What is Granny Flats?

The Granny Flat Revolution

What is a Granny Flat?

• The Collins Dictionary definition of a granny flat is : noun, self-contained accommodation within or built onto a house, suitable for an elderly parent.  Also called: granny annexes'.  By the true definition it is for a “Granny”!

• Every Australian state and Planning Schemes within that state seem to have their own description.  One state planning department sums it up nicely:

Granny Flat

• A self contained extension of the existing home that:• Is established in conjunction with a house and is either

within the house, or attached to the house, or separate from the house; and

• Is on the same lot of land as the principal house and is not on a separate lot, in a strata plan or in a community title scheme.

Ipswich Granny Flats

About Ipswich Granny Flats

• Ipswich Granny Flats have seen what a great opportunity Ipswich City Council has offered to investors in the local area : with the relaxation of the planning guidelines, Granny Flats technically termed ‘Auxiliary Dwellings’ are now allowed for the investor!

• Examples of what other states call them include : Fonzie Flats, Garden Flats, Granny Cottages and ‘Extended Family Units’. 

• The common denominator is their use as secondary living spaces to main dwellings.  Under the new WA government, they too are now introducing the equivalent of the Granny Flat – for investment purposes as well as their original intended use for extended family members.  In other parts of the world, Granny Flats are also called teenagers retreats and backyard cottages – the Europeans, Americans and English have been building them for years.

About Granny Flats

• A granny flat can be defined as a fully self contained home extension that is built on the same plot of land that the main home is.  Essentially, it is another, smaller home on your property.  Usually, the granny flat is located to the rear of the main home, and it can share the backyard with the main home or have its own section of the yard fenced off.  Local councils will dictate what the maximum size of a granny flat can be(usually no more than 60 square meters).

What does a Granny Flat contain?

• As it’s an independent, self contained unit they will usually have the following rooms:

• 1 – 2 bedrooms• kitchen/ette• living area• bathroom, separate or en suite• laundry, separate or often built within the bathroom or

kitchen

Who suits a Granny Flat?

• The beauty of granny flats is that they are so versatile in terms of who can occupy them. They are enduringly popular for ageing people (parents and grandparents) as they are still able to keep their independence while still staying close to family for comfort and support.  However, granny flats are also suited to children that are moving out for the first time, or for family members or close friends.  Granny flats are also becoming a popular investment choice as homeowners can easily rent them out for extra income.

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