Granny Flats

Affordable Granny Flats

Granny Flats provide flexible, long-term housing solutions for families, retirees, or low-income households. They maximize property usage while generating potential rental income. With recent updates in NSW planning regulations, building a Granny Flat now requires compliance with State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP), but with the right guidance, approvals can be straightforward and stress-free.

How We Support You

Getting approval for your Granny Flat doesn’t have to be complicated. Our expert team of town planners and designers can guide you through every step:

  • Initial feasibility assessment for your site

  • Development Application (DA) preparation and submission

  • Post-approval support and compliance advice

With years of experience, we provide practical solutions that ensure your Granny Flat project stays on track.

Start your approval journey today – book your free consultation.

Granny Flat Requirements

Private Living Spaces

Self-contained unit with kitchen, bath & sleeping area.

Primary Residence

Must complement main home; no short-term stays.

Affordable Housing

Offers rental options with regulated rent for tenants.

Compliance

Meets SEPP rules with safety, amenity & low impact.

Making Your Property Ideas Real

Boarding House Guidelines

Our team ensures your Boarding House fully complies with all council and state regulations, covering design, safety, and management,

01.

Affordable Housing & SEPP 2021

Most suitable sites can accommodate a Granny Flat under SEPP 2021, with reduced open space and parking requirements, making approvals easier.

02.

Fire & Safety Standards

Our team ensures all designs meet state and local safety regulations, with architects delivering layouts that are fully safe and compliant.

03.

Location & Community

We manage community feedback and show that objections are valid only if based on planning principles, streamlining approval.

04.

Development Standards

We assist with bulk, scale, neighborhood character, transport access, privacy, solar access, landscaping, and management plans to ensure your DA meets all requirements.

Boarding House Approval FAQs

We know the process and can answer all your questions.

How long does council approval take?

Approval timelines can vary depending on the council and the complexity of your project. However, with our expert guidance and thorough preparation, most Boarding House Development Applications (DAs) are processed efficiently and approved on schedule, helping you move forward with confidence.

Do I need a Community Housing Provider (CHP) to apply?

Existing Boarding House approvals granted before November 2021 are exempt from the new requirements. For all new projects, it is mandatory that the property is managed by a registered Community Housing Provider (CHP) in accordance with the Housing SEPP 2021, ensuring compliance with current regulations and standards.

Can I rent to tourists or short-term tenants?

No. Boarding Houses are required to provide long-term accommodation for low-income tenants as their primary residence. Short-term or tourist stays are not permitted under current regulations, ensuring the property meets the intent of affordable and stable housing.

What are the main compliance requirements?

Your property must comply with all relevant regulations, including SEPP rules, fire and safety standards, neighborhood and community guidelines, and development requirements. This covers aspects such as bulk and scale, transport access, privacy, solar access, landscaping, and parking, ensuring your Boarding House is safe, functional, and fully compliant with council expectations.

How can your team help?

We manage every step of the Boarding House approval process, including feasibility assessments, preparing and submitting Development Applications (DAs), handling community feedback, and providing post-approval support. Our goal is to make the entire process simple, stress-free, and successful, giving you confidence and peace of mind throughout your project.