ADU For You & ADU Plus One ADU News Recap: Latest Accessory Dwelling Unit Laws, Costs & Trends (2026)
On March 18, 2026, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the official launch of the long-anticipated "ADU for You" resource portal and a reopening of the Plus One ADU financial assistance program. These initiatives, which date back to the Eric Adams administration, are designed to make it easier for homeowners to build ADUs on their properties. We're glad to see Mayor Mamdani continuing the city's commitment to expanding housing supply through Accessory Dwelling Units.
ADU for You
The ADU for You program offers a range of tools and resources to help homeowners plan, design, and build an ADU. They offer resources including:
ADU Eligibility Search Tool
ADU Guidebook
Project Budgeting Tool
Pre-Approved ADU Plan Library
ADU Technical Assistance Hotline
Key Insights from the ADU for You Website
The ADU property eligibility tool is a useful first step, but further review by a licensed architect or zoning expert is still required before moving forward with a project.
The Pre-Approved Plan Library (PAPL) includes 11 designs with construction costs averaging $237,000–$295,000. Many of the ADU plans are studio or 1-bedroom units with a median size of 406 square feet.
Plus One ADU Program Renewed
The Plus One ADU Program offers financial assistance of up to $395,000 per applicant in the form of low-interest loans and grants for eligible homeowners looking to build an ADU. Homeowners must complete a survey to determine eligibility.
Although current funding details haven’t been announced, the program’s previous round drew over 2,500 applicants, highlighting strong interest and demand for ADU development. As the city builds on this momentum, more opportunities may emerge for homeowners.
The Future of NYC ADUs
Today's announcement is a meaningful step forward for NYC homeowners interested in ADUs. The ADU for You website consolidates resources that were previously hard to find in one place, and the return of the Plus One ADU program gives some homeowners a path to financial assistance. That said, the fundamentals haven't changed: navigating zoning, design, permitting, and construction still requires expert guidance.