Why Living in a Granny Flat Can Be Better for Your Wellbeing

With Baby Boomers looking to downsize and young adults struggling to find affordable housing, Granny Flats are becoming an increasingly popular solution for our growing population’s property needs.

Far from being cramped and lacking privacy, most people who live in Granny Flats benefit in a range of ways, including in terms of their overall well-being. Let’s look at why people love living in these conveniently sized homes and how small-space living is good for mental and physical health.

Positive Psychological Effects of Living in a Small House

Granny Flats, sometimes known as an accessory dwelling unit, are built on the same land as a family home. As a secondary dwelling, they are often smaller. In fact, there are often restrictions on their size.

However, living in a compact space comes with many mental health benefits. Granny Flats promote minimalist living, reducing stress and financial worries while encouraging organisation and mindfulness. With less maintenance required, residents have more time to enjoy life outside their homes.

How Living in a Granny Flat is Better for Your Mind and Body

With greater knowledge of ways your lifestyle can improve by living in a Granny Flat, you can make informed decisions about whether or not it’s the right step for you in your property and living journey. Here are some advantages to keep in mind.

Fewer worries about housing security

With housing affordability a major issue for many Australians, having a home to call their own can contribute to a greater sense of stability for those struggling to enter the housing market, those who can’t find private rental accommodation, and those who want to age in place.

Reduced financial stress

The running costs of a small home like a Granny Flat are significantly less than a large family home. Electricity, water, cooling and heating are more cost-effective, reducing financial stress on occupants.

Positive environmental impact

Living in a small space reduces your carbon footprint and has a positive impact on the planet. Granny Flats require fewer materials during construction, take up smaller parcels of land and use fewer resources. Many are even constructed using sustainable principles, which further reduces the strain on non-renewable resources.

Living simpler results in a calmer mind

Small homes require us to be more mindful about our consumption. Even if you optimise storage space in your Granny Flat, some amount of decluttering is usually necessary. By living a minimalist lifestyle with fewer belongings, you can positively enhance your mental health and overall well-being.

More time spent outdoors

Spending time in nature lowers anxiety, stress and blood pressure, results in better sleep and generally makes us feel better. Without a big house to care for, Granny Flat residents have more time to exercise, get out to do some gardening or simply relax in nature.

Strengthened relationships

Granny Flats are often used to accommodate family members like older adult children or elderly parents. Living arrangements that enable physical closeness while still offering a sense of privacy and independence are likely to result in better relationships within each household. This sense of security is particularly important for those living with health issues, a disability or higher care needs.

More time to enjoy life

Human connection is vital for our wellbeing and because a smaller home is easier to clean and maintain, Granny Flat occupants have more free time to socialise, enjoy experiences and make memories with their loved ones.

Retain community connections

Building a Granny Flat to downsize is gaining increased interest, particularly among older adults who have a desire to stay within their communities and realise the importance of keeping the connections they have formed over the years. From familiar neighbours to favourite coffee shops, building a Granny Flat to live in allows you to stay in the neighbourhood you know and love.

Practical Tips to Overcome Privacy and Space Issues

Whether you’re renting an apartment, have only a bedroom in a shared family home, or you’re living in a Granny Flat, there are ways to avoid having it feel like a cramped space with no privacy.

If you are building a Granny Flat, there are several design tricks to make your small home feel spacious. This includes opting for high ceilings and using a neutral colour scheme throughout.

Moving into established small living spaces can be more challenging. However, they can be made more functional by using space-saving, multifunctional furniture and paring back unnecessary material objects like clothing and kitchen utensils.

Incorporating greenery into your home can also improve your wellbeing. Not only will it help you to feel among nature, but it is also an effective way to improve indoor air quality. You can also use mirrors to create a sense of spaciousness in a room, use essential oils or scented candles to provide uplifting smells and invest in luxurious bedding and high-quality floor rugs to add a cozy feel to your new home.

Don’t forget to seek out stories that give positive feedback about small space living to help inspire you, like this one and this one.

Build a Granny Flat and Reap the Benefits of Small-Space Living

Granny Flats don’t have to be cramped, cluttered spaces. Living in a smaller home can make you feel calmer and healthier, more organised, and free you of financial worries.

At Granny Flat Solutions, we’ve designed and built many beautiful, private, spacious Granny Flats for homeowners and their families, including double-storey and 3-bedroom Granny Flats.

Get started on your journey of well-being by building a Granny Flat with the only multi-award-winning Granny Flat builder, Granny Flat Solutions. See our website to view our Granny Flat designs or call us on 1300 160 320 to get started today.