Two Story ADU Rental in SDSU College Area of San Diego
Campanile Way, San Diego, CA 92115
Homeowner Story: Generate rental income
Homeowner InterviewExplore 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 and her need for 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.
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.
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.
Floor Plan:
Two Story 4BR/2BA
With four bedrooms, this large two-story ADU of ~1200 sqft is a great option for landlords. A first floor bath and bedroom/office offer flexibility, while three bedrooms and bath upstairs complete the guest house.
Community:
The City of San Diego ADU Guide
SnapADU is a leader in the San Diego ADU market, with a portfolio that includes dozens of completed and ongoing granny flat projects. Our team’s in-depth knowledge of the city’s ADU regulations and our established relationships with local permitting offices streamline the process for our clients. We’re committed to leveraging our experience to navigate the complexities of each project, from initial design to final construction, ensuring that every ADU we build meets the unique needs of homeowners while complying with local guidelines.
Of note, San Diego promotes the building of more ADUs through the affordable ADU bonus program.
