ADU Financing in New York City — Grants, Loans, and Construction Support

Two-car garage with an accessory dwelling unit above, illustrating ADU financing options and design support by SLK Buildings

ADU Financing in New York City | Design, Permits & Loans Simplified

Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) can transform an underused space—like a garage, basement, or backyard structure—into livable square footage and steady income. Yet, most homeowners pause at the same question: how do I fund it?

SLK Buildings offers one-stop support for ADU financing—from early design through HPD pre-approval and lender coordination. We help you identify funding sources, prepare lender-ready plans, and connect you with architects and contractors who meet NYC compliance standards.

Funding Options Available for NYC Homeowners

Depending on your property type and ownership status, there are multiple paths to finance your ADU or garage conversion. We summarize the main categories below:

1. HPD & NYS ADU Grant Programs

The NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) offer limited-time funding to help homeowners add ADUs legally and safely. Eligible applicants may receive up to $395,000 in combined support through the Plus One ADU Program and HPD’s low-interest loan options.

  • Funds can cover design, permits, and construction.
  • Grants may be forgivable if rent limits or occupancy terms are met.
  • Applications are accepted in cycles—SLK Buildings helps track open rounds and prepare documentation.

2. Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

For homeowners with built-up equity, a HELOC provides flexible funding that functions like a revolving credit line. It can cover partial or full ADU construction costs. Typical lenders include Citizens Bank, TD Bank, and M&T Bank, which serve NYC homeowners with equity of 20% or more.

3. Construction-to-Permanent Loans

This financing type allows you to fund your ADU build through a short-term construction phase that converts to a permanent mortgage after completion. It’s a common choice for two-story garage ADUs or full backyard additions. We work with local credit unions and private lenders to prepare compliant plans and cost estimates that satisfy underwriting requirements.

4. Cash-Out Refinance

Homeowners who already have equity may opt to refinance an existing mortgage for a higher amount, using the difference to fund ADU construction. Interest rates may be competitive, especially if the new ADU will generate rental income.

5. Private Construction Loans

For homeowners who don’t qualify for city grants or prefer flexible terms, private lenders can bridge the gap. SLK Buildings maintains relationships with regional lenders that provide short-term ADU construction loans based on post-construction value—not just current home equity.

SLK’s One-Stop ADU Process

  • Design & Pre-Approval: Select from SLK’s ADU design options—garage conversions, detached studios, or two-story additions—then coordinate HPD submission with our licensed architect partner.
  • Financing Coordination: We guide you through lender document preparation, appraisals, and equity calculations.
  • Permitting & Filing: DOB filing plans, expediting, and construction permit management handled by SLK Buildings.
  • Construction & Completion: Our team or your chosen contractor completes the build under code-compliant supervision.

Financing Assistance Form

To learn what programs you may qualify for, use our intake form below. We’ll review your eligibility and contact you with potential financing options.

Check My ADU Financing Options

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: SLK Buildings is not a bank, lender, or financial institution.
We do not originate loans or guarantee funding. The information on this page is based on publicly available resources from HPD, HCR, and private lenders as of the current date. Program terms may change or close without notice.
SLK’s role is to help homeowners prepare applications, coordinate with licensed lenders or agencies,
and integrate financing into the ADU design and permitting process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I combine an HPD grant and a private loan?

Yes. Some homeowners use both—HPD funding for design and permitting, and a private construction loan for remaining costs.

Is the Plus One ADU program still open?

Program cycles open periodically. SLK monitors updates from NYS Homes and Community Renewal and HPD; we’ll advise when applications reopen.

What if my property has existing violations?

SLK can assist with clearing violations through DOB and HPD before applying for ADU funding, improving your approval chances.

Can SLK help with ADU construction?

Yes. SLK Buildings and SLK General Construction offer design-build services for garage conversions, basement ADUs, and detached units.

Do I need to refinance my primary mortgage?

No. You can explore home equity loans or construction loans that don’t require replacing your current mortgage.

Disclosure: SLK Buildings is a private consulting and construction-management firm and is not affiliated with NYC DOB, HPD, HCR, or any government agency.

We provide zoning analysis, code compliance analysis (code interpretation), violation resolution, design with our partner Registered Architect, DOB filings, permit expediting, and construction coordination.

SLK BUILDINGS Inc.

212.888.3888   |   [email protected]

295 Madison Avenue, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10017

Monday to Friday:  10.00 am – 5.00 pm (by appointment)