What Is an ADU — And Why Should You Care?
ADUs are popping up across the country, and now NYC has joined the movement. If implemented thoughtfully, Accessory Dwelling Units could open the door to a more affordable and flexible housing future for the five boroughs.
Let’s take a look at exactly what ADUs are, why they matter, and how they might quietly revolutionize life in New York City.
What Is an ADU — And Why Should You Care?
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a separate, independent residence located on the same lot as an existing primary home.
For instance:
A self-contained legal basement apartment with a kitchen and bathroom
A garage studio
A tiny house or backyard “granny flat”
A detached unit in a converted attic
In a city where the median rent for a one-bedroom tops $4,000 and affordable housing waitlists stretch on for years, ADUs offer a simple solution: more housing, without more towers.
Many New Yorkers are relocating because they can’t afford to stay. The cost of living continues to rise, and some families are squeezing into small apartments just to make it work.
Who Can Build an ADU in NYC?
Many New Yorkers have the opportunity to add an ADU.
You may qualify if you have:
A detached or semi-detached single- or two-family home
A low- or medium-density zoned property (R3–R5, typically in the outer boroughs), often a rowhouse or brownstone
Here’s a quick breakdown by borough:
Brooklyn: Eligible in neighborhoods with one- and two-family homes — particularly in areas like Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst, Dyker Heights, and parts of East New York.
Queens: Large portions of Queens are ideal for ADUs, especially in areas with detached or semi-detached homes such as Flushing, Bayside, Forest Hills, and Jamaica.
The Bronx: Many residential neighborhoods like Throgs Neck, Riverdale, and Pelham Bay include properties that fit ADU zoning criteria.
Staten Island: Most of the borough consists of single-family homes, making it one of the most ADU-friendly boroughs in NYC.Manhattan: ADUs generally do not apply here due to the density of multi-unit and high-rise buildings. Co-ops, condos, and apartments are not eligible.
So, if you own a one- or two-family property in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, or Staten Island, you could be eligible to add an ADU — and help shape the city’s future of flexible, affordable housing.
Why Isn’t Everyone Building ADUs Yet?
Like any big idea, ADUs come with a few hurdles but they’re far from deal-breakers.
Upfront costs: Building an ADU can run $75K–$200K, but new grants and low-interest financing options are making it more attainable each year.
Permitting: NYC’s approval process can be slow, yet the city is already testing streamlined ADU pathways to speed things up.
ADUs are quickly becoming an option for more than just high-income homeowners. As NYC continues to refine its ADU programs, more homeowners will be able to turn underused space into opportunity.
How will you seize the opportunity?