We build you a custom friend compound (Bay Area)

We’ve heard from many of you: it’s really hard to find a move-in-ready compound that truly works in the Bay Area.

• The units aren’t big enough for families
• The space is hard to divide legally
• The layout or design just isn’t right

So we’re launching something new: a custom compound development service. We’ll help you find land or an existing building — and design and build a setup that fits your vision for living near friends or family.

How It Works

We’ve partnered with experienced Bay Area real estate developers who specialize in small-lot projects (2–6 homes). They know how to find the right sites, navigate city approvals, and get things built.

Depending on your needs, that might mean starting from scratch — or renovating an existing property to fit your vision.

Here’s the process:

1. Fill out the interest form

We’re looking for folks who are ready to begin and have the financial resources to move forward. We have a limited number of initial slots and will prioritize people with the greatest chance of success.

2. One-on-one info session & fit check (Free - Zoom)

We’ll talk through your goals, budget, and timeline to see if this is a good fit — and if not, we’ll point you in the right direction.

3. Property search ($200 per month retainer)

Our team and developer partners will look for promising sites (vacant land, lots with room to build, or remodel candidates) and share options in monthly check-ins.

4. Feasibility study ($1,000 per property)

When a site looks promising, our developer partners will dig deep: zoning analysis, build options, timeline, and construction cost estimates. This will give you the confidence you need to make an offer.

Our partners have evaluated dozens of projects like this and can give you a realistic sense of what's possible and how much it might cost.

5. Purchase + planning

You buy the property. We’ll help coordinate construction financing, ownership structures, etc). We’ll also represent you as your agent.

6. Design & construction

Our developer partners assemble a team of architects, engineers, and contractors to bring your vision to life. Our developer partners can act as full day-to-day project managers or ad-hoc advisors — whatever you prefer.

💸  Pricing Summary

What Can You Build in the Bay Area?

We believe it's feasible to build a friend or family compound with a shared yard in most parts of the Bay Area. The sweet spot here is likely 2-4 homes on a property.

Here are sample compound formats our developer partners believe are achievable in each area:

San Francisco

1. Buy and renovate a duplex
2. Buy a home, add a second 
3. 2-3 homes from scratch on vacant land    

East Bay (Oakland, Berkeley, Albany, Alameda, Piedmont, Orinda)

1. 2-3 homes on a lot with a shared yard
2. Four unit apartment building

Peninsula / South Bay

1. 2-3 homes on a lot with a shared yard

North Bay / Santa Cruz

1. Buy a home, add a second
2. 2-4 homes from scratch on a vacant lot

Most of these projects would utilize some combination of new state laws that make building friend compounds easier – including ADU legislation,  SB 9, AB 1033, or SB 684. 

Ready to get started?

If you’re dreaming about living close (but not too close) to friends or family — we want to help you make it real.

We’ll follow up to schedule a free info session.