FHFA is hosting a public listening session to learn more about the potential of accessory dwelling units (ADU) to address housing supply shortages in communities across the U.S. The purpose of the listening session is to give interested parties a public opportunity to provide each party’s individual input and feedback on specific questions:

To what extent could the increased availability of ADUs contribute to increases in housing supply? Are there parts of the country or segments of the housing market that would particularly benefit from increases in the number of ADUs?
In addition to increasing the supply of housing, what other policy goals should FHFA consider when thinking about ADUs – e.g., supporting homeownership, using rental income to build wealth, supporting intergenerational households, enabling seniors to stay in their homes, other goals?
What are the major barriers to the creation of ADUs – e.g., funding to create the ADU, local land use regulations, NIMBYism, taxes on the improvements, etc.?
How can FHFA and the Enterprises help to address these barriers – e.g., through policy or programmatic changes such as a cash-out refinance, research, trainings and technical assistance, or other mechanisms?
ADUs are often added to existing homes, but they could also be built as part of a new development. To what extent is there interest in including ADUs with new homes among the builder/developer community?
Both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac currently purchase mortgage loans on properties with an ADU. Are there particular product flexibilities that the Enterprises should consider to increase support for ADUs?
What funding sources are commonly used to build ADUs? What other funding sources are available, including public, private, and non-profit sources? How can these sources be expanded to create additional liquidity?
Do ADUs, or potential policy or programmatic changes that would support increases in the supply of ADUs, pose any particular risks to safety and soundness to the Enterprises? Are there other concerns associated with ADUs that FHFA and the Enterprises should be aware of?

The session is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. EDT and conclude by 4 p.m. EDT. If you wish to request a brief speaking slot, please select your desired time slot on the following page.

A copy of the agenda will be forthcoming.

Using Accessory Dwelling Units to Increase Housing Supply Listening Session