Samara Expands to Starter Homes From ADUs

Samara, a prefabricated homebuilder initially focused on accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to address California's housing shortage, announced its expansion into single-family home construction with its new product line, Locale by Samara. This initiative targets the development of significantly smaller homes, ranging from 1,000 to 1,750 square feet, designed for urban infill sites in desirable California cities. The company will utilize its established modular, factory-based construction process, which has been successful in rapidly building ADUs.

CEO Mike McNamara stated that this "missing form factor" in California aims to offer lower price points due to reduced square footage, aligning with a growing consumer preference for smaller living spaces, reduced yard maintenance, and proximity to urban centers. McNamara has led Samara since 2020. The company was originally established as a research and development division within Airbnb before being spun out in 2022 by McNamara and Airbnb cofounder Joe Gebbia. Gebbia, who also serves as the Trump administration's chief design officer, remains involved with Samara as a cofounder.

Samara has been selling ADUs as a turnkey solution, managing design, permitting, and construction for clients seeking additional units on their properties. The ADU market has seen substantial growth over the last decade, driven by legislative changes at municipal and state levels that have legalized and facilitated ADU construction. Data indicates that over 30,000 ADUs were permitted statewide in 2024, representing a twenty-fold increase compared to 2016.