Your Expert Guide To Granny
Flats In Australia

Navigate state regulations, calculate accurate costs, and discover hundreds of design ideas you need to plan and build your dream granny flat.

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new to granny flats? start your journey here

Three people sit at a table inside a modern, dome-shaped granny flat with large glass doors. The setting is relaxed and bright with a scenic view.

  1. Make Money From Your Yard. See how adding a small unit can bring in reliable rental income and boost your property value.
  2. Keep Family Close But Private. The perfect solution for housing parents or adult children while giving everyone the privacy they need.
  3. We Cut Through the Red Tape. Get simple answers to confusing questions about permits, building rules, and local regulations.
  4. Find the Right Fit for Your Lot. Explore all your options—from detached units in the backyard to converting your existing garage space.
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your granny flat planning hub

  • Explore our comprehensive guides, breaking down entire process into simple steps.
  • From council permits to final design, we’ve got you covered.

regulations

Master local council rules and building permits without the legal jargon.

Understand
Rules

costs

Get a clear breakdown of building expenses, hidden fees, and potential ROI.

Calculate
cost

design

Explore modern layouts and floor plans tailored for Australian backyards.

Design
Inspiration

INDEPENDENT HOMEOWNER RESOURCES

Expert Guidance for Your Australian Build

Building a granny flat is a major investment. We provide the clear, unbiased information you need to avoid costly mistakes and build with confidence

A modern granny flat with a boxy design, flat roof, and large glass door. Wooden steps lead up, surrounded by neat plants, evoking a cozy vibe.
  • 100% Australian Focus: Our guides are built specifically for Australian state regulations, covering everything from NSW CDC rules to VIC and QLD requirements.
  • Jargon-Free Planning: We translate complex council documents into simple, step-by-step checklists that any homeowner can understand.
  • Builder-Neutral Advice: We don’t sell construction services. Our only goal is to provide the honest, independent data you need to choose the right builder for your budget.

fresh insights & latest guides

Granny flats rules vary by states

Council regulations and building codes are different across Australia. Find specific information tailored to your location

Modern NSW granny flat design compliant with complying development standards. A sunny view of Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge over blue water. Boats move calmly, conveying a serene, iconic Australian scene.

NSW

Master the SEPP and CDC approval process for faster builds

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Architectural secondary dwelling exterior suitable for Victorian backyard regulations. Sunset view over a river with a bridge and city skyline in the background. Autumn trees line the banks, casting warm reflections on the water.

VIC

Navigate the new laws for Small Second Dwellings and DPU’s

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Charming small yellow granny flat with a cozy porch, pink door, and white railings, flanked by palm trees and lush greenery, exuding a warm, inviting vibe.Aerial view of Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, showing the Surfers Paradise beachfront skyline with high-rise buildings, sandy beach, and turquoise Pacific Ocean.

QLD

Guide through local zoning and secondary dwelling regulations

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Modern rendered secondary dwelling design for Western Australia properties. With large windows and a slanted roof a neat pathway under a clear blue sky. Aerial view of Perth city skyline in Western Australia, featuring modern skyscrapers along the Swan River at sunset calm blue water, and clear sky, urban cityscape of Perth WA.

WA

Explore R-Code rules for ancillary dwellings in WA regions

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View All Australian States

visual inspiration for your build

Browse our curated gallery of design ideas for kitchens, bathrooms, living areas and more

Modern granny flat kitchen with light wood cabinets, a compact stainless steel oven, and a sink. Shelves hold plants and utensils. A plant sits beside the cabinets.

Kitchens & Kitchenettes

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Bright, modern living room with a ceiling fan, orange chair, yellow sofa, and wooden coffee table. Large window with green plants and wall art. Cozy ambiance.

Open-Plan Living Areas

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A cozy bedroom with a wooden bed frame, white linens, and a gray blanket. Built-in bookshelves, cabinets, and sunlight filter through sheer curtains.

Clever Bedroom Storage

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A modern granny flat bathroom with a glass-enclosed shower, white subway tiles, and a small window. White vanity with sink, mirror, and soft ambient lighting.

Space-Saving Bathrooms

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Small patio with white wooden siding, features two white chairs and a table. Surrounded by potted green plants, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

Decks & Outdoor Living

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Modern minimalist granny flat with large glass doors, flat roof, and wooden patio. The space has a serene and open feel, leading to a green lawn.

Modern Exterior Finishes

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Choose Your Perfect Design Style

From space-saving modern studios to premium luxury dwellings, explore the most popular floor plans and layouts for Australian backyards

A small, modern granny flat with flat roof, black door and windows. It sits on a neatly trimmed lawn with a stone path, surrounded by wooden fences and trees.

Modern & Minimalist

Clean lines and functional layouts designed to maximize small urban lots without sacrificing style

Explore Modern Plans
Luxury secondary dwelling featuring premium finishes and spacious layout.

Luxury & Spacious

Premium finishes and larger footprints ideal for multi-generational living or high-end rental yields

View Luxury Designs
Eco-friendly granny flat build with solar panels and sustainable timber.

Sustainable Units

Energy-efficient materials and solar-ready designs to reduce your carbon footprint and running costs

See Sustainable Ideas

Expert Advice & Support

Have a specific question about your 2026 build? Browse our frequently asked questions or reach out to our team for independent, builder-neutral guidance

In many parts of Australia, such as NSW, you can build a granny flat under “Complying Development” (CDC) without a full council planning application, provided you meet specific site requirements. However, rules vary significantly by state and local council, so always verify your property’s zoning first.

The standard maximum size for a granny flat in most Australian states is 60 square metres of internal living space. Some councils may allow up to 70 or 80 square metres depending on your total lot size and local planning schemes.

A standard, high-quality 2-bedroom granny flat generally costs between $120,000 and $200,000. This price fluctuates based on your choice of materials, site accessibility, and whether you are doing a “turnkey” build or managing parts of the project yourself.

Yes, adding a secondary dwelling is a popular strategy to increase rental yield and property value. Most Australian states allow you to rent out a granny flat to private tenants, though you should check your specific state’s “dual occupancy” laws regarding separate metering and privacy.

Generally, yes. In the Australian market, a well-designed secondary dwelling can increase a property’s overall value by up to 20-30%. Beyond the capital gain, it also provides a significant boost to your property’s rental yield and appeal to future buyers.

our reader’s most Favorite articles

2026 Cost Guide: What to Expect!

A detailed breakdown of construction costs, hidden fees, and how to save $10k+ on your build

Read Cost Guide
Construction of a backyard granny flat showing building costs and progress.

Rental Yields & ROI Strategies!

Learn how to maximize your property value and generate passive income with a rental unit

Read ROI Tips
Interior of a rental-ready granny flat styled to maximize property investment.