As our families evolve and grow, our homes change as well. When installing a portable granny flat, you may have a specific purpose for its use. However, as circumstances change, a granny flat offers an additional flexible space that can adapt to your dynamic needs.
A granny flat is a compact living solution on your investment property. It can be completely separate from the main house, attached to it, converted from a garage, or created by repurposing a part of your existing home.
You've likely come across the term "granny flat," as it has become a popular trend in the real estate industry. But what exactly is a granny flat? Do these structures add value to a home, and how can they be utilized effectively?
While traditionally viewed as an extra living space for relatives, a granny flat can also serve as an investment that significantly enhances the value of your property. The advantages of building a granny flat are numerous, ranging from increased rental income to overall improvement in property value. By constructing a granny flat, you can tap into these benefits and enhance your property's financial returns and overall worth.
Granny Flat Uses
Using a prefabricated house kit, you can quickly and easily convert it into a granny flat. The granny flat can be an addition to the main building or a standalone structure if there is sufficient yard space. When renovating an existing building, adding a tiny titan house as a secondary building is a cost-effective way to increase your property's total building space.
The average size of a granny flat is 60 square metres, making it much smaller than the main house. Although some people use granny flats for business or pleasure, this piece is focused on making the most of them as extra bedrooms. Therefore, it needs to have a bedroom, a kitchen, and any other necessary areas for comfortable living.
Here are several common and compelling reasons why people choose to build a granny flat:
Keep Your Family Close
Granny flats offer additional accommodation for various family members, including extended family, teenagers, and elderly parents. Given the current high demand for housing options suitable for older people, it's important to seek expert guidance to create an ideal home for your loved ones. By opting for flexible designs, you can ensure your family members stay close while maintaining their independence.
It Can Be a Home Office
When embarking on a new business venture or transitioning to remote work, it's crucial to have a dedicated and distraction-free space that promotes comfort and productivity. Similarly, families with young children often struggle to find peace at home, hindering their ability to focus and accomplish tasks.
To address these challenges, constructing a portable office with tailored wiring, technology, lighting, and designated work areas becomes essential. This setup allows you to establish a professional environment that facilitates concentration and provides a suitable space for online and in-person client meetings.
Rental Space
You can rent your granny flat if you want to make more money. You can rent the space to people who only need it briefly, like tourists. When the people move out, you can still use the unit for different things.
You could also rent the space to people who have lived there for a long time and pay you every month. It can be a very good way to make money. You could walk around the neighbourhood or look online to find out how much apartments cost to rent in your area. It will help you determine how much you should charge for your space.
Whether you are looking for long-term or short-term tenants, you should find good ones. People like this payment on time, are nice to live next to and take good care of your home. The best way to find people like this is to check out potential renters before letting them live on your property. It means looking into their past, income, and loan repayment ability.
You can also get good tenants by writing an interesting ad and giving applicants a clear list of rules so everyone is on the same page. Maintain the property regularly, adding stainless steel appliances, extra storage, good lighting, heating, and an air conditioning unit as needed.
Guest Suite
Imagine the convenience of providing your visiting family and friends with their luxurious accommodations right in your backyard. Ideal for extended stays of weeks or even months, a granny flat offers the perfect solution, granting everyone their own private space whenever they require it.
Teenage Retreat
As your kids get older, they start to want their own space. A retreat for teens (link to blog 6) will allow them to hang out with their friends, focus on their schoolwork, and spend time on their hobbies. Let them try out music and other things they're interested in without making the rest of the family crazy. This also keeps their mess in one place, so you don't have to keep cleaning up after them.
Starter Home For A Young Adult
If your older child has just finished college and has yet to find a job or has just started working, paying the lease and other bills can be hard. If so, you could let them use the granny flat as their first home.
They don't have to worry about rent and bills they can't pay while they look for work. Also, they can put away as much money as they need to move out eventually. They will also learn how to do their laundry, clean their homes, and care for themselves. It will be easier for them to live independently when they move out.
Hobby Room for Empty Nesters
You've spent most of your life thinking about other people's needs. Now it's time to think about what makes you happy. You can turn your granny flat into an arts and crafts studio or a workshop where you can fix up your toys. Since the granny flat was already set up as a different place to live, you only had to move a few things around and have a separate space to do whatever you wanted.
