Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) can provide additional living space, rental income, or a separate but nearby housing option for family members. If you are on the fence about building an ADU, or not sure about the timing, let us offer one more compelling reason that maybe you haven’t thought about: The 2026 FIFA World Cup.
One bedroom, one bathroom, 504 sf Accessory Dwelling Unit
The World Cup is coming to Atlanta in the summer of 2026, where Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host eight matches, including one of the semifinals. Touted as the largest World Cup ever, the 39-day tournament will bring “millions” of people to Atlanta, and with it, unprecedented rental demand. During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the average monthly price for an Airbnb jumped by 112%. In Brazil, which hosted the 2014 World Cup, short-term rental prices increased stratospherically during the tournament, and hotel rooms in Rio rose up to 600%
Photo: Atlanta FWC 26
If you live in the City of Atlanta, especially if you are close to Mercedes-Benz stadium, the Beltline, or a Marta station, this provides you with a very unique opportunity. ADUs are already a popular rental option with their own four walls, vaulted ceilings, natural light, yard space, and neighborhood experience. Then bring the most popular sporting event on the planet to Atlanta, and thanks to your ADU rental income, you won’t even care if the US gets knocked out in the group stage. (sigh)
Studio (with Murphy Bed), one bathroom, 308 sf Accessory Dwelling Unit
But to make this dream a reality, you should start planning now. There are 18 months until the world descends on Atlanta, and our timeline is roughly 8-10 months from start to finish. The first step is our feasibility phase, which takes two months and includes surveying, site planning, and pricing. If you need to secure financing, that could add another 1-2 months. That leaves roughly 6 months to prepare your ADU for the rental market, gain experience as a host, and receive those ever important positive reviews, just in time for the biggest event in Atlanta since the 1996 Olympics!
Two bedroom, two bathroom, 750 sf Accessory Dwelling Unit
Of course it doesn’t make sense to build an ADU for a one month event only. The good news is that Atlanta will continue to see significant growth over the next two decades and the World Cup will add fuel to that flame. According to Atlanta Beltline Inc. CEO Clyde Higgs, the City of Atlanta alone is expected to grow by 50% in the next two decades, to a population of nearly 800,000. Clearly we need more housing, not just for global sports events, but for future residents. ADUs are the perfect solution because they add diverse housing (with no additional parking required), Atlanta has the space, and the rental income they generate can be life changing for you and your family.
Contact us to receive a free property assessment and to schedule a consultative phone call. We would love to discuss how to make your World Cup ADU a reality!
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