Can a Granny Flat be Built on Rural Land?

There are many advantages to having a Granny Flat on your property. Many people love the idea of renting them out, having somewhere for family members to live or having a separate work studio. While it’s clear that Granny Flats are allowed in designated residential zones, many homeowners contact us asking if they can build a Granny Flat on their rural-zoned land.

There can be differences in rules and regulations depending on whether you’re in a rural area or a city. In this article, we look at zoning laws and planning schemes, the benefits of Granny Flats on rural properties and how to overcome any challenges you may face when building a Granny Flat on rural land. Let’s dive in and take a look at where to start when building your Granny Flat.

What is a Granny Flat and How Do I Build One?

A Granny Flat is a self-contained second dwelling that can be built within, attached or alongside an already-existing house.

A Granny Flat in a residential area doesn’t require council approval in NSW because of legislation called the Affordable Housing State Environment Planning Policy (SEPP). This permits a landowner with property larger than 450m² (with a minimum 12m street frontage) to build a Granny Flat on their property if their property meets certain compliance standards. If it is not a complying development, the landowner needs to lodge a development application with the local council to seek a building permit before construction can begin.

Before a Granny Flat can be occupied, an Occupation Certificate (OC) must be obtained from the local council or a private certifier.

Can You Legally Build a Granny Flat on Rural Land?

Before you build a Granny Flat on your rural property, it’s important to understand how it is zoned.

Under NSW building regulations, secondary dwellings are permitted in residential zones (R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5). However, under a recent change, local councils are now allowed to amend their local environmental plans to support Granny Flats on rural-zoned land.

Some councils that allow Granny Flats on rural-zoned land include the Hills Shire in Sydney’s North West and the Bega Valley on the Far South Coast.

Under this change, which is aimed at helping housing affordability in regional areas, councils can also set the maximum floor area of the Granny Flat (usually limited to 60m2 in residential zones) and the maximum distance from the main dwelling. However, it’s still the case that only one Granny Flat is allowed per main dwelling and that the Granny Flat can not be subdivided.

You can check the local environmental plan to see the rules on Granny Flats for your local council area here.

What If My Land Is in a Bushfire Zone?

Whether or not you are in a rural area, if your property is classed at risk of bushfires, you may not be able to complete a complying development. If the property is at risk of ember attack or exposure to flames, you will need to meet stricter requirements. Rest assured, Granny Flat Solutions has built many Granny Flats in these zones, and we can give you advice to help you understand Bushfire Attack Level ratings and other design guidelines your second residence may need to comply with.

Here are some other things to consider before you build a Granny Flat on your NSW property.

Understanding Laws in Other States

Previously, Victoria had some of the toughest restrictions on Granny Flats in the country. However, recent changes to planning schemes and the Building Regulations 2018 legislation have now made it easier to build a Granny Flat on residential and rural land in Victoria.

State rules require a building permit for a ‘small second dwelling’ but a planning permit is not usually required for residential zones if it’s on a lot of at least 300m2.

In WA, a rural Granny Flat requires a building permit, but it does not require development approval from local authorities if it adheres to size restrictions, which vary from council to council. It’s a similar case in Queensland, where the ease with which you can build a Granny Flat on your rural property depends on which council area you live in.

Benefits of Building a Granny Flat on Rural Land

If you live in a rural area, there are many advantages to adding a second dwelling to your property including:

• Granny Flats are a lucrative investment that adds value to your property.
• A Granny Flat gives you the potential to make the most of an acreage block with a passive way to earn rental income.
• In some parts of the country, you may be able to build a larger Granny Flat on rural land and boost your rental yield.
• Second homes can keep families close without having to share the same living space. This is particularly helpful for teenage children, ageing parents or a family member with special needs.
• Granny Flats help boost the housing supply in rural areas.
• Renting your Granny Flat on a short-term basis can attract tourists to your town.
• Extra accommodation gives your guests a private place to stay when they visit.
• You may be able to stay on your land for longer if you have family in your Granny Flat that can help you with the upkeep. Alternatively, you can downsize without having to leave your property.
• Granny Flats are versatile. For example, they can be used as a home office or art studio.

Potential Challenges and Considerations

Even if you live on acreage, it’s still important to follow your local council’s planning scheme on Granny Flats and seek the correct approval. Otherwise, you may find yourself in hot water with local authorities for an illegal structure or struggle to sell the property if you ever decide to move.

Some common construction challenges that rural landowners can come up against when building a Granny Flat include connecting to utilities like power and sewerage, finding tradespeople, accessibility issues like poor road conditions, wildlife protection measures and increased cost of materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What permits are needed for a Granny Flat on rural land?

A Granny Flat can either be built as a complying development or by making a development application. It will also need an Occupation Certificate. Granny Flat Solutions can help you with the process of planning and building your Granny Flat and ensuring it’s compliant with all relevant regulations.

Are Granny Flats allowed on rural land?

In most cases, as long as development doesn’t impair the use of the land for rural industries and doesn’t have an adverse impact on the scenic amenity or character or the rural environment, second dwellings are allowed. However, it will depend on how the land is zoned and on what your local council’s planning scheme allows.

Can I rent out my Granny Flat on rural land?

Every Australian state now allows Granny Flats to be rented out to anyone, not just family members.

What zoning laws affect building a Granny Flat?

If your land is zoned anything other than residential, you may be restricted as to how it can be used, so it is best to check with your local council regarding Granny Flat rules.

How big can a Granny Flat be on rural property?

In NSW, the maximum floor area of Granny Flats can be set in the planning scheme of local councils. Therefore, the maximum size of your Granny Flat will depend on where you live.

Start Making the Most of Your Rural Land Today

From the Sydney Metro area to the Central Coast, Illawarra and Hunter Region, Granny Flat Solutions is the Granny Flat builder of choice for residential and rural customers alike.

We’re a multi-award-winning Granny Flat builder with a huge range of designs to suit all needs, whether that’s to accommodate family members, as a place to downsize or as a second dwelling on an investment property.

You can find out more about getting started building your Granny Flat with Granny Flat Solutions here or call us on 1300 259 677 to speak to us about your requirements.