showing the potential

ROI of a property to buyers or sellers.

“Homeowners interested in building an ADU should consider its

value, cost, and contact their city’s planning department to find out specific rules before beginning the process,” said Caviness.

To find a Realtor and learn more ADUS, visit www.silvar.org. To learn more about Symbium, visit www.symbium.com.