Granny flats, also known as secondary dwellings, can be a practical way to add extra living space to an existing property. They may be used for family members, guests or, in many areas, as a separate rental.
The important thing to know is that there isn’t one set of granny flat rules that applies everywhere in Australia. Planning requirements, maximum sizes, setbacks and approval processes can vary between states, councils and individual properties.
Before ordering a granny flat kit, it is worth checking exactly what applies to your block.
In many parts of Australia, granny flats can now be rented to people who are not related to the occupants of the main house.
For example, Queensland removed its statewide restriction on who can live in a secondary dwelling in September 2022. A granny flat can now be rented to anyone, although the property still needs to have the relevant building, development and council approvals.
Victoria also allows anyone to live in or rent a qualifying small second dwelling.
The rules are not identical across Australia, so always check the requirements that apply in your state and local council area.
This is another area where the rules vary.
In New South Wales, a secondary dwelling can generally be up to 60m² under the complying development provisions, provided the development meets the relevant standards.
Victoria defines a small second dwelling as a self-contained home of 60m² or less on the same lot as an existing dwelling. In many cases, no planning permit is required, although a building permit is still required.
In Western Australia, an ancillary dwelling can generally be up to 70m², with planning approval exemptions available where the relevant requirements are met. A building permit is still required.
Before choosing a granny flat design, check the zoning and planning controls for your property. Other things that may affect the project include setbacks, available space, access, site coverage, bushfire requirements, flooding, easements and the location of services.
You will also need to establish whether planning approval is required and arrange the necessary building approvals.
A granny flat must comply with the relevant building requirements, including the National Construction Code and any applicable state and local requirements.
Once you know what can be built on your property, you can start looking at granny flat kit designs.
Our steel-framed granny flat kits range from compact one-bedroom designs through to larger layouts. If a standard design is close to what you need, changes can often be made before the plans and engineering are finalised.
If you already have a property in mind, talk to us about where you’re building and the granny flat designs you’re considering.
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