What Is A Granny Flat And What You Should Know About Them?

What Is A Granny Flat?

Whether or not your parents or grandparents reside there, a granny flat is essentially the same as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). One or two persons can live comfortably in this type of dwelling unit, which can be attached or detached. 

Why Is It Known As A "Granny Flat"?

It's commonly believed that granny flats are a distinct type of dwelling unit, but they are a subset of ADUs. They mean the same thing, although the latter is a slang term. A "granny flat" is so called because it is usually used to house the owner's elderly parents or in-laws. 

The vast history of granny flats, which stretches back to the "dowager house" that preceded the granny flat, helps to explain the term. The word "dower house" referred to a special residence on an English or Scottish estate for the deceased owner's wife. When the heir to the estate took over the main property, the dowager relocated here. It was done as a favour to the dowager so that she might remain in her familiar surroundings in close proximity to her loved ones. 

Despite this, there has been a move away from housing that accommodates people of different generations. A granny flat is an excellent solution that allows you to keep your separation from other members of the family while still keeping elderly parents who require your care within proximity.

What Is The Difference Between Granny Flats And Other Small Living Spaces?

When it comes to small homes, there are few to choose from, and it can be difficult to tell them apart.

The most important factor in determining the best value and option for you is your intended use of the property. Let's look at some of the more prevalent choices for compact housing to see how they stack up against granny flats so you can make an informed decision.

Secondary Dwelling Vs. Granny Flats

Many people interchange "granny flat" with "secondary dwelling." On the same property as the primary residence, secondary housing is a separate living space that stands on its own. A secondary dwelling can have a bathroom, kitchen, and bedrooms, and it can be rented out to renters if it has all of these features.

Granny Flat

• As a "Secondary dwelling," or a dwelling that isn't the primary residence, a granny flat is subject to the same zoning rules and local council regulations as any other secondary dwelling.
• It can function as a self-contained home, complete with kitchen and bathroom facilities; this provides tenants with privacy and eliminates the need to use the main dwelling.
• "granny flat" may conjure images of an elderly relative's living quarters. However, these homes can serve various purposes beyond only housing the occupant's elderly relatives.

Secondary Dwelling

• That "self-contained accommodation" you keep hearing about includes "granny flats," "teenage retreats," and anything else along those lines.
• Only one primary residence and one accessory dwelling unit are permitted per property.
• Granny Flat Services can assist with the entire approval process, beginning with the planning phase and continuing through the design, approval, and construction phases.

Outdoor Studio Vs. A Granny Flat

The absence of a kitchen and the ability to rent the space distinguishes an outdoor studio from a granny flat. An outdoor studio, sometimes known as a "lifestyle pod," can serve a variety of purposes, including as a place to work, play, entertain guests, or record music.

Granny Flat

• Adds value to your home in the long run, especially if it is designed specifically for your needs and tastes.
• You can earn extra money every month by renting out one of your granny flats.
• A low-priced approach to expanding your home's living space.

Outdoor Studio

• Excellent for a home gym, a game room, a guest suite, or any number of other uses requiring extra room.
• A home office is a great alternative because it gives you the convenience of working without having to leave your family.

Tiny House Vs. Granny Flat

 

A tiny house is a small, transportable, detached dwelling place restricted to no more than 50 square metres. Unlike granny flats, tiny houses aren't permanent additions to a property and hence don't increase its value.

Granny Flat

• In comparison to a tiny house, a two-bedroom granny flat typically provides more living space.
• Increase in property value and potential rental income.
• It can be customised according to your requirements, whether in terms of cost, level of luxury, or concern for the environment.

Tiny House

• Like a trailer, tiny houses can be moved around easily because they are built on wheels.
• They are smaller than a granny flat, with a maximum size of 50 square metres.
• Only allowable use during specific times of the year
• While it's a cheap choice, getting a parking spot nearby can take time and effort.

What Are The Advantages Of Constructing A Granny Flat On Your Property?

We're here to offer advice if you're considering adding a granny flat during your next home improvement project. The advantages of a well-thought-out design, a wide selection, and expert construction can lead to:

Keeps Your Family Close

The demands of modern life frequently put families at odds with one another. Whether it's your job or some other duty, some things restrict you from spending time with the people you care about. Senior family members typically start looking for retirement communities after a certain number of years have passed. On the other hand, Granny flats are an excellent choice to consider if you want to keep living near your parents.

