Two Story ADU Rental in SDSU College Area of San Diego

Explore the transformation of a College Area San Diego property into a lucrative real estate investment with the addition of a two-story ADU. Property owner Malka Nagle shares her journey of developing a rental unit that meets the growing demand for housing in the SDSU College Area. This project is a testament to the benefits of ADU investment properties and the efficiency of working with SnapADU.

Why build an ADU

Malka Nagle, a seasoned real estate investor with over 45 years of experience, decided to leverage her property in the College Area of San Diego by adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). The primary house, which has been a successful rental for 15 years, sits on the property where Malka grew up. With the opening up of ADU laws in California in 2020, she saw an opportunity to maximize the rental potential of her family property.

The decision to build an ADU was influenced by Malka’s previous experience in property development. She needed a hands-off project management approach due to living out of the area. She chose SnapADU for ready-made ADU plans, a professional website, and the ability to handle narrow site constraints efficiently.

“The build was one of the most organized I’ve ever seen. Hardly a day went by without progress, and SnapADU had everything scheduled, down to when the inspectors would come. SnapADU’s project management was incredible. I don’t live in the area, and all I had to do was write the checks – they handled everything from start to finish.” – Malka Nagel, Homeowner in San Diego

ADU Design and Timeline

The selected plan was a two-story, four-bedroom, two-bath unit under 1,200 square feet. This design included amenities like a washer and dryer, which made the unit highly desirable for tenants. The construction process was meticulously organized, with SnapADU managing everything from the design phase, which took about two and a half months, to the permitting process, which was completed in six months. Read more about how long it takes to build an ADU.

The actual build-out of the ADU took approximately six and a half months, with minimal downtime. Despite a few rainy days and the Christmas holiday period, the project progressed smoothly. SnapADU’s systematic approach ensured that each phase of the ADU construction was executed with precision, even accommodating Malka’s request to add extra windows and an island for additional cabinet space.

“I initially considered modular, but I wanted something that looked custom and matched the existing home. SnapADU provided the perfect stick-built solution.” – Malka Nagel, Homeowner in San Diego

Investment and Returns

Malka highlights the financial viability of the ADU project, noting that the cost of building the unit was about 50% of the square foot value of ready-made homes in the area. This significant cost advantage promises a return on investment within six to seven years. The ADU was rented out even before its completion, underscoring the high demand and profitability of such projects in the San Diego real estate market. Read more about the ROI of ADUs.

The successful development of a two-story ADU in San Diego’s College Area not only enhanced the property’s rental income but also demonstrated the efficiency and professionalism of SnapADU’s project management. Malka’s experience as a real estate investor and licensed realtor underscores the strategic advantages of investing in ADUs, especially in high-demand areas like San Diego.

Read our Ultimate Guide to ADU Rentals.