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Unlocking Affordable Housing Through Innovative Financing

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HOUSE HACKERS PRESENTS:

Maddie Morgan Jacob Lignell Gabe Nelson Quinn Cappellucci

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In Salt Lake City, the cost to build an ADU ranges from $100,000 to $250,000 (ADUC)

This represents a major financial barrier for many homeowners, particularly when compared to the median household income in the city, which is ~$75,000.

For many families, this cost is unaffordable without assistance, especially considering that non-family households have a much lower median income of ~$51k. (Neilsberg)

Standard financing options, such as home equity loans, or HELOCs, are not tailored to ADU development.

These loans typically require homeowners to have substantial existing home equity, and loan limits are usually capped at 80% of the homes value. Unfortunately, these traditional loans do not consider future rental income.

Problem Statement

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Homeowners begin making payments only after the ADU is rented out, minimizing financial risk during the construction phase.

Aligning the loan repayment with actual cash flow, making the process more accessible for middle-income homeowners relying on rental income.

Our ADU-DSCR Deferred Lending Solution

Our model ensures that homeowners can fund their ADU projects without requiring significant upfront capital.

Loans under this model cover up to 80% of the total ADU construction cost, reducing the upfront cost.

With Salt Lake City ADU costs of $75,000-$170,000, this method can provide up to $136,000 in coverage.

80% LTV

Deferred Payments

Innovative Financing

Pre-qualifies homeowners based on future rental income (DSCR).

In Salt Lake City, rents for a studio ADU range from $1,050-$1,400 per month, and for a 1-bedroom ADU, rents range from $1,365-$1,820.

By leveraging projected income, allows homeowners to secure financing.

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Tri-Benefit Framework

Community Stability & Densification:

Renter Advantages:

Access to Single-Family Neighborhoods: ADUs offer affordable rentals in desirable areas without sacrificing quality of life.

Affordable Rental Units: The model promotes ADU growth, boosting affordable housing supply.

Homeowner Value Adds:

Increased Property Value: ADUs boost property value by 10-20%, increasing equity.

Cash Flow Flexibility: Deferred payments until completion and rental reduce financial strain during construction.

Lower Upfront Costs: Factor projected rental income to qualify for 80% of ADU construction costs, bypassing high equity needs.

ADUs create more housing options in desirable locations - coined as “Gentle Density” lightly amplifying housing diversity in optimal conditions.

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Hedging Risk Levels Amidst

Future Rent Financing

Specialized Mortgage Insurance

Government Backing

Deferred Payments Until Completion:

Payments start post construction, easing financial pressure and lowering default risk during construction.

Covers income loss from vacancies or defaults, ensuring consistent cash flow for lenders.

Government partnerships offer partial loan guarantees, reducing lender risk and promoting ADU financing.

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Phase 1: Pilot Program in ADU-Friendly Cities

Projected Scalability & Financial Impact

    • Portland, OR: ADU-friendly with streamlined permits.

    • Los Angeles, CA: High demand, relaxed ADU regulations.

    • Austin, TX: Growing market with ADU incentives.

    • Seattle, WA: Strong demand for affordable housing.

Phase 2: Expansion Strategy Based on Zoning Updates

    • Years 1–2: Pilot in 4–5 cities with strong ADU demand.

    • Years 3–5: Expand to 10+ cities with evolving zoning.

    • Beyond Year 5: National rollout as states pass ADU-friendly policies.

Long-Term Financial Impact

    • Year 1: 200 ADUs, $3.6M in rental income.

    • Year 5: 1,000 ADUs, $18M in rental income.

    • 5-Year Cumulative: 3,000+ ADUs, $45M+ in total rental income and strong homeowner profits.

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2 Bed 1 Bath Detached ADU being built in SLC.

1. Construction Phase:

Interest Deferred Monthly: $1,020.83

Total Deferred Interest (6 months build time) $6,124.98

2. Permanent Mortgage:

-Adjusted Loan Amount: $181,124.98

(original $175,000 + deferred interest)

Total Monthly Payment (30 years at 7%): $1,206.42

PMI is $85 a month.

*taxes and insurance added to primary expenses

$1,870 Projected Avg. Rental Value

$1,291.42 Total Monthly Payment

$578.58 Monthly Profit (7k Yearly)

Case

Study

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Monthly Loan Payment: $1,206.42

Adjust Loan Amount: $181,124.98

Cash Flow Example

Total ADU Cost: $175,000

Interest Deferred During Consutrction

Permanent Mortgage: 30 Years at 7% Interest

Total Monthly Payment: $1,291.42

Projected Rental Income: $1,870/Month

Net Monthly Income After Loan Payment: $578.58

Deferred Interest: $1,020.83/month ($6,124.98 for a 6-month build)

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Thank

You