Can I Sell My ADU Separately in California? What You Need to Know

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) have become a popular way to increase functional living space across California. You can use them to create a private office, guest quarters or a place for aging parents — but can you sell your ADU separately in California if your needs change?

The answer is not in most cases, though there are some exceptions. At Valley Home Builders, we specialize in designing and constructing high-quality accessory dwelling units that serve your family’s evolving needs, meaning you may not even need to sell to enjoy your ADU.

Can You Sell an ADU Separately in California?

In most situations, an ADU is legally tied to the primary residence and cannot be sold as a stand-alone property. It shares the same parcel number, utility connections and zoning designation as the main home. This means that if you were to sell your home, the ADU would transfer along with the property.

However, recent legislation means that in California, you can sell an ADU under certain conditions. One such example is AB 1033, which allows ADUs to be sold separately. However, you must live in a city or county that has opted into this possibility.

Even if your city or county does allow for the sale of ADUs separately, the ADU and main property must be converted into condominiums first, and all lienholders must approve the subdivision. This can be a complex, long process.

What This Means for Your Property Value

Even if you cannot sell your ADU separately today, building one can still significantly increase your property’s value. In competitive markets like Santa Clara and neighboring communities, buyers looking for privacy, multigenerational living, work-from-home options, or rental income will see the value in a separate space.

At Valley Home Builders, we build ADUs that meet your immediate needs and enhance long-term resale value. Our focus is always on creating spaces that solve your problems and improve how you live — not simply adding square footage.

Can You Sell an ADU Separately? Final Thoughts

In most cases, you cannot sell an ADU separately, which is something you will want to consider before building one. However, ADUs offer amazing lifestyle benefits, added property value and flexibility that pays off.

In addition, once you have an ADU, you can always renovate it to meet your changing needs. For example, if your ADU was once a yoga studio, it can become a space for hosting parties or working from home.

If you are ready to explore building an ADU on your South Bay property, contact Valley Home Builders today for a personalized consultation.