Granny Flats
A second self-contained dwelling on the block you already own — designed, approved and built without disrupting the main house.
A second dwelling on land you already own
A granny flat — a secondary dwelling in planning terms — is a self-contained home on the same lot as your existing house. Its own kitchen, bathroom and entry, built without buying another block of land.
Most people build one for one of two reasons: rental income from land they already own, or somewhere for family to live independently but close by. Ageing parents and adult children are the two most common.
Approval is usually faster than people expect
In NSW, a secondary dwelling that meets the standard criteria can generally be approved as complying development through a private certifier, rather than going through a full development application. That is normally a matter of weeks rather than months.
The usual thresholds are a minimum lot size of 450m², a maximum floor area of 60m², residential zoning, and one secondary dwelling per lot. Whether your block clears them depends on its zoning, existing site coverage, setbacks and easements — which is the first thing we check, before you spend anything on design.
From feasibility to keys
The first question is always whether your block qualifies. We answer that before you commit to anything.
Feasibility
Lot size, zoning, setbacks, easements and existing site coverage checked upfront, so you know where you stand before design starts.
Design
A layout that works within the floor area limit, positioned for privacy, access and light for both dwellings.
Approval
Complying development through a private certifier where the block qualifies, or a development application where it does not.
Construction
Built alongside the existing home with access, services and disruption planned around you staying put.
Handover
Occupation Certificate issued and the dwelling ready to move into or lease.
Who we build for
Homeowners adding income
You own the land already. A secondary dwelling puts a second rental on it without a second land purchase.
Families housing parents or adult children
Independence and proximity at once — a separate front door, on the same block.
Investors improving yield
A second dwelling on an existing investment property, delivered from feasibility through to Occupation Certificate.
Where we build
Common Questions
Do I need council approval for a granny flat in NSW?
Not always a full development application. A secondary dwelling meeting the standard criteria can generally be approved as complying development through a private certifier, which is considerably faster. Where a block does not meet those criteria, a development application through council is the alternative.
How big can a granny flat be?
The standard maximum floor area for a secondary dwelling in NSW is 60m². What fits comfortably within that depends on your block and how the main dwelling already sits on it.
What size block do I need?
The usual minimum is 450m² with residential zoning, but lot size alone does not decide it. Existing site coverage, setbacks and easements all affect whether a secondary dwelling fits, which is why we assess the block first.
Can I rent out a granny flat in NSW?
Yes. In NSW a secondary dwelling can be rented to anyone — it is not restricted to family members, unlike some other states.
Can I subdivide and sell the granny flat separately?
No. A secondary dwelling stays on the same lot as the principal dwelling and cannot be subdivided off and sold on its own title.
Can we keep living in the main house during the build?
Yes. A granny flat is a separate structure, so the main dwelling stays occupied throughout. We plan site access and service connections around that.
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