Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

Create Housing and Support Your Community

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a small, independent home located on the same property as a primary residence. ADUs can provide housing for year-round Islanders, create rental income, help families care for aging relatives, and expand housing opportunities within our community.

If you’re considering building an ADU on Martha’s Vineyard this resource page is designed to help you understand your options, explore feasibility, and connect with tools and professionals who can help you move your project forward.

What Is an ADU?

ADUs come in many forms, including:

  • Detached cottages or backyard homes
  • Apartments above garages
  • Additions attached to an existing home
  • Finished basement or interior apartments

They are designed to function as independent living spaces with their own kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area.

Start Here

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s ADU Resource Center offers an excellent introduction to ADUs, including answers to common questions for homeowners.

Learn the basics

Is an ADU Possible on My Property?

Every property is different. Before investing significant time and money, it’s important to understand what may be possible on your lot based on zoning, site conditions, septic capacity, access, and other factors.

Use the ADU Wizard

The ADU Wizard is an interactive tool that can help you explore what may be possible on your property and estimate project costs.

Learn More About Zoning & Permitting

Massachusetts has developed guidance to help homeowners understand ADU regulations and local requirements.

Get Your Property Evaluated

A professional feasibility study can help determine whether an ADU is viable, identify potential challenges, estimate costs, and outline next steps.

The Massachusetts Housing Partnership’s (MHP) ADU Incentive Program helps homeowners evaluate and advance ADU projects. The program supports homeowners seeking professional feasibility studies to determine whether an ADU is possible on their property and what steps are needed to move forward.

The following firms have experience providing ADU feasibility services and are available to work with Martha’s Vineyard property owners:

Island Housing Trust does not endorse any specific provider and encourages homeowners to evaluate services independently.

Explore ADU Designs

One of the best ways to begin planning is to look at real-world examples. Reviewing designs and floor plans can help you understand what is possible on your property and what type of ADU best fits your goals.

Design Inspiration

Understanding the Costs

Building an ADU is a significant investment. Early planning can help you understand potential construction costs, financing options, and long-term affordability.

Financial Planning Tools

Estimate affordability and explore project costs:

Financing Options

MassHousing offers financing resources designed to help homeowners fund ADU construction.

Why ADUs Matter

Martha’s Vineyard faces an ongoing shortage of year-round housing. ADUs create opportunities for homeowners to contribute to local housing solutions while increasing flexibility on their own properties.

Whether you’re looking to create housing for a family member, generate rental income, or provide a home for someone who works on the Island, an ADU can be a meaningful investment in both your property and your community.

Get in Touch About Your ADU

Planning an ADU? We’d love to hear from you. By sharing your project, you’ll help us better understand the opportunities and challenges homeowners face and inform future resources and support for ADU development on Martha’s Vineyard.

Fill out the form below to stay connected, receive updates, and tell us about your project.

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