Income-generator
A granny flat can become a rental property right outside your door. In many places, a granny flat doesn't have to be lived in by a family member, so you can rent it and make money. If you can rent it out but don't want it for a long-time tenant, the granny flat is a nice place for people visiting your area to stay for a short time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Granny Flat
Tiny houses and granny flats are now used as homes, offices, music studios, pool houses, and holiday homes. A good tiny house has everything a normal home has, but in smaller proportions:
- A great kitchen
- A full bathroom with laundry space
- A living room
- A loft or ground-level bedroom
A granny flat is a self-contained small home of 60m² built in the backyard of an already-existing house. The main council requirements for granny flats: Property must be a minimum of 450m2 in size (different rules apply for larger block sizes, go to the section: Granny flat setback requirements).
- Be creative with storage space. There's a reason they're known as small homes.
- Use a single colour palette.
- Stick with one style for your furniture.
- Capitalise on natural sunlight.
- Decorate with lots of green plants.
- Don't assume you need to use small furniture.
A granny flat doesn't have to feel small inside. It's all about using the space well. Think big rooms and minimal corridors, high ceilings, clever storage spaces, and good use of glass to bring the outside work in. Decks make all the difference: Guess what?
Designed for one or two persons, a granny flat is a self-contained living area usually located on the grounds of a single-family home. A granny flat can be detached, or it can be attached to the other dwelling. It is sometimes called a granny flat because it is a popular way for families to accommodate aging parents.
What Are the Rules Regarding Granny Flats?
It's important to check with the council first to see if you can build a granny flat. For example, the area of land will probably need to be bigger than 450 square metres, and you'll probably have to meet several requirements, such as:
- The same person must own the granny flat and the main house.
- Only one will be allowed on the property.
- The way to the apartment must be clear and not blocked.
Getting permission to build a granny flat on your property can take 6–8 weeks. The good news is that once you've done that, buying a house and building it can be very quick. They're designed to be built in as little as 8–12 weeks, and then you can start enjoying the benefits of having one on your property.
Who Can Build One?
You will need planning permission, and there are rules about how much space is on your block, but you don't have to split it up. This makes it easier and cheaper to have two houses on one block.
How Much Does a Granny Flat Cost?
Granny flats are considered one of the less expensive ways to add space to a home. There are plans with one, two, or even three bedrooms to fit a wide range of needs and budgets.
Granny Flat Optimisation Tips
- Learn as much as you can. Determine whether or not a granny flat will be a profitable addition to your property before you start construction. Learn as much as possible about the council's regulations and fees. If you intend to rent the apartment out once construction is complete, you should also research the local rental market.
- Choose your design wisely; granny flats can range from compact and closed-in to spacious and airy. You should give careful consideration to the size and features of your granny flat based on its intended purpose. A Titan House 54e with two bedrooms would be ideal if the kids are going to be moving in when they're older. Titan House 45a, on the other hand, is more suited to serving as a guest quarters or private retreat than the main house.
- Get precise pricing information by requesting bids from multiple contractors on the cost of building the granny flat.
- Sort your finances: If you already have enough equity in your home, you can refinance your home loan to get the money you need to build a titan house.
Conclusion
Granny flats are becoming increasingly popular as an investment opportunity, flexible accommodation, or rental property. These versatile structures offer a separate living space for relatives or children, as well as a versatile area for entertainment or work purposes. When executed properly, granny flats not only serve as a perfect retreat for one or their loved ones but can also serve as a lucrative source of additional income if interested in investing or adding value to their property.
To optimize the interior of a granny flat, careful planning of the different rooms and effective space utilization is crucial. Key elements such as the kitchen, bathrooms, and flooring choices greatly influence the interior's overall feel. Employing smart design techniques can maximize the potential of your granny flat and transform it into an appealing and functional living space.
Maximizing natural light is essential for creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere in a granny flat. Opting for a light interior color scheme and neutral flooring can further enhance the sense of openness. Choose the right floor plan, considering factors such as storage requirements and ensuring enough distinct spaces within the layout.
Designing for the space is crucial for smart design choices that enhance comfort and functionality in any space. Consider the advantages of incorporating wall-mounted tapware in bathrooms, wall lights instead of traditional bedside tables, and small adjustments to ensure safety and convenience.
