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ADU ROI Calculator
An ADU's return = annual rental income + home value lift − build cost. Cash-on-cash is the rental income divided by cash invested. This calculator sizes both metrics and payback years.
Cash-on-cash ROI
19.9%
Payback years
5
Net annual cash flow
$10,740
15-year total return (cash + value lift)
$227,100
Cash invested
$54,000
How the math works
$180K ADU 70% financed: $54K cash in. $2,000 rent × 94% − $250 opex = $1,630/mo × 12 − $8,820 interest = $10,740 net annual cash. ROI 19.9%. Payback 5 years. Plus $120K value lift = $281K total 15-year return on $54K cash.
Financing leverages ROI dramatically. Cash-only ADU: 6-9% ROI. 70% financed: 15-20%+. Match financing to your risk tolerance.
EveryCalc calculators are designed for fast, practical estimates with transparent inputs and no required account. We use plain formulas, visible assumptions, and related tools so visitors can check the result from more than one angle.
Results are informational only. For financial, tax, legal, medical, construction, or other high-impact decisions, verify the output against primary sources or a qualified professional.
Learn more about our review process on the EveryCalc methodology page.
How this calculator works
What this page estimates
This ADU ROI Calculator is built to give a quick, browser-based estimate for adu roi. An ADU's return = annual rental income + home value lift − build cost. Cash-on-cash is the rental income divided by cash invested. This calculator sizes both metrics and payback years. The inputs stay on the page during normal use, and the result should be treated as an estimate for planning, comparison, or education rather than professional advice.
Calculation approach
The calculator applies the standard relationship implied by the inputs, then formats the answer so it can be checked and reused. For finance tools, the most important step is using consistent units, rates, time periods, and assumptions before comparing the result with another calculator or outside quote.
Example workflow
For example, start with a realistic value you already know, change one input at a time, and watch how the answer moves. That makes it easier to tell whether the result is being driven by the main amount, the rate, the time period, or a unit conversion.
Practical checks
- Use current, real-world numbers when the result affects money, health, tax, or legal decisions.
- Run a low, base, and high case when the inputs are estimates.
- Check the related calculators below when the next decision depends on a different assumption.
How to interpret the adu roi result
Best use
Use the result as a planning number for comparing payments, rates, returns, tax reserves, or cash-flow choices before you request a quote or make a commitment.
Cross-check
Compare the answer with the contract, lender estimate, tax form, brokerage statement, payroll record, or invoice that will control the real-world outcome.
Watch for
Do not rely on a single optimistic rate, return, or fee assumption. Money pages work best when you run low, base, and high cases and keep professional advice separate from the estimate.
This page belongs to the Finance calculator library, so the answer should be read in the context of the decision you are modeling rather than as a universal rule.
Before relying on this adu roi estimate
Most calculator mistakes come from the inputs, not the arithmetic. Use this short audit before you reuse the answer in a spreadsheet, quote, application, or important conversation.
Confirm source numbers
Match balances, rates, fees, taxes, income, and payment dates against the lender quote, payroll record, tax form, statement, invoice, or contract.
Separate cash flow from total cost
A lower monthly payment can still cost more over time if fees, interest, taxes, or a longer term are hidden in the structure.
Run conservative cases
Test at least one higher-cost or lower-return case before using the output for a purchase, refinance, investment, loan, or tax decision.
Rerun this page when the rate, price, term, fee, tax rule, income, expense, or expected holding period changes.
How to Use
- Enter ADU build cost, expected monthly rent, operating expenses, and home value lift.
- See cash-on-cash ROI, payback years, and total return including value lift.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typical ADU ROI?
8-14% cash-on-cash in strong rental markets. Payback 7-11 years. Additional 5-10% home value lift. Strong urban markets (CA, Seattle, Austin): 12-18% ROI easily.
Does ADU count at resale?
Yes. Conforming ADUs add 25-35% to home value typically. Non-conforming (unpermitted): often viewed as liability by appraisers and limited lift.
Financing impact on ROI?
HELOC or cash-out refi to fund: compound on return. If your home value lifts to cover the HELOC balance, ADU is effectively free-standing. Full cash purchase: lower ROI but cleaner finances.
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