What is a granny flat?

A granny flat is a secondary dwelling to a main home but usually on the same title of land. Granny flats are most often totally separate small houses however, they may be attached to the main home but have a fire rated wall between due to local council regulations.

Granny flats not just for granny….

Initially granny flats were built to house an elderly parent however, over the years they have become a second home to help a young adult start out in life or now often used as a secondary income.

What size can I build a granny flat?

In most states granny flats need to stay a certain size this can vary dependant on lot size

A granny flat In NSW

In Sydney and NSW area a granny flat can occupy a maximum space of approx 60 sqm. You need a minimum lot area of 450 square metres.

A granny flat in QLD

A maximum space of 80 sqm and must be a minimum of 20 metres from the main home.

A granny flat in WA

In Perth a maximum space of 70 sqm (can go up to 100m² dependent on your local council). A minimum lot size 450m² unless stated otherwise by your local council. 

A granny flat in Tasmania

A Granny flat can occupy a maximum area of 60sqm, or 30% of the total area of the primary dwelling, whichever is lesser. No guidelines on land size requirement so refer to your local council.

A granny flat in Canberra, ACT

A granny flat in Canberra can be anywhere from 40 – 90 sqm. You must have a minimum land size of 500 sqm. 

A granny flat in the Northern Territory

Granny flat size approx 50 to 80 sqm dependant on lot size and local council granny flat building requirement

A granny flat in Melbourne

Currently no legislation or guidelines as granny flats cannot be built without DA submissions

Building a granny flat? 

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Cost to build a granny flat in Australia