What if your property holds more value than you ever imagined? What if the "unused" space in your yard — that side area, front setback, or backyard — could become a powerful financial asset?
Rent and ROI figures shown here are reported by our building partner from their completed DADU projects, not by HeartLink Homes.
A DADU (Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a separate, fully functional home built on the same property as your primary residence. Think of it as a complete, stand-alone house — with its own kitchen, bathroom, living space, and entrance — that shares your lot without requiring subdivision.
Thanks to Washington's HB 1337 legislation, passed in 2023, homeowners throughout urban growth areas can now build up to two DADUs on their property, transforming spaces that were previously considered unbuildable into valuable real estate.
For decades, side yards, front setbacks, and backyards were dismissed as "wasted space" — mere encroachments that served little purpose beyond landscaping. Washington's housing legislation changed that.
Most homeowners don't realize they're sitting on two untapped gold mines.
Previously unbuildable areas — whether in front, on the side, or in the backyard — now hold the potential to become two lucrative, buildable sites without subdividing or purchasing additional land.
Your property remains whole — no lot splitting or subdivision needed.
The law does not require you to live on site, so a DADU can be rented on the open market rather than reserved for household members.
Sell your DADUs independently while keeping your main home.
This isn't just about adding square footage. It's about unlocking hidden equity that's been sitting beneath your feet all along.
Washington State faces an unprecedented housing challenge. The legislature has identified the need for 1,000,000 new homes by 2044 to meet demand. Communities across the state need more housing options at all income levels.
The housing affordability crisis isn't just a headline. It shows up in four concrete ways:
In many high-demand markets, starter homes under $1 million are difficult to find at all.
Households entering the market face prices that have outpaced incomes, delaying first purchases.
Senior living arrangements commonly run $8,000–$10,000+ per month.
Households increasingly need housing arrangements that keep relatives close while preserving separate, private living space.
DADUs represent a powerful, practical solution that helps address this shortage while simultaneously creating opportunity for property owners.
Imagine transforming the underutilized space in your yard into any of the following.
The rent, cash-on-cash return, and ROI figures in these cards are reported by our building partner from their completed DADU projects; senior living costs are published third-party market figures. HeartLink Homes does not build, finance, or guarantee any of them, and individual results vary by property, market, and timing.
Understanding this distinction matters, because the two terms describe very different products.
Typically refers to government-subsidized housing or programs for first-time buyers with limited resources. These programs are critical to the community and are built around income eligibility rules.
Market-rate housing accessible to move-up buyers, professionals, investors, and trusts who have resources but are seeking smart, practical housing options — no subsidy, no income restriction.
Single-family residence quality, with a yard.
Easier financing — traditional mortgages are available.
Higher investment returns than many comparable options.
Secure closing processes, since buyers typically bring substantial deposits.
Preservation of neighborhood character and existing streetscape.
Keeps historic homes intact rather than replacing them.
This is housing that doesn't tear down the past to build the future. DADUs preserve the historic homes that give our communities character while adding thoughtfully designed units that blend with existing architecture.
Property owners pursue DADUs for different reasons. Three motivations come up most often.
Building a monthly cash-flow stream.
Owners who want to create passive income for financial security and long-range planning.
Portfolio growth on land you already own.
Investors focused on rental income, selling DADUs as condos, housing relatives, and building generational wealth.
Staying put while accessing equity.
A retirement strategy: age in place, or sell the main house and move into the DADU while cashing out equity.
Most homeowners don't even know they're sitting on this potential. The housing laws can be confusing — two bills that sound similar carry vastly different implications and costs.
We're not here to sell you construction. We're here to educate you on your options and connect you with the best path forward.
Understand what's actually possible on your specific property.
Navigate the differences between HB 1110 (multiplex) and HB 1337 (DADU) options.
Connect with the right resources, programs, and partners.
Make informed decisions that align with your goals and financial situation.
Avoid costly mistakes by understanding feasibility before investing.
Access our network of vetted building partners.
Contact HeartLink Homes for a complimentary educational consultation. This is about your future, your property, and your possibilities — no pressure, no obligation.
Our role: HeartLink Homes is a licensed real estate brokerage. We are not a builder, a contractor, or a lender. Design, construction, and financing are handled by our building partner. Any construction cost, timeline, financing, or return figure on this page is reported by that partner from their own projects — it is not verified, offered, or guaranteed by HeartLink Homes, and it is not a projection of what your property will do. Our role is education, referral, and real estate representation if you later sell a DADU or your main house.
This introduction to DADU potential was created by HeartLink Homes at Keller Williams Realty Puyallup. Information has been compiled from:
Rent ranges, cash-on-cash return figures, and ROI percentages are reported by our building partner from their completed DADU projects; senior living cost estimates are published third-party market observations. All of them vary widely by location, unit size, construction cost, and timing. They are illustrative, not projections for any specific property.
Important: This page is general education, not legal, tax, or financial advice. DADU rules are implemented locally, and requirements for lot size, height, setbacks, parking, and permitting vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Verify current requirements with your city or county planning department before making decisions. Contact HeartLink Homes to discuss your specific property.