ADU. Is It For You?

Bobby Curtis was back on KATU’s Afternoon Live to discuss adding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s) or fully functional separate living spaces to your current property. It’s pretty hot in Portland right now, but is it for you? Click to watch the short interview here Or skip right to the highlights below.

What need does an ADU fulfill?

1. More housing in Portland.
2. Extra income for the home owner to help pay mortgage.
3. Multi-generational living on one property

Quick facts

1. Cost: $125k-$250k with permits, materials, labor, and utilities.
2. Going rents for new ADU’s are $1000-$1500/mo
3. They can be separate units- all new construction, converting an existing structure like a garage or even a basement.

Check with your city inspectors about ADU requirements

1. To see what type of permit is required if you want to use it as a short term rental
2. There are parameters ADU’s must meet – Example in Portland it can be no bigger than 800 SF or 75% of the SF of the primary house.

Things to consider with additional dwelling units on your property

1. New tax scenario for your property
2. Whether having tenants, short term or long term will work for you
3. Losing yard space or basement

Ladd’s Addition Bungalow Wonderland with ADU

Ladd’s Addition Bungalow Wonderland with ADU

2323 SE Tamarack Ave. | Portland, OR 97214

Offered at $730,000 | MLS # 19375333

5 BEDROOMS : 2.5 BATHS: 2616 SF

Whimsical, extremely energy efficient 1924 bungalow in a woodsy setting in Ladd’s Addition. The main home has 3 bedrooms 1.5 baths and features renovated to period style kitchen and bathroom. The finished attic is a serene master bedroom with a spacious sitting area and the attached garage-workshop is finished, plumbed and has a secret sleeping loft. Downstairs is a large permitted income producing ADU with 2 bedrooms that sleeps 5. The sprawling over-sized corner lot features meandering stone paths, a straw-bale shed/studio, chicken coop, solar panels and multiple gathering spots. The location is absolute gold: two blocks to the Division New Seasons and two blocks to Abernethy Elementary, with close-in SE and downtown at your fingertips. HES Score: 9 (out of 10!) Walk Score: 91 Bike Score: 99

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