Granny flats allow the elderly to enjoy their golden years in the company of their children and grandchildren. The more people that share a home, the less personal space each person has. Having your grandparents close by without sacrificing your independence is possible with a separate dwelling on the same land. You can also assist your ailing parents in a dignified and comfortable old age.  

Multigenerational Living

The most common reason for having a granny flat built is to accommodate elderly or disabled family members who live far away. A granny apartment is a great solution for keeping an older relative close when they can no longer live alone in the main house but when a retirement home isn't an option.

However, suppose your adult children or teenagers remain home longer than ever. In that case, a granny apartment or other detached dwelling may be a perfect solution so that you can enjoy some peace and quiet in the main house.

Increases The Value Of Your Property.

The perks that come with your home are what the purchasers or brokers use to estimate its worth. Having a granny apartment in your home might help you in many ways. They're an extra building on the property that buyers can use for various purposes. 

Adding a secondary dwelling unit will increase interest and the price paid for your main residence. Adding a granny flat to your home is a fantastic method to boost your real estate investment's value drastically. 

Additional Source Of Income

Who would appreciate a little less cash? Airbnb and other short- and long-term rental platforms have contributed to the rise in popularity of granny flats. As Perth continues to face a rental problem, now is a great time to consider a backyard investment if you're seeking a long-term tenant.

Perth rental houses are in great demand, yet there is a shortage due to the city's low inventory (less than 2,250) and the continued increase in rates (6.7% in the past 12 months).

Alternately, if you are considering retiring, downsizing, or taking to the open road in search of new experiences, constructing a granny flat as your home base gives you the ability to rent out your primary residence and generate passive income.

Provides Assistance To Adult Children

It is challenging to enter maturity in the modern era and take on the financial responsibilities that come with it. Rising rents and student loan debt make it difficult for young people to enter the housing market without assistance. Many young people today live at home with their parents to save for a house down payment. 

Although sharing a home with children can be a lot of fun, it can be challenging to do so after some years. Granny flats are the ideal solution for resolving difficulties relating to one's independence, space, and level of privacy. It will create a sensation of separation for the family, even though they will still be close and together. 

Tax Depreciation

A granny flat is a type of investment property that should provide substantial tax benefits. Most property expenses, such as loan interest, are deductible against rental revenue. It would be best if you also investigated whether or not you qualify to deduct the cost of capital depreciation. 

If you need additional room in your house but want to avoid relocating during renovations, constructing a granny apartment is a fantastic choice. You can keep your primary residence undisturbed while building a granny flat in the backyard. There may be some inconvenience to your family's daily routine if you decide to extend your home.

 

When you have a granny flat built on your property, you can enjoy all of the advantages of creating additional space without having to deal with the disruptions of having construction workers walk through your home, tearing down walls, or leaving your possessions untouched.

Important Factors To Consider When Constructing A Granny Flat In Your Backyard

Adding a granny flat to your property might increase its market value and give you additional options for using your home. Before beginning this endeavour, however, a number of factors must be taken into account to ensure the finished product is a comfortable and practical place to live. This manual will take you by the hand, show you the ropes as you plan, and build a granny flat on your land, from the legal rules to the design options.

Access

Building a granny flat is fantastic, but would future guests or tenants find it useful? When planning the layout of a granny flat, it is important to think about how folks will access the property. For example, you should evaluate whether or not individuals can stroll on a pathway or over the lawn to their property without infringing on your living area.

Budget 

Planning and saving enough money to add a mother-in-law suite to your home is important. If so, feel free to construct whatever your heart desires. Just be sure to do it with a clear goal in mind. It's important to remember that if you want to buy a house with a granny flat, you'll have to pay more.

Privacy

Is the granny flat in front of your house? With careful preparation, personal space can be expanded dramatically. The convenience and ease of living in separate structures can be increased by orienting windows and doors so that they face away from the main home or by constructing entrances that do not encroach on your own space.

Maintenance 

You'll be responsible for the costs associated with maintaining the supplementary structure. The additional work that comes with having a mother-in-law apartment includes cleaning the gutters, changing the light bulbs, and sweeping the floors. If you don't have the time to keep it up to date, it's best not to have one at all in the first place.

