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Del Mar Homes with ADU, Casita & Guest House

This page is your guide to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Del Mar, CA. Here you’ll find live MLS listings, local ADU standards and zoning insights for buyers and owners who want casitas, guest houses or multi-generational living in one of San Diego County’s most exclusive coastal communities.

Del Mar is a small, high-value coastal city with strict design expectations and strong protections for views and neighborhood character. That makes a properly permitted second unit especially impactful for both appraised value and long-term rental potential.

Fun Fact: Del Mar’s compact size and premium coastal land values mean there is very limited inventory, so a legal, well-designed ADU can be one of the most sought-after features on a Del Mar property.

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⭐ Local ADU Expertise — Jessica Rinaldi: Jessica focuses on Del Mar coastal review, height limits and lot constraints to identify realistic ADU opportunities. She evaluates how Coastal Zone rules, topography and neighborhood character affect ADU massing, placement and rental potential before clients commit to a purchase or build.

Investment Potential: Why Build or Buy an ADU in Del Mar?

Del Mar ADUs can capture premium coastal rental demand. Legal second units near the beach and village can attract long-term tenants, extended family and high-income relocating households.
ADUs improve flexibility for luxury multi-gen living. A detached casita or guest suite can support aging parents, visiting family or on-site caregivers while preserving privacy in the main residence.
State ADU laws still protect reduced setbacks in a constrained coastal market. Many ADUs can qualify for 4-foot side and rear setbacks, subject to Del Mar’s coastal and design review requirements, which is crucial on smaller or irregular lots.
A properly permitted ADU can materially strengthen appraised value. In a small, high-price market, a legal second unit with quality design can significantly improve resale and long-term equity.

Del Mar ADU, Casita & Guest House Listings

Live MLS feed — focused on homes with guest-house or casita-style amenities:

New ADU-capable listings in Del Mar appear as coastal inventory updates.

Where Is Del Mar, CA?

Del Mar is a compact coastal city north of La Jolla and south of Solana Beach, along I-5 and the Pacific Ocean, known for its beaches, fairgrounds and walkable village streets.

Del Mar ADU & Financing FAQs: What Should Owners Know?

Q: How big can a detached ADU be in Del Mar?

A: Detached ADUs in Del Mar can generally be built up to 1,200 sq ft under California law, with lot coverage, slope, height and design standards determining what is realistic on each parcel.

Q: Is owner-occupancy required for my ADU in Del Mar?

A: No. Under California’s AB 976 (effective January 1, 2024), local agencies are prohibited from enforcing owner-occupancy requirements for ADUs. This gives owners and investors flexibility to rent both the main home and the ADU where otherwise allowed by law.

Q: Do coastal rules and view protections affect ADU design in Del Mar?

A: Yes. Many ADU projects in Del Mar must balance state ADU rights with local review for height, bulk and view impacts, which can influence where and how a second unit is designed on a given property.

Q: How do Del Mar homeowners usually finance an ADU?

A: Many homeowners use cash-out refinance, second mortgages or HELOCs to fund ADU construction, and premium coastal rental demand can help support the long-term investment.

ADU Planning & Strategy with Solve Lending & Realty

Solve Lending & Realty helps Del Mar buyers and owners evaluate zoning, coastal review, ADU feasibility, rental projections and build-cost scenarios before committing to a second-unit project.

San Diego County REALTOR® Jessica Rinaldi leads ADU-focused planning in Del Mar, backed by integrated lending strategy and broker support from Kenji Inui and the Solve Lending & Realty team.

How Can I Finance an ADU or Second Unit in Del Mar?

ADU Financing Options

Use your existing equity or structure a new purchase loan that anticipates ADU improvements.

Cash-Out to Build ADU Purchase Loans Second Mortgages

See Your Home’s ADU Equity Potential

Check your estimated home value and see how much equity might be available to fund ADU construction or to move into a more ADU-ready property in Del Mar.

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