Can I Build a Granny Flat on My Property in New South Wales?

Granny Flats are an increasingly popular investment for Australian homeowners, and there’s good reason for that. Homeowners can use these secondary dwellings as a home office, a space for guests, an investment to rent to tenants, or a residence for ageing relatives or adult children. Before you decide to invest in a Granny Flat, you may wonder: “Can I build a Granny Flat on my NSW property?”

There can be some confusion and questions surrounding this. In this article, we’ll be exploring the information you need to answer this question and what you need to know before your NSW Granny Flat construction begins.

Key Takeaways

• Granny Flats are self-contained secondary dwellings with a maximum floor area of 60m² that are built in the backyards of pre-existing houses.
• You must comply with the Affordable Housing State Environment Planning Policy (SEPP) and obtain an Occupation Certificate (OC) before allowing people to take residence.
• You will need to obtain either a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) through a private certifier or undergo a Development Application (DA) through your local council.
• Local councils sets different rules and regulations throughout NSW. Do your research and seek professional advice in order to avoid making mistakes building your granny flat.

Yes, You Can Build a Granny Flat on Your NSW Property!

The answer is yes. As long as you meet the minimum requirements, you can build a Granny Flat on your NSW property. For reference, a Granny Flat is a self-contained small house (with a maximum living space of 60m²) that you can build in the backyard of an already-existing house on your NSW property.

A site inspection by a professional can assess the side boundaries, building line, and other council requirements. This will give you peace of mind that your project can move forward.

There are many resources online that will give you the exact guidelines and details involved in the process.

What are the Legal Requirements for Building a Granny Flat in NSW?

To build a Granny Flat on your NSW property, you must comply with certain legal requirements.

Development Approval

In 2009, the NSW government released the Affordable Housing State Environment Planning Policy (SEPP) which permits all residential homeowners with property larger than 450m² (which also has a minimum of 12m street frontage) to build a Granny Flat on their property if their property is considered to be complying. All you need is a CDC that you can obtain quickly and easily through a private certifier.

If your property does not meet all the conditions required to obtain a CDC, your Granny Flat may still be approved by lodging a DA. A DA can only be assessed and approved by your local council.

Occupation Certificate

Before your Granny Flat can be occupied by relatives or tenants, you must obtain an Occupation Certificate (OC). The OC certifies that the building work is completed in accordance with the approved plans and meets all relevant building and safety standards.

You’ll need to apply for an OC from your local council or a private certifier once construction is complete. It’s important to note that you cannot occupy your Granny Flat until you have obtained an OC, so you must factor this into your project timeline.

Are There Different Granny Flat Rules in Different Areas of NSW?

Yes, there are differences in rules and regulations regarding Granny Flats in different areas of NSW. Each local council has its own set of additional guidelines for secondary dwellings, so it’s important to check with them and ensure your property and design comply.

Some councils may have different size restrictions, setback requirements, and other regulations. Additionally, if you live in a bushfire-prone area, certain safety standards may exist.

It’s always best to seek advice from a local qualified professional, such as a licensed builder or designer, to ensure that you comply with all the necessary rules and regulations of your local council.

Build With the Best Granny Flat Builders in NSW

If you’re located on the Newcastle, Central Coast, Illawarra, or Sydney Metro region, and you’re ready to get started on your Granny Flat project, Granny Flat Solutions is at your service.

We offer a free quote and an obligation-free site inspection to answer any questions and ensure that your block of land aligns with zoning guidelines. You’ll have our full support throughout the project, and we do all the work when it comes to getting Granny Flat approvals and certificates.

Our website showcases testimonials from previous customers and pictures from past projects, from the kitchen layout to the bathroom finishes. If you have any questions or wish to make an enquiry with our team, get in touch with us today!