Process Map

5

Understanding & Evaluating Financing Options

Financing your ADU or multiplex conversion requires careful planning. This step helps you understand the range of financing options available, including traditional mortgages, specialized ADU/multiplex loans, alternative financing, and government incentives. Before committing, it’s important to evaluate your borrowing capacity, compare financing terms, and assess the long-term financial impact of your decision.

CHECKLIST

Self Assessment

  • Assess your borrowing capacity (credit score, home equity, income, debt-to-income ratio).

  • Assess your funding gap and explore financing options to cover any shortfall.

Explore and Compare Options

  • Learn about different financing options (traditional loans, ADU-specific programs, alternative financing, government incentives).

  • Evaluate different financing solutions based on your budget, borrowing capacity, and long-term financial goals.

  • Compare interest rates, loan terms, and repayment structures.

  • If planning to rent out the unit, calculate projected rental income and check if lenders will consider it in financing approval.

Application and Consultations

  • Gather necessary financial documents (tax returns, proof of income, mortgage details).

  • Consult with lenders, mortgage brokers, or financing specialists to explore options.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Financing Readiness & Eligibility
  • What financing options are available to me based on my income, credit score, and home equity?
  • Do I have enough cash reserves or equity to contribute to the project?
  • How will this financing affect my long-term financial stability (e.g., mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance)?
Comparing Loan & Financing Options
  • Am I eligible for traditional financing (mortgage, HELOC, refinance, construction loan)?
  • Are there ADU / multiplex-specific financing solutions that might be a better fit?
  • Can I qualify for government grants, incentives, or forgivable loans?
Managing Costs & Rental Considerations
  • How much rental income can my ADU/multiplex generate, and will lenders factor this into my loan approval?
  • What hidden costs (fire safety measures, utility connections, increased property taxes) should I account for in my financing plan?
  • How will I cover unexpected costs if my loan doesn’t fully fund the project?

Process Map

Key Resources

Explore our Financing Options page to learn about different financing options and the key considerations for each, helping you determine the best fit for your ADU or multiplex project.