JULY 22ND

The Benefits of ADUs for Single Family Rental Investors in Phoenix

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In the competitive real estate market of Phoenix, single-family rental investors are constantly seeking innovative ways to maximize their returns. One increasingly popular strategy is the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). ADUs offer a range of benefits, from increasing rental income to enhancing property value. This blog will explore what ADUs are and why they are particularly advantageous for single-family rental investors in Phoenix.
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What is an ADU?

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An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a secondary housing unit located on the same lot as a primary single-family home. ADUs come in various forms, including:
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– Detached ADUs: Separate structures located on the same property as the main house.
– Attached ADUs: Units that are attached to the primary residence but have a separate entrance.
– Garage Conversions: Existing garages or structures transformed into living spaces.
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ADUs typically include a kitchen, bathroom, living area, and sleeping quarters, making them fully functional and independent residences.
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Benefits of ADUs for Rental Investors

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  1. Increased Rental Income

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One of the most compelling advantages of ADUs for rental investors is the increased rental income. By adding an ADU to a single-family property, investors can effectively create two rental units on one lot. This means that the primary home and the ADU can be rented out separately to different tenants, significantly boosting overall rental revenue. In a high-demand rental market like Phoenix, this can lead to substantial financial gains.
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  1. Enhanced Property Value

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The addition of an ADU can significantly increase the value of a property. In Phoenix’s competitive real estate market, properties with multiple rental units are often more attractive to buyers and investors. An ADU adds versatility and potential for higher returns, making the property more marketable and valuable.
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As the construction costs per square foot to build an ADU are often far less than the selling price per square foot in the neighborhood, these projects often result in increased property value + additional equity in the subject property with a cash-flowing asset.
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  1. Maximizing Property Utilization

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ADUs allow investors to make better use of their existing properties. Instead of relying on a single rental unit, they can capitalize on underutilized spaces, such as backyards or garages, to create additional living quarters. This not only optimizes land use but also enhances the property’s overall functionality and appeal to potential renters.
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  1. Diversified Tenant Base

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Having an ADU allows investors to diversify their tenant base. For instance, the main house could be rented to a family, while the ADU could be rented to a single professional or a couple. This diversification can reduce the risk of vacancy and provide a more stable income stream, as it is less likely that both units will be vacant simultaneously.
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  1. Flexibility and Future-Proofing

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ADUs offer flexibility in property management and future-proofing. Investors can choose to live in the ADU while renting out the main house or vice versa. Additionally, if family circumstances change, such as needing to accommodate an aging parent or a grown child, the ADU provides a convenient solution without requiring major property modifications.
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  1. Tax Benefits and Incentives

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In some cases, investors may be eligible for tax benefits or incentives for building ADUs. These can include deductions for construction costs, depreciation, and potential state or local incentives aimed at increasing affordable housing. It is advisable to consult with a tax professional to understand the specific benefits available in Phoenix.
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  1. Contribution to Affordable Housing

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By adding ADUs, investors contribute to the supply of affordable housing in Phoenix. This not only helps meet the growing demand for rental units but also supports community development and can improve the neighborhood’s overall attractiveness.
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Conclusion

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For single-family rental investors in Phoenix, ADUs present a lucrative opportunity to enhance their rental portfolio. The ability to rent out two separate units on one property can significantly increase rental income, optimize property use, and boost overall property value. Additionally, ADUs offer flexibility, diversification, and potential tax benefits, making them a smart investment in the ever-evolving real estate market. As housing demand continues to rise, ADUs provide a practical and profitable solution for forward-thinking rental investors.

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The Typical Building Process

The ol' fashioned way.

Find an architect

An architect designs your home without discussions with engineers, builders and interior designers. You can’t walk through the home design and experience the layout, proportions of the spaces and quality of the fixtures and fittings.

Hope the design is buildable

An architect designs your home without discussions with engineers, builders and interior designers. You can’t walk through the home design and experience the layout, proportions of the spaces and quality of the fixtures and fittings.

Engineering

The engineer designs the structural systems of the house without any consultations with the contracting builder. They may find costly structural issues with the plan which needs to go back to the architect for alterations, adding to the client’s overall costs.

Collect quotes

The client is happy with the design but at this stage won’t know the true costs of the build or whether it’s on budget until they quote it out to different builders. Often quotes come back with varying degrees of build quality, assumptions, and unknown estimates that don't reflect the real cost of construction.

Quote and fees

It’s up to the client to determine which builder quotes will deliver the best final outcome for them. Throughout the whole process, the architect’s fees are paid as each stage is completed with many architects charging around 6%-18% of your final build costs.

Variable pricing

Because the design team are separate from the construction team, unexpected issues can arise which may add to the build cost. Materials, fittings and features often have to be custom-made to the architect’s and engineer’s specifications, therefore adding to the overall build cost.

Change orders

Because the builder was not involved in the design process and doesn't have a complete understanding of the project, it is very likely that you will experience several cost escalation change orders. The worst part is, the builder profits on these price increases that should have been predicted at the project start.

Our Method

Creating a seamless path to new construction.

Experts working together

Our design and construction team work together on each home design. Our architect, interior designer, engineer and builder collaborate to devise solutions that don’t compromise the style or functionality of the home. This all occurs before a design ever lands on our website.

Curated and custom designs

With MLC, you can choose from a range of meticulously crafted home designs or work with our design team to, alter those designs or create a bespoke design tailored to your unique needs and lifestyle.

Holistic design and build solution

Our streamlined approach saves you time and cost while providing one dedicated team for every aspect of your project. The construction costs are a key consideration throughout the design process for peace of mind, efficiency and certainty.

Transparent pricing

For our pre-designed homes, inclusions and costs are finalised before you commit to building your home. There are no hidden or additional costs due to design revisions once your contract is signed. If an unforeseen condition occurs, we never profit on it. This way our incentives align with you.

Design a bespoke home

Our ‘Bespoke Option’ involves personalised brief-development sessions with our architect and sales teams to fully understand your design parameters. New plans and 3D model elevations and site locality plans will be developed following your brief and in collaboration with our team.

01

Initial brief development consultation

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Bespoke floor plan presented to client for approval

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3D model elevation and site locality plan presented to client

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Site visit to understand the plan in its context and make any design changes needed

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Finalise the revised floor plans and elevations

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Select your home’s finishes

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