5 Homes With Income-Generating ADUs Under $500K

by Kellie Speed

Increasingly, homeowners are looking for ways to boost their home’s value, and one way to do that is by adding an accessory dwelling unit, or ADU.

Whether you want flexible space for a studio, home office, or fitness center, or prefer private accommodations for multigenerational living or potential short-term rental income, an ADU might be worth considering.

With cities like Orlando offering incentives to build ADUs, buyers today are realizing the financial benefits of owning a home with a separate dwelling.

From New York to Michigan, we found five homes with income-generating ADUs under $500K.

1. 2163 St Martins Dr W, Jacksonville, FL

Price: $500,000

Attached ADU: This four-bedroom home, ready for cosmetic updates, includes an accessory apartment with a private entrance.

Located in the Kensington Gardens neighborhood, this sun-soaked, 2,855-square-foot home was built in 1993 and has an open floor plan. Its features include vaulted ceilings, Palladian windows, French doors, skylights, and tile floors. The living room has a fireplace, and the kitchen has a breakfast bar. The one-bedroom accessory apartment has a walk-in shower, a separate kitchen and living area, and washer/dryer hookups.

An attached two-car garage completes the property.

Jennifer Grunewald of Redfin Corporation is the listing agent.

Home with ADU in Jacksonville, FL, on sale for $500,000 — This sun-soaked, 2,855-square-foot home in Jacksonville, FL, was built in 1993. (Realtor.com)

Attached ADU at home in Jacksonville, FL, on sale for $500,000 — The attached ADU at home in Jacksonville, FL. (Realtor.com)

2. 119 Brown House Rd, Conesville, NY

Price: $374,900

Detached guesthouse: This Catskills retreat has two separate residences on park-inspired grounds that include a waterfall.

The four-bedroom log cabin has a rustic interior with a country kitchen and pantry, a living room with a stone fireplace, a den with a wood-burning stove, and a primary suite with two closets. The one-bedroom guesthouse has separate living and dining areas and a spacious deck with serene views.

The 7.67-acre lot is 15 minutes from skiing and also has a detached two-car garage and a year-round stream.

Scott Scorzafava of Scorzafava Real Estate Group is the listing agent.

Log cabin with ADU in Conesville, NY, on sale for $374,900 — This log cabin in Conesville, NY, is set on park-inspired grounds. (Realtor.com)

Guest house on property with a log cabin in Conesville, NY, on sale for $374,900 — The one-bedroom guesthouse boasts serene views. (Realtor.com)

3. 118 Woodland St, Rockport, TX

Price: $499,000

Separate casita: Built in 2015, this two-bedroom home comes with a detached studio-style casita overlooking an in-ground pool.

The 1,540-square-foot main house has a coastal-inspired, open-concept floor plan with shiplap ceilings and board-and-batten accents. The modern interior includes a kitchen with stainless steel appliances and a sleek farmhouse sink. Two bathrooms, one with a soaking tub, round out the interior. A spacious deck looks out over the pool. The casita has a kitchenette and a bathroom with a shower.

The fenced lot is surrounded by mature trees and offers plenty of space for entertaining and relaxing.

Reagen Geer of Spears & Company Real Estate is the listing agent.

Home with detached casita in Rockport, TX, on sale for $499,000 — The home with detached casita in Rockport, TX, was built in 2015. (Realtor.com)

Detached casita at home in Rockport, TX, on sale for $499,000 — The detached casita has a kitchenette and a bathroom with a shower. (Realtor.com)

4. 35 Maiden Ln, Cherry Valley, NY

Price: $279,000

Separate cottage: This three-bedroom residence full of charm and character also comes with a detached dwelling.

Built in 1900, the 2,045-square-foot primary Colonial farmhouse, offering "endless potential," has French doors, arched doorways, and three fireplaces. A light-filled kitchen has a bay window. The sunroom is surrounded by glass to frame the picturesque setting. A covered porch overlooks the peaceful lot that also boasts a two-car garage. The garden suite has a loft-style interior looking to be finished off.

Located on 10.41 acres, the property also has additional space for gardening or recreation.

Linda Flynn of Keller Williams Upstate NY Properties is the listing agent.

Home with detached cottage in Cherry Valley, NY, on sale for $279,000 — The three-bedroom home with detached cottage in Cherry Valley, NY, is full of charm. (Realtor.com)

Detached cottage at home in Cherry Valley, NY, on sale for $279,000 — The garden unit has a loftlike interior. (Realtor.com)

5. 5219 S Straits Hwy, Indian River, MI

Price: $315,000

Guest cottage: This two-bedroom “Perma log” home also includes a detached one-bedroom guest cottage.

The 1,700-square-foot main home has a cozy interior with a living room with a stone fireplace, a kitchen with a separate dining area, and one bedroom with wood-clad walls. It also has a carport. The guest cottage has separate one-bedroom accommodations along with a three-quarter bath.

Set on 6 acres "zoned commercial" for a business opportunity, the property also has a pole building with a workshop and carport.

Dave Carpenter of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Michigan Real Estate - Indian River is the listing agent.