Frequently asked questions
Good questions, before you build.
General information from council planning summaries. It is not planning or legal advice, and every property needs its own check against the current planning scheme.
What is a secondary dwelling?
A secondary dwelling (commonly called a granny flat) is a second self-contained home on the same title. It has its own kitchen, bathroom, toilet and laundry.
Can it be rented to someone outside the family?
Yes, in Queensland. The rule that limited secondary dwellings to family members ended in September 2022. Check the current conditions for your property.
Can I sell the second dwelling separately?
No. The secondary dwelling is built on the same title as the house. It doesn't create a separate lot you can sell.
Do all councils have the same size cap?
No. Councils set different size caps, lot sizes, zones and approval pathways. Floor area alone doesn't decide approval.
How long do approvals take?
As a general rule allow 6 months for the maximum approval timeline. They are often approved faster than this when fully compliant.
What happens if a council rule is missed?
The pathway depends on the council and the rule. It may involve a referral or a development application. A site-specific planning check comes first.
What are overlays?
Mapped flood, bushfire, noise, heritage or mining constraints can change the design, cost or approval pathway.
What makes a block expensive?
Existing structure demolition, slope, narrow access, service upgrade requirements, sewer location, soil or rock, and many more.
How should I compare prices?
Compare the complete scope: design, approvals, construction, site works, services, exclusions and quality of the build. A base price is not the total project cost.
What does the consultancy fee cover?
The cost to obtain building approval varies greatly between states and regions due to government fees & charges. Contact Us to understand more.
Will the property be leased immediately?
Handover work prepares the property for listing. The rental market, property manager, agreed scope and approvals affect when it can be leased.
What if you say no?
We only build for long-term investment focused clients. If that's you and you have a property suitable for building a secondary dwelling then we are here to help.