Granny flats, also known as secondary dwelling units, have become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to add extra living space to a property while also providing a source of income through renting. However, one of the most important decisions to make when building a granny flat is where to locate it on your property.
In this article, we will explore the ideal location for your granny flat and how to make sure it is in the perfect spot for you.
Discover the ideal location for your granny flat and how to make sure it is in the perfect spot for you.
When choosing the location for your granny flat, there are a few key factors to consider. The first and most important factor is privacy. Your granny flat should be located in a spot that provides privacy for both the occupants of the main house and the granny flat. This can be achieved by placing the granny flat at the back of the property, behind the main house or in a separate area of the property.
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Another important factor to consider is accessibility. The granny flat should be easily accessible for both the occupants of the main house and any potential renters. This can be achieved by placing the granny flat near the main entrance of the property or near public transportation.
Another key factor to consider is the view. You want to make sure that the granny flat has a nice view, whether it be of the surrounding area, the garden or the pool.
Another important aspect to keep in mind is the location of amenities and services. The granny flat should be located close to essential services such as grocery stores, medical facilities, and public transportation. This will make it more attractive to potential renters and will also make it more convenient for the occupants of the main house.
You should also consider zoning and building regulations before deciding on a location for your granny flat. Make sure to check with your local council to ensure that you are allowed to build a granny flat in your desired location and that it meets all building codes and regulations.
Finally, think about the future and how the location of the granny flat may affect the value of your property. A well-designed and well-built granny flat can add value to your property, but it's important to consider how the location may affect this.
Also See: How to Choose a Granny Flat Builder
Steps to Find the Perfect Location for Your Granny Flat
Follow this 6-step guide to finding the perfect location for your Granny flat.
Step 1: Identify your needs
Your first step is to identify your specific needs for a granny flat. Do you need a place for a family member to live, or do you want to create rental income? Additionally, if you plan to sell the property in the future, you’ll want to make sure the property is in a prime location. To help you identify your specific needs, start by looking at your long-term goals for the property. For example, if you want to create rental income from the property, you may opt for a location close to a large university or city. ( Read our simple Guide To Building Granny Flats )
Step 2: Calculate the costs involved
Keep in mind that many granny flats have a lifespan of only 10 to 15 years, depending on the materials used to build them. To ensure that you don’t overpay for your property, it’s important to know what materials you need and how much you can expect to pay for each material. To calculate the costs involved in building a granny flat on your property, visit the Costs page on our website for more information.
Step 3: Determine zoning and height restrictions
Before you build your granny flat, you need to make sure that it will be permitted on your land. Zoning laws generally regulate what types of structures can be built in your area. In most municipalities, all residential properties must have at least 30 square meters of outdoor space per bedroom (1 Bedroom Granny Flat Designs, 2 Bedroom Granny Flat Designs). If your property does not meet this minimum requirement, you may need to make modifications to the floor plan to ensure that the structure is permitted to fall within the requirements.
Step 4: Consider your needs for the future
If you plan to live on the property for the foreseeable future, you may not want to build in a location that has a low resale value. This is because you may need to move in a few years’ time, at which point you’ll be faced with a costly renovation in order to sell your home. On the other hand, if you’re planning to move somewhere else in the near future, you may want to choose a location that has a high resale value.
Step 5: Consider the location of services and amenities
Water supply - Your water supply will come from one of two sources: an on-site well or municipal water service. In rural areas, wells are common sources of water, but they can be unreliable if they are not properly maintained. A municipal water supply is usually more reliable and requires less maintenance than a well. Sewage disposal - You will need to install a septic tank to dispose of wastewater from your granny flat. A septic tank is generally less costly than sewage treatment plants.
Step 6: Confirm your location
The last step is to confirm the location to the needs and factors we mentioned above in consideration. Once you have done all this planning and confirmed all these factors for the location of the Granny Flat. You can move forward with the building process, including the architectural plans for constructing the Granny Flat.
In conclusion, choosing the perfect location for your granny flat requires careful consideration of several factors. Privacy, accessibility, view, location of amenities and services, zoning and building regulations, and the future value of your property are all important factors to keep in mind. By taking the time to consider these factors, you can ensure that your granny flat is located in the perfect spot for you and your family. As "Granny Flat Experts" we recommend that you consult with professionals to guide you through the process and make sure that you are compliant with the regulations of your area. "
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The Granny Flat Experts blog is a leading Australian website for providing advice and information about granny flats.
FAQs on Granny Flat Location
Q: How to choose a perfect location for a granny flat?
Choosing a location for Granny Flats can be a daunting task with so many different factors to consider such as zoning laws, property size limitations, access to local amenities, resale value and more. In order to make the right decision you need a thorough understanding of the different factors that will affect your decision.
Q: How to Choose the Right Position for a Granny Flat?
When considering a position for granny flats there are a couple of factors that you need to consider factors such as who owns the neighbouring property and whether are you allowed to access it. Are there any existing utilities in or near the site, i.e. power poles, phone lines, sewerage. These factors need to be taken into consideration when it comes to positioning your granny flat as there may be additional costs required to install new infrastructure on the site.
Q: Can I build a granny flat in my garden?
Yes, You can build a granny flat in your garden, but there is generally only one way to do it legally. An Occupational Certificate must be obtained from the local council in order to declare the occupation of the land as a granny flat. You are unable to build any habitable structure without the Occupational Certificate.
Q: Do I need council approval for a granny flat in NSW?
For residential purposes, a granny flat that is no more than 60m2 in size may be built without getting council approval. However, if the size of your proposed granny flat is over 60m2 you will need to get council approval before you can commence building work.
Q: Can a granny flat be located in front of the property?
It is possible to locate a granny flat in the front of the property, but it is not recommended as it may not provide the desired level of privacy for the occupants of both the main house and the granny flat. It is best to place the granny flat at the back of the property or in a separate area of the property.
Q: Is it necessary for a granny flat to be close to public transportation?
While it is not necessary for a granny flat to be close to public transportation, it is a desirable feature as it can make the granny flat more attractive to potential renters and more convenient for the occupants of the main house.
Q: Can a granny flat be built on a slope?
It is possible to build a granny flat on a slope, but it may require additional engineering and construction work to ensure that the granny flat is stable and safe. It's recommended to consult with professionals to guide you through the process.
Q: Can a granny flat be located in a flood zone?
It depends on the local regulations and building codes, but in general, it may not be allowed to build a granny flat in a flood zone due to safety concerns. It's important to check with your local council before deciding on a location for your granny flat.
Q: Can a granny flat be located on a corner lot?
It is possible to locate a granny flat on a corner lot, but it may be subject to additional regulations and requirements set by the local council. It's important to check with your local council before deciding on a location for your granny flat.
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