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March 3, 2025

The Brisbane Granny Flat

Looking for extra income, affordable housing, or a secure space for elderly parents? A granny flat could be the perfect solution. These self-contained secondary dwellings offer flexibility, independen...
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Schedule a free discovery call today to discuss your project and explore how we can create the perfect living space for you.
Aerial view of Brisbane cityscape with winding river and bridge, showcasing urban development and lush greenery.

Looking for extra income, affordable housing, or a secure space for elderly parents?

A granny flat could be the perfect solution. These self-contained secondary dwellings offer flexibility, independence, and the opportunity to maximise your property’s potential.

What is a Granny Flat?

A granny flat is a standalone, self-contained home located on the same property as a primary residence. Also known as a secondary dwelling, it typically includes:

Additional features may include decks, patios, and carports, providing even more comfort and functionality.

What Can a Granny Flat Be Used For?

Granny flats offer more than just additional living space; they provide a versatile and functional solution for various needs.

Whether you need extra space for family, a home-based business, or a way to generate rental income, a granny flat can be designed to suit your lifestyle.

Their self-contained nature makes them a highly flexible investment that can evolve with your changing needs.

Granny flats aren’t just for elderly family members, they have a variety of uses, including:

  • Home offices or businesses – Work from home in a dedicated space.
  • Guest accommodation – Provide a private area for visitors.
  • Rental property – Earn additional passive income.
  • Housing for young adults – Give older children their own space while staying close to home.
  • Hobby or creative space – A dedicated area for art, music, or fitness.
  • Aging parents or relatives – Keep family members nearby with independent living arrangements.

Council Regulations for Granny Flats in Brisbane

Before building a granny flat, it’s crucial to understand local council regulations to ensure compliance. Each state and council area has different rules regarding size, location, and occupancy.

Brisbane City Council has specific zoning and development requirements, which impact how and who can occupy a granny flat. Understanding these regulations will help you plan accordingly and avoid any costly delays.

Council regulations vary by location. In the Brisbane City Council region:

  • A granny flat must be within 20 meters of the main house.
  • The maximum size is 80m² without requiring a development application.
  • In Brisbane, a relative or family member must occupy the granny flat unless specific council approval is obtained.

At Hoek Modular Homes, we handle all council approvals for you, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

For more details, visit www.brisbane.gov.au.

Key Considerations Before Building a Granny Flat

Investing in a granny flat requires careful planning and assessment to ensure a smooth and successful build.

Factors such as property size, accessibility, budget, and site conditions will influence the design and feasibility of your new dwelling.

Taking the time to evaluate these key elements will help you make informed decisions that align with your needs and expectations.

Before investing in a granny flat, consider the following:

1. The Size of Your Property

Does your property have enough space for a granny flat while still complying with boundary regulations? If you’re unsure, our experts at Hoek Modular Homes can assess your property and provide guidance.

2. Site Preparation & Modifications

Would the site need leveling, tree removal, or soil preparation? These factors impact the overall budget and should be assessed before selecting a design.

3. Home Requirements

What features does your granny flat need? Consider:

  • Wheelchair accessibility for elderly residents or those with disabilities.
  • Flooring preferences (wood, tiles, or carpet).
  • Window coverings (blinds or curtains).
  • Carports or extra storage.

Our custom-designed granny flats can be tailored to your exact needs.

4. Budget Planning

Building a granny flat involves more than just the home itself. Consider:

  • Pre-build land preparation
  • Council approvals and permits
  • Construction costs (on-site or off-site)
  • Customisations and upgrades
  • Utility connections
  • Furnishing & appliances

Ask about our finance options to help make the process stress-free.

5. Accessibility & Transport

Granny flats are typically built off-site and transported to the property, reducing costs and avoiding weather delays.

Ensure your property has suitable access for transport. If not, we offer on-site construction options.

Your Granny Flat Journey: Step-by-Step

Building a granny flat is an exciting journey, and having a clear roadmap can make the process seamless and stress-free.

From the initial planning stages to choosing the perfect design and moving in, each step is essential to creating a functional and comfortable space.

By following a structured approach, you can ensure your granny flat meets your exact specifications and lifestyle needs.

Once you’ve considered the key factors, here’s how to get started:

  1. List your requirements – Do you need extra bedrooms? A larger kitchen? Specific flooring or accessibility features?
  2. Meet with us – Browse floor plans and explore design options. If visiting in person isn’t possible, we can discuss your needs via email or phone.
  3. Schedule a site inspection – Our team will assess your property and determine the best placement for your granny flat.
  4. Choose a design & customise – Select from our range of modern, energy-efficient designs and personalise as needed.
  5. Finalise a payment plan – We offer flexible finance options to suit your budget.
  6. Construction & delivery – Sit back and relax while we handle the build, transport, and installation. Your new home will be ready to move in before you know it!

Ready to Build Your Granny Flat?

At Hoek Modular Homes, we’ve been building high-quality granny flats, modular homes, and cabins in Brisbane for over 50 years. Whether you need a home for family, investment, or extra space, we’re here to help.

📞 Call us today at (07) 3889 7385 or visit our contact page to get started on your dream granny flat!

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