Traditionally, Granny flats were accommodation built into or near a home or dwelling and were often occupied by an older member of the family or parent that lives in the house. Common reasons for families adding Granny Flats for their elderly parents or family included:

1. They provided the family member a certain amount of independence

2. Ensured the safety of proximity to assistance when needed

3. Facilitated the transition from larger and often unmanageable previous home into a more age and body appropriate living space bringing both financial savings or benefits, peace of mind, and more time and energy to craft an enjoyable lifestyle.

Similar Names

Granny flats have been known by several names, which vary by region, country, or home type. Synonymous descriptions include in-law apartment, garage apartment, carriage house and, more technically, accessory dwelling unit. They differ from guest houses and maid's quarters in that they were intended to be lived in full-time by a member of the family or similarly trusted person.


History and Features of Granny Flats

The descendant of the granny flat is the dowager house. During the latter part of the 1800s in England often when an  heir of an estate was ready to inherit a home, the widow of the former home owner would often move to a smaller home on the property. This home was called a dowager house and was intended to allow the widow to continue to live on the estate she had lived on for years in order to remain close to her family, while also maintaining personal independence. This assisted her in not feeling as though she were in the way of the new heir entitled owners of the house. In city areas, the dowager house gave way to the granny flat, which is a smaller version of the traditional English dowager house and was often attached to the main home. The features of granny flats throughout the years since have differed depending on their size and location. However, they all contain at least a bedroom and one small bathroom. Some even have their own small kitchenette and a living room or sitting room.


Attached or Detached Granny Flats

More recently, most granny flats are attached or if detached are located close to the main home on a property. Some are simply an area on the ground floor of a house, sometimes with a separate entrance. These are essentially like an ensuited master bedroom but with additional direct access to the outside. Others are attached granny flats more like a guest house, complete with a small kitchenette. These are like a wing of the house, attached to the main home by an adjoining door or hallway. Attics or basements are sometimes converted into granny flats when the occupant can deal with stairs.

Modern day Granny Flats are more often than not fully detached from the main home. This affords the owner increased privacy and independence, while still being close enough to participate in the family life and for the family to provide nearby assistance when needed.  


Legal Issues, Building Codes, & Zoning

If you want to build something that costs more than a few thousand dollars chances are your local council will want to certify it and charge you some unnecessary fees. Take a look at our exstensive list offittings and inclusionsas well as the building process.

Most city councils and local authorities have zoning laws and occupancy regulations governing granny flats, which vary from region to region. Most communities have regulations regarding how large a granny flat can be, whether or not more parking is required and where a granny flat can be located on a parcel of land. There are also laws regarding whether or not rent can be charged to the tenant and if so how much. Most municipalities require that the granny flat be considered part of the main dwelling registered plan and be under the same ownership or title registration; this means that single-family dwelling owner density regulations can apply. Owners of a granny flat or those looking to build a Granny Flat (secondary) are responsible for knowing and complying with those regulations that apply in their community.

Add Some Space have specialised in all facets of the planning, design, and construction of Granny Flats both in Australia and around the world for more than 20 years.

Deciding on what’s right for your situation can be a challenging and time consuming process. If you have any questions or would like more information please get in touch and we will assist you in any way we can.

Contact us via dan@addsomespace.com.au