Each buyer has their own particular needs. As the population ages we see more interested in building a second home on their properties to care for parents. There will be a continued need for that and some parts of the country will see more of this being built. It's just like in Texas a pool is a real advantage to have installed in a colder climate not so much.

if there's another buildable lot to be parceled off from the existing one, it's a bonus.... if it's already parceled off and the owner wants to sell it in one sale, that too is a bonus if purchased by someone who needs to build on a contiguous lot....a small builder or a homeowner who has a family member that needs to be constantly cared for....

It depends. If buyers plan to stay put, have kids, and prefer that their elderly relatives live with them until they die instead of paying for assisted living, then it is very important.

If that is what the buyer is looking for, it sounds like it would rank very high.

It is quite like having a pool installed if the buyer wants that options it makes sense.  If not it is worthless.

Good question Neil, I believe that Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD has done some work with the concept of putting a second home next to the primary home.  I believe they are called "mother in law homes".

It depends on what a buyer wants. Here on Kauai many buyers search for properties where a second unit is possible. They come at a premium but the possible additional income makes them worth it.

This is not a top priority for most of my clients today -- finding a home is still the challenge.  

Like anything else ... it depends on the buyers needs. It does not rank high in my area with the buyers I work with.

Most of my clients want bigger lots for privacy.

It's buyers choice, however selling one like that is another story!

I believe it depends on the area if land is available in the first place.

not very high

It is not a primary mover necessarily when purchasing but during the ownership and when it comes time to sell it becomes very important.

Zoning would prohibit this in most of our market.

 Certainly not in any of the subdivisions or communities within Erie County, PA.  In thirty years I have never had buyers looking for this type of property.

Zero. I am assuming you might mean the trend of Granny Pods? Small home/guest house out back for Mom & Dad.

Seems like a ridiculous question to peruse.

Actually Corine is right, no village is currently going to allow it.

It's rarely a need and occassionally a plus - particularly for people buying for 3 generations.

In our market not much value.

It depends on why the buyer wants to do it.

Depends on the Buyer.   For example, adult children with senior citizen parents may want two houses on the same acreage.

It depends upon the particular buyer.

It depends. We are seeing more multi-generational families who really value a second living space someplace on the property.

Many buyers like to think they can add on to the house later and though it is a mental game it helps them move forward and buy.

I think that availability would be a very strong selling point.

What Barbara Todaro said.

I think it's fairly low for most buyers.

I agree Dorie Dillard knows what she is talking about

Usually it doesn't.

detached or attached in law quarter? We have people add an finished basement (1500+1500 sf) with separate entrance. The buyers balk at the claim it is a 3000 sf home.

Haven't seen this issue come up in 25 years. I've had families build next door to each other, however.

It could be a huge factor, or it could not even be in the equation Neil Lubell.  Here, when different generations can live together, it could be for extended family or grandparents, or with families, it could be a casista for inlaws or young adults.   

Average buyer, it comes up in about 40-60% of my conversations. More as a pacifier on how small a starter home their budget buys.

Investors, often that's the only land (lot use) we search for.

Near the bottom from my area. Most buyers are searching a mix of location, price, condition, style, size, garage, basement and lot size. WIth so many choices, buyers look for homes already enlarged. 

Dorie Dillard nailed this one!

Yes, Peter Mohylsky said it perfectly.

Overall, I'd say a low percent care abt this, esp at time of purchase.  Usually people buy what they want/need and can afford.  Most don't have extra money to build an addition or 2nd home at time of purchase or shortly thereafter (although I have a had a few customers that have done this...they tend to be the higher end buyers since they have capital and they are buying in high end towns where real estate is at a premium.

More often, the need to expand happens later...if/when they have more kids or aging family members.  If they know up front they have this need, they'll try to find a place that accomodates their current needs, esp as this can be wrapped up in mortgage.