Building a Granny Flat

Hi All,

Has anyone built a granny flat before? How much does it usually cost and does it need council approval?

I'm thinking of getting a granny flat to increase rental income

Cheers
Talis

Costs start from around $70,000 and yes it needs approval and you will technically only be able to use it for family members associated with the main dwelling - ie your granny.

RHPlanning.com
Town Planning and Property Development (Western Australia)

Thanks for your reply RHPlanning.com. =p as long as its family members then its ok i guess

Cheers
Talis

I agree it needs approval but does not have to be exclusively for family use in most states.
Im not sure about WA- does WA not allow Granny Flats to be rented out?

http://grannyflatapprovals.com.au/

I rented a two bedroom granny flat from people i did not previously know when I seperated from my husband. Admittedly, it was originally built for the ladnlord's mum, but when she moved into a nursing home i rented and then when i moved out another lady and her young child rented. this is in NSW, so don't know the legislation on initial building and usage of the building. i have also seen a number of properties listed for sale in Victoria that advertise rental income from the main dwelling as well as income from a granny flat attached to or free standing.

In the Blur Mountains when my landlords were building the granny flat they were required to have the building attached to the main residence. So they built a covered walkway between their residence and the granny flat and enclosed this as a large sunroom/barbeque/outdoor entertaining area. I am not sure if this requirement is statewide or just one required by BMCC. They do have some rather unusual requrements.

cheers

Sonya

Hi Talis,

As ever the rules are different from state to state and region to region.

In Melbourne, for example, there is generally no need for a TPP, but a BP is required, and the dwelling should be for the exclusive benefit of a dependant person.

There are also regulations about the size (specifically the footprint) and how the structure is constructed. It also needs to comply with the relevant building codes.

All that said, I personally believe they are a great way to make some more space, and potentially to generate income....even if it was from another family member or dependant.

Design & Build Consultant
http://brutalart.com.au

Thanks guys! much appreciated

Speaking to most builders your currently looking at $800 m2 to build or extend. not including price of laying a slab

I can only speak for WA - Technically it is not allowed, but I am sure some people do it anyway - just don't get a complaint, otherwise you could be investigated and fined etc, although they normally issue a warning first, but it may mean you are left with something you can't use for what you intended!

RHPlanning.com
Town Planning and Property Development (Western Australia)