Adding personal touches, such as hanging favorite photos, artwork, and mementoes, can give a room character. Colours should be chosen based on the mood you want to create, and mixing two different main colors gives an interesting contrast without being too much. Busy patterns, textures, and fabrics are popular when decorating a rest area.
Before starting the process, check with your local council to see what building rules apply in your area. Some states may not allow anyone to live in a granny flat besides immediate family members, and utilities like electricity and water must be shared with the main house.
Utilizing the kitchen is essential for designing a granny flat. Consider the size of the kitchen sink, countertops, and ovens, and maximize the efficiency of kitchen storage options to reduce mess. If your kitchen also serves as a dining area, forego a dedicated dining room and replace single-purpose appliances with multifunctional models. A granny flat is a popular real estate trend that offers various uses, including independent space for young adults, rental space for tourists, and home office space for working from home. These flats can be built in backyards or next to homes, providing a place for them to live independently while still having their own space.
They can also be used as a home office, providing a separate space for kids and teenagers to study and keep their friends busy. Additionally, granny flats can be used as guest suites for family and friends when they visit, providing a comfortable space for family members to stay. Finally, granny flats can be used as temporary housing for immigrants, making them a versatile and adaptable option for those moving to Australia. Ultimately, the choice of a granny flat depends on the specific needs and preferences of the individual, but they can provide a comfortable and functional space for those looking to make a significant impact on their lives.
Content Summary:
- The advantages of having a granny flat are manifold.
- To optimize the interior of your granny flat, careful planning of the different rooms and effective space utilization is crucial.
- The layout of the granny flat plays a significant role in determining its overall ambience.
- By employing smart design techniques, you can maximize the potential of your granny flat and transform it into an appealing and functional living space.
- Incorporating glazed double doors and windows is essential to create a bright and welcoming atmosphere in your granny flat.
- Opting for light-colored walls and neutral flooring can significantly maximize the impact of the available lighting, creating a bright and airy atmosphere throughout the granny flat.
- These design choices will elevate the lighting and make your granny flat a warm and inviting space for any guest who enters.
- The floor plan becomes a crucial consideration when designing a living space, particularly in smaller areas where space is limited.
- While open-plan designs can be appealing, ensuring enough distinct spaces within the layout is essential.
- A well-thought-out floor plan considers the practical aspects of storage and functionality while balancing the need for open and defined spaces.
- Attention to detail is crucial for smart design choices that enhance comfort and functionality in any space.
- When designing a granny flat with the needs of elderly relatives in mind, small adjustments can make a significant difference in terms of safety and convenience.
- Additionally, selecting slip-resistant flooring options, such as carpet rather than laminate, can offer added safety and peace of mind.
- Colours should be chosen based on the mood you want to create.
- Before you start the process, check with your local council to see what building rules apply in your area.
- Consider some of the larger appliances and fixtures that will be needed when designing the kitchen for your granny flat.
- Maximize the efficiency of your kitchen storage options to reduce mess.
- Once you've found the right builder, there are a few things to consider to make your space as valuable as possible.
- Most importantly, you must consider why you want a granny flat.
- If you want to add a granny flat to your home to use as a place to hang out or work, this will increase the value of your property and can be a great investment.
- No matter why you want to add a granny flat to your property, make sure, it is legal and has all the right permits.
- The answer is to build granny flats.
- Building a granny flat in your backyard or next to your house can give young adults a place to call their own.
- You can rent your granny flat if you want to make more money.
- You could walk around the neighbourhood or look online to find out how much housing costs to rent in your area.
- It will help you determine how much you should charge for your space.
- Whether you are looking for long-term or short-term tenants, you should find good ones.
- People like this payment on time, are nice to live next to and take good care of your home.
- The best way to find people like this is to check out potential renters before letting them live on your property.
- Work as we know it has changed, and there are good reasons to think that working from home is here to stay.
- This could be a separate building or an addition to the home.
- You can also give your kids or teens the granny flat so they can enjoy freedom and independence.
- It can be a good place to study where you don't have to deal with TV or video games.
- They could also keep their friends busy with the unit.
- What could be better than having a nice place for family and friends to stay when they visit?
- A granny flat gives everybody their own space if they need it.
- This is great for when family members stay for weeks or months.
- When family or friends move to Australia, they usually stay with family or friends.
- Granny flats are a versatile type of home that can be used temporarily while someone starts a new life.
- This goes back to one of the best things about a granny flat: it can fit almost everyone.
