Samara Launches First Single-Family Home Model in California

Samara, a California-based builder recognized for its accessory dwelling unit (ADU) models, has launched Locale by Samara, marking its expansion into small-scale single-family infill developments. The company announced this initiative, which will involve designing and constructing clusters of detached homes within established neighborhoods across Sonoma, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Los Angeles counties. Each Locale project is designed to feature a small group of homes, typically ranging from two to ten units, with designs that are intended to complement the surrounding streetscape. These homes are slated for precision construction using high-quality materials and are laid out to accommodate contemporary living patterns suitable for families and individuals working remotely or in hybrid arrangements.

Many of the Locale projects are expected to leverage California's Starter Home Revitalization Act (SB 1123). This legislation streamlines approval processes, enabling eligible parcels to be subdivided for the construction of up to 10 small-footprint homes. Housing advocates and planners view this law as a significant supply-side measure recently enacted by California. Samara is positioning itself as one of the initial builders to develop projects under this new legislative framework. California's jurisdictions are facing increasing pressure to meet state housing targets, particularly in economically robust coastal counties that have historically fallen short of their required home construction rates.

Santa Clara County, with a population of 1.9 million, is projected to require over 100,000 additional homes by 2031 to address current and future demand. However, the county saw fewer than 4,000 homes constructed in 2024, with less than 400 of those being detached single-family units, according to Samara's data. Local governments often encounter challenges in increasing single-family housing supply due to land and construction costs that tend to favor larger, more expensive homes. Samara's model diverges by concentrating on smaller infill clusters that feature higher-quality, appropriately sized homes on compact lots situated in high-demand areas. The pricing strategy aims to make these homes more accessible compared to traditional new construction offerings. Mike McNamara, CEO of Samara, stated that their homes are part of a movement to ensure California remains a place where families can envision their futures.