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Homes with Casitas & Guest Houses in West Valley City, Utah
West Valley City is Utah's second-largest city, and its housing stock skews toward 1970s–2000s ranches, split-entries, and newer subdivisions out toward the 5600 West corridor and Hunter. Casitas and detached guest houses aren't as common here as in St. George or Park City, but they do exist — usually as converted basement apartments with separate entrances, mother-in-law suites above oversized garages, or true detached ADUs on the larger lots near Granger and Chesterfield. Multi-generational living is a real driver in this market: West Valley has one of the highest household sizes in Salt Lake County, and many Polynesian, Latino, and Bosnian families specifically shop for properties that can house extended family or an adult child without everyone sharing one kitchen.
The other reason buyers look here for a second living space is rental income. Proximity to the Maverik Center, UTA TRAX Green Line, Salt Lake Community College's Redwood campus, and a 15-minute drive to downtown Salt Lake or the airport makes legal accessory units rent quickly. West Valley City does permit internal ADUs and, in many zones, detached ones — but rules on owner-occupancy, parking, and separate utility meters vary, so it's worth confirming the unit's permit status before writing an offer. Prices for homes with a functioning second unit typically run $40,000–$120,000 above comparable single-unit properties depending on size and finish. Browse the active listings below to see what's currently on the market.
May 2026 · West Valley City market
Live from the Utah MLS — what's actually happening in West Valley City right now.
Median sale
$449,995
76 closed in May 2026
Median DOM
13 days
listing → contract
Sale-to-list
99.1%
of final list price
Unsold inventory
279
active + pending
14 matching · page 1 of 1
Active listings
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Common questions
About homes with casitas & guest houses in West Valley City.
Are casitas and guest houses legal in West Valley City? ▾
Yes, West Valley City allows accessory dwelling units in most residential zones, including both internal (basement) and detached units, subject to lot size, parking, and owner-occupancy requirements. The unit must be permitted through the city's Community Development department. Always verify a listed casita has proper permits — unpermitted conversions are common and can complicate financing and insurance.
What's the price difference between a home with a casita and one without? ▾
Expect to pay roughly $40,000 to $120,000 more for a property with a legal, finished second living space, depending on whether it's a basement apartment, attached suite, or fully detached structure. Detached guest houses with their own kitchen and bath command the highest premium because they appraise and rent like a separate unit.
Can I rent out the guest house for income? ▾
In most West Valley zones, yes — long-term rentals of an ADU are permitted if the unit is legally permitted and the owner occupies the primary residence. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) face tighter restrictions. Check with West Valley City planning before counting on rental income in your loan qualification.
Do lenders count casita rental income toward my mortgage qualification? ▾
Many conventional and FHA lenders will count a portion of documented or projected ADU rental income, especially with an appraiser's 1007 rent schedule. FHA specifically allows ADU income on single-family purchases as of 2023 guideline updates. Talk to a local lender familiar with West Valley properties — rules tightened recently and not every loan officer is current.
How many homes with casitas are typically on the market in West Valley City? ▾
Inventory is thin — usually only a handful at any given time out of West Valley's 1,000+ active listings. True detached guest houses are rarer than basement apartments with private entrances. Setting up a saved search is the fastest way to catch new ones since they tend to go under contract within a week or two.
What neighborhoods in West Valley are most likely to have guest houses? ▾
Older Granger and Chesterfield areas have larger lots (often quarter-acre or more) that accommodate detached structures, and you'll find converted basement units throughout the Hunter and Westpointe areas. Newer subdivisions west of Bangerter occasionally include builder-designed multigenerational floor plans with attached casita suites.