Granny Flat Requirements Victoria 2026: The New Rules Guide
Building a granny flat in Victoria is now easier than ever before. In late 2023, the Victorian Government changed the laws to help with the housing crisis. As a result, many families are now building small homes in their backyards. These units are officially called Small Second Dwellings.
Stop wasting time on permits! Learn granny flat requirements VIC 2026. Discover the 60m² rule, new rental laws and how to build on 300sqm blocks.
Granny flat requirements VIC: the 60-Square-Metre Rule
The most important rule in Victoria is the unit size. Specifically, you must ensure your build stays within these limits:
- Maximum Size: The total floor area cannot exceed 60m².
- What is Included? This 60m² limit includes everything under the roof, like verandas or porches.
- Essential Rooms: You must include a kitchen sink, a bathroom, and a toilet.
- One Per Lot: You can only have one small second dwelling on your land.
If you go over the 60m² limit, the council will treat the build as a full second house. Consequently, this makes the approval process much harder and more expensive for you.
No Planning Permit for Most Homes
The biggest change for 2026 is about permits. In the past, you almost always needed a planning permit from the local council. Luckily, the new laws have removed this step for most residential properties larger than 300 m².
However, you must still get a Building Permit. A registered building surveyor must check your plans to ensure the structure is safe. Additionally, your unit must follow “ResCode” standards. These rules decide how high your roof can be and how much sunlight your neighbours get.
New Rules for Renting and Living
Granny flat requirements VIC: used to have a very strict “Dependent Person” law. This meant only a family member, like a grandparent, could live in the unit. Furthermore, you had to remove the unit once they moved out.
The government has now scrapped these old rules. Therefore, you can now:
Meeting the structural criteria is only half the battle. Visit our guide, [Victoria Granny Flat Rules & How They Affect Costs 2026]
Privacy and Property Access
Even with simpler granny flat requirements in VIC, you must think about your layout. For instance, you must place windows carefully so you do not look into the next yard. Moreover, you must provide a clear path for people to walk from the front street to the granny flat.
Most councils also require the unit to use the same water and power connections as the main house. Consequently, you might need to upgrade your main switchboard before you start your build.
To ensure your budget doesn’t trap you during excavation, analyse our complete breakdown on [Victoria Granny Flat Hidden Costs 2026].
Important Safety Standards
According to the granny flat requirements VIC 2026, all new small homes in Victoria must meet high-quality standards. Specifically, your builder must follow the 7-star energy rating. This makes the home cheaper to heat and cool. Additionally, you must include “Livable Housing” features. This means having wider doors and a flat entry so that people with wheelchairs can use the home easily.
What You Cannot Do
While the rules are relaxed, some things are still not allowed. Specifically, you cannot:
Subdivide Your Land
You cannot subdivide your land or sell your small secondary dwelling as a separate home to others.
Build Over Easements
You cannot build over council pipes or drains without getting permission from the local authorities.
Ignore Your Title
Some properties have “covenants” that stop you from building. Always check your land title first..
Know the rules ? Now plan your budget, where does money go? Visit our guide on [Victoria Granny Flat Cost Guide 2026: How Much Will You Pay?]
