Is My Property Suitable for a Granny Flat?
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Logan Granny Flats ...
There are a number of key features to bear in mind when looking for a property that will be suitable for a Granny Flat, and so we have listed some of them below as a guide :
1. Size of Block
Under the amendments to the Planning Scheme, there is no minimum land size for the building of a Granny Flat. If your land is under 1,000m2 you can build a 70m2, 2 bedroom Granny Flat. If you are lucky enough to have a block that is over 1,000,2 – you can build 100m2, 2 bedroom Granny Flat.
There are however, some logical approaches to consider such as side or rear yard access.
2. Existing Dwelling on the Property
When looking to purchase a property with the pure intent of building a Granny Flat to increase the rent return, it is a good idea to look at the position of the existing dwelling on the site. If the existing home is smack bang in the middle of the block, do you have access to the rear, or would the tenants need to park out the front? To be able to park beside the Granny Flat would be a much better option for all concerned. If the Granny Flat is going to be located to the left or right hand side of the existing dwelling, is there enough room to have a 6’ high dividing fence between the 2 houses? Will both houses be looking into each others space – nothing worse than your neighbours looking into your living room ...
Other considerations include existing gardens or large trees. At this point in time there are no tree preservation orders in place. But if you have your heart set on a particular property that has a magnificent mango tree in the backyard (something we from down south much admire!), it’s not much use if you are considering it as a Granny Flat proposition.
3. Location of Services
In our due diligence we investigate all aspects of a Granny Flat development, and this is part of our process. There are standard requirements for setbacks from water and sewer mains as well as other services that need to be adhered to. Just because a sewer main runs through the middle of where you want to build, doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t build, but it can add substantial $’s to your total end cost.
4. Rear Yard Access
It’s always a good thing if any property has rear yard access particularly if you are building a Granny Flat in the back yard – otherwise how does the delivery of building materials happen, or how do the tradies themselves get their vehicles in the backyard for that matter. If access slows down delivery, this could potentially add many $’s to the total cost of the project.
The most common rear yard access is a garage at the end of the existing driveway.
5. Slope of land
As with any new build or development the fall of the land is hugely important. It’s always recommended that the land slopes to the road, as the council requires drainage back to the kerb and gutter, unless you can tap into a storm water drain on the property or an agreeable neighbour. You may in some instances negotiate with the council for a rubble drain (for an extra fee) and the additional cost for the plumber to install the pit itself. So your best option always is to find a property that is either flat or slopes to the road.
6. Corner Blocks
I personally like corner blocks as it’s relatively easy for your two separate access points for parking/ entrance to each property. Always look at the backyard on these properties, as they often have only a small yard. A great number of corner properties already have the second slipway (driveway) in place, making it a great start for your Granny Flat project.
Summary:
I hope the above covers the main considerations when considering a property with a future Granny Flat in mind.
If you do decide to proceed with purchasing your next investment with the Granny Flat option as your primary consideration, bearing in mind the above will certainly pay dividends in terms of design, orientation and the approval process, thereby saving you time and money. And this is what it’s all about ...
And if you need assistance in finding that right property, we are also fully licensed real estate agents and offer a Buyer's Agent Service to act on your behalf and take the headache out of it all.
And we don’t charge $15,000 like some known Buyer's Agents …
Logan Granny Flats ...
There are a number of key features to bear in mind when looking for a property that will be suitable for a Granny Flat, and so we have listed some of them below as a guide :
1. Size of Block
Under the amendments to the Planning Scheme, there is no minimum land size for the building of a Granny Flat. If your land is under 1,000m2 you can build a 70m2, 2 bedroom Granny Flat. If you are lucky enough to have a block that is over 1,000,2 – you can build 100m2, 2 bedroom Granny Flat.
There are however, some logical approaches to consider such as side or rear yard access.
2. Existing Dwelling on the Property
When looking to purchase a property with the pure intent of building a Granny Flat to increase the rent return, it is a good idea to look at the position of the existing dwelling on the site. If the existing home is smack bang in the middle of the block, do you have access to the rear, or would the tenants need to park out the front? To be able to park beside the Granny Flat would be a much better option for all concerned. If the Granny Flat is going to be located to the left or right hand side of the existing dwelling, is there enough room to have a 6’ high dividing fence between the 2 houses? Will both houses be looking into each others space – nothing worse than your neighbours looking into your living room ...
Other considerations include existing gardens or large trees. At this point in time there are no tree preservation orders in place. But if you have your heart set on a particular property that has a magnificent mango tree in the backyard (something we from down south much admire!), it’s not much use if you are considering it as a Granny Flat proposition.
3. Location of Services
In our due diligence we investigate all aspects of a Granny Flat development, and this is part of our process. There are standard requirements for setbacks from water and sewer mains as well as other services that need to be adhered to. Just because a sewer main runs through the middle of where you want to build, doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t build, but it can add substantial $’s to your total end cost.
4. Rear Yard Access
It’s always a good thing if any property has rear yard access particularly if you are building a Granny Flat in the back yard – otherwise how does the delivery of building materials happen, or how do the tradies themselves get their vehicles in the backyard for that matter. If access slows down delivery, this could potentially add many $’s to the total cost of the project.
The most common rear yard access is a garage at the end of the existing driveway.
5. Slope of land
As with any new build or development the fall of the land is hugely important. It’s always recommended that the land slopes to the road, as the council requires drainage back to the kerb and gutter, unless you can tap into a storm water drain on the property or an agreeable neighbour. You may in some instances negotiate with the council for a rubble drain (for an extra fee) and the additional cost for the plumber to install the pit itself. So your best option always is to find a property that is either flat or slopes to the road.
6. Corner Blocks
I personally like corner blocks as it’s relatively easy for your two separate access points for parking/ entrance to each property. Always look at the backyard on these properties, as they often have only a small yard. A great number of corner properties already have the second slipway (driveway) in place, making it a great start for your Granny Flat project.
Summary:
I hope the above covers the main considerations when considering a property with a future Granny Flat in mind.
If you do decide to proceed with purchasing your next investment with the Granny Flat option as your primary consideration, bearing in mind the above will certainly pay dividends in terms of design, orientation and the approval process, thereby saving you time and money. And this is what it’s all about ...
And if you need assistance in finding that right property, we are also fully licensed real estate agents and offer a Buyer's Agent Service to act on your behalf and take the headache out of it all.
And we don’t charge $15,000 like some known Buyer's Agents …
Contact us
To discuss What We Can Do for YOU !
It can all be done from the chair in your own home ...
Call Sonia
0403 309 136
To discuss What We Can Do for YOU !
It can all be done from the chair in your own home ...
Call Sonia
0403 309 136