Second Mortgage for ADU Financing in California
Get Pre-Approved Now
Turn Your Equity Into an ADU — Without Refinancing Your First Mortgage
Thinking about building an ADU but don’t want to lose your low 2.5% mortgage? You’re not alone.
A standalone second mortgage is one of the most popular ways California homeowners fund their ADU — giving you a fixed-rate loan without disturbing your first mortgage.
You get the cash you need fast, without the hassle of a full refinance.
What Is a Standalone 2nd Mortgage?
A standalone second mortgage is a loan that uses the equity in your home — but sits behind your current mortgage. That means:
You don’t refinance or reset your first mortgage
You get a fixed monthly payment
You keep your low first mortgage rate intact
It’s one of the most straightforward and affordable ways to finance an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) — whether you’re converting your garage, building a backyard home, or adding a rental unit.
Why Choose a 2nd Mortgage for Your ADU?
Here’s why this option is so popular for ADU projects:
No refinance required
Fixed interest rate and monthly payments
Funding in as little as 5 days
W-2, self-employed, and retirees can qualify
Flexible documentation options
Works with single-family and 2–4 unit properties
If you have equity — this is one of the fastest, cleanest ways to access it.
Who Qualifies?
To qualify for a standalone second mortgage for your ADU, you’ll typically need:
Property in California (SFR or 2–4 unit)
Equity in your home (usually 20%+)
Credit score around 620 or higher
Income docs (W-2, bank statements, or assets)
Not sure where you stand?Check your ADU loan options →
How Much Can I Borrow?
Loan amounts typically range from $50,000 to $250,000+, depending on:
Your available equity
Your income or asset situation
The ADU project scope
We’ll help you calculate your estimated approval amount based on your property value and first mortgage balance.
Real Examples
Orange County Homeowner
Borrowed $185,000 as a 2nd mortgage to build a 1-bedroom ADU in Mission Viejo. Funded in 6 business days — no income tax returns required.
Long Beach Homeowner
Got $125,000 using a fixed second mortgage to convert a detached garage into a rental ADU.
How the Process Works
Getting a standalone second mortgage with ADU Finance Pros is fast and simple:
Check eligibility online – soft credit pull only
Upload docs (bank statements, ID, property info)
Loan review & approval in 1–3 days
eSign + Fund – money wired to you or your contractor
✔️ All digital. ✔️ No first mortgage disruption. ✔️ Service across all of California.
Not Sure This Is the Right Loan?
We also offer:
Compare your options and find the one that fits best.
FAQs: Standalone Second Mortgage for ADU
Q: Will this change my first mortgage?
No — your first mortgage stays exactly the same. This is a separate loan.
Q: Is this better than a HELOC?
If you want predictable payments and don’t want revolving debt, yes. A second mortgage is fixed.
Q: What if I’m self-employed or recently retired?
No problem — we have flexible documentation programs built just for that.
Ready to Fund Your ADU?
You’re one step away from unlocking the equity in your home — without refinancing.
Click below to see what you qualify for in under 5 minutes: