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ADU Income to Qualify
Have a guest house, basement apartment, or accessory unit? Its rental income could help you qualify.
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What Is This Program?
An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a secondary living space on your property — a basement apartment, guest house, or converted garage, for example. If your home has one, or you’re buying a home that has one, the rental income it can generate may be used to help you qualify for your mortgage. Instead of that space being an afterthought, it becomes part of your financial picture.
Why Buyers Use It
- Turn a guest house, basement unit, or converted space into qualifying income
- Buy a home you might not qualify for on your income alone
- Make an existing ADU work harder for your financial goals
- Explore buying a property specifically because it includes a rentable unit
Is This Right for You?
This program works well for buyers looking at properties with existing accessory units, or homeowners who already have one and want it to count toward their qualifying income. Requirements vary depending on the property and the unit itself, so it’s best explored directly with a loan officer who can review your specific property.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as an ADU?
An ADU is a secondary living space on the same property as the main home — common examples include basement apartments, converted garages, and detached guest houses. A loan officer can confirm whether your specific space qualifies.
Do I need to already have tenants in the ADU?
Not necessarily — in many cases, projected rental income can be used, even if the unit isn’t currently rented. A loan officer can explain what applies to your situation.
Can I use this program when buying a new home with an ADU?
Yes, this program applies to both existing homeowners and buyers purchasing a home that includes an accessory unit.
Does every home with an ADU qualify?
It depends on the property and local requirements for the unit. A loan officer can review your specific property to confirm.
See If Your ADU Could Help You Qualify
Every property is different, and the details matter. Talk to a MegaStar loan officer to see how an accessory dwelling unit could factor into your mortgage.