Dweller

Funded by both private investors and bank loans, Portland, Ore.-based Dweller manages and pays for the cost of prefabricated accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in return for a 25-year ground lease on the portion of the homeowner’s lot the unit occupies. It cranes the 450-square-foot unit, which arrives with appliances, cabinets, and a bathroom installed, onto a pre-poured foundation.

Once installed, the company manages the unit as rental housing, and gives 30% of the rent—currently in the $1,200 to $1,500 range—to the homeowner. Utilities run on a submeter from the main house. At the end of the 25-year ground lease, the ownership of the unit reverts fully to the homeowner, who can also buy the unit outright on a pre-determined sliding scale at any point during the lease. For owners who want to use the unit themselves, Dweller also offers for-sale units, fully installed, for $125,000.