Backyard Homes: A Growing Trend

In 2019, the Seattle City Council passed legislation making it easier for residents to build backyard homes, also known as DADUs (Detached Accessory Dwelling Units). Since then, permits and completions have been growing rapidly, and for good reason. Backyard homes, which range from 255 to 1,000 square feet, provide a variety of benefits. Many homeowners build them to generate rental income. The monthly returns are generally excellent – far higher than purchasing a single-family home for rental. Other homeowners build backyard homes for expanded living space or separate-but-adjacent homes for aging parents. Site development, utilities, and permitting are held to the same standards as single-family homes in Seattle. The region's largest builder, MyKabin, handles everything including site evaluation, permitting, and complete construction for a single fee.