Granny Flats
Ancillary accommodation (commonly known as “granny flats”) are small, self-contained dwelling on the same lot as another single house. It may be attached to the main house, integrated with the main house or a separate building to the main house altogether. Ideal for accommodating aging parents, adult children or independent teens, ancillary dwellings are providing alternative solutions for affordable housing in Perth.
Inner-ring suburbs such as Melville, Bull Creek, Leeming, Kardinya, Queens Park, Belmont, Bassendean, Morley, Dianella, parts of Maylands, Balcatta and Osborne Park have seen a surge in ancillary accommodation as these suburbs tend to have big blocks, good tenant demand and high rental returns that could soon cover the initial cost. However, with more and more people of all ages embracing low maintenance living, there is significant demand for this type of accommodation throughout the metropolitan area.
Until recently, planning regulations permitted only a direct family member of the main house to occupy an ancillary dwelling. However recent changes to State Planning Policy Residential Design Codes have made it possible to earn potential rental income from non-family members. Ancillary dwellings can now be used to accommodate long-term guests or to provide housing opportunities for private tenants, carers, unrelated seniors and students. Another option often passed over is to rent out the primary dwelling and move into your down-sizer granny flat when your old home outgrows you!
Whether you’re looking for ways to maximise your site’s potential – and profit, or you’re simply seeking to accommodate a growing family or successful home business, a granny flat can be a versatile and cost effective way to expand your floor space. Remember though, your biggest return on investment will be the time you invest at the planning stage, so if you’re considering building a granny flat or under-taking a renovation, addition or extension project, you’ll want the team at Shelford Quality Homes by your side from the outset.