Parking

Some backyards need a side access or sufficient space for parking. To provide an efficient and effective way of life for your tenants and guests, it will be extremely helpful if you give some thought to whether they will park on the street or in a pre-determined car park.

Landscaping

Having a backyard can be beneficial for some reasons, including your current quality of life, the quality of life you can offer to potential tenants, and the value of your home. Consider installing artificial grass or hedging if you intend to rent your property to tenants. Remove any problematic palm or mango trees that would necessitate frequent upkeep and maintenance. Long-term success in the building depends on careful planning, including the landscaping and placement of your granny flat.

Insurance 

It's also important to factor in insurance expense while planning for a mother-in-law suite. Unfortunately, not all policies will protect a home from damage caused by an accessory housing unit. You may need additional insurance to cover your house if you rent out

Conclusion 

The construction and housing industry is experiencing explosive growth due to the popularity of granny flats. Granny flats are essentially the same as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), which can be attached or detached. They are often used to house the owner's elderly parents or in-laws, and their name comes from the "dowager house" that preceded them. The term "granny flat" is a slang term, but it refers to a separate living space that stands on its own, with kitchen and bathroom facilities, providing tenants with privacy and eliminating the need to use the main dwelling.

There are several options for small living spaces, and the most important factor in determining the best value and option for you is your intended use of the property. Some common choices include secondary dwelling, outdoor studio, tiny house, and tiny house. Secondary dwellings are separate living spaces that stand on the same property as the primary residence, and they can have a bathroom, kitchen, and bedrooms, and can be rented out to renters if they have all these features.

Outdoor studios, also known as lifestyle pods, can serve various purposes, such as working, playing, entertaining guests, or recording music. Granny flats add value to your home in the long run, especially if designed specifically for your needs and tastes. They can be a low-priced approach to expanding your home's living space, and they can be used for various purposes, such as a home gym, game room, guest suite, or home office.

Tiny houses are small, transportable, detached dwelling places restricted to no more than 50 square meters. Unlike granny flats, they are not permanent additions to a property and do not increase its value. A two-bedroom granny flat typically provides more living space, increases property value and potential rental income, and can be customized according to your requirements. Tiny houses are smaller than granny flats, can be moved around easily, and only allowable use during specific times of the year.

Constructing a granny flat on your property offers several advantages, including keeping your family close, increasing property value and potential rental income, customization, and flexibility in terms of cost, luxury, or environmental concerns. Granny flats allow the elderly to enjoy their golden years in the company of their children and grandchildren, allowing them to maintain independence without sacrificing personal space. Additionally, they can assist ailing parents in a dignified and comfortable old age.

In conclusion, granny flats offer several advantages over other small living spaces, such as secondary dwellings, outdoor studios, tiny houses, and tiny houses. By considering these factors when building a granny flat, you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs and preferences.

A granny flat is a popular choice for multigenerational living, as it can accommodate elderly or disabled family members who live far away, adult children or teenagers who stay home longer than ever, and provide peace and quiet in the main house. It also increases the value of your property by providing an additional building on the property that buyers can use for various purposes.

Additionally, a granny flat can provide additional income as Airbnb and other short- and long-term rental platforms have contributed to the rise in popularity of granny flats. Perth's low inventory and continued increase in rates make it an excellent time to consider a backyard investment for long-term tenants. If you are considering retiring, downsizing, or taking on new experiences, constructing a granny flat as your home base gives you the ability to rent out your primary residence and generate passive income.

Granny flats also provide assistance to adult children, as rising rents and student loan debt make it difficult for young people to enter the housing market without assistance. By creating a sense of separation for the family, they will still be close and together. Tax depreciation is another important factor to consider when building a granny flat in your backyard. Most property expenses, such as loan interest, are deductible against rental revenue, but it is best to investigate whether you qualify to deduct the cost of capital depreciation.

When constructing a granny flat in your backyard, consider several factors to ensure the finished product is a comfortable and practical place to live. Access is crucial, as it should be possible for future guests or tenants to access the property without infringing on your living area. Budgeting is essential, but it is important to remember that if you want to buy a house with a granny flat, you will have to pay more.

Privacy is another important consideration when planning a granny flat. With careful preparation, personal space can be expanded dramatically by orienting windows and doors so that they face away from the main home or by constructing entrances that do not encroach on your own space. Maintenance costs associated with having a mother-in-law apartment include cleaning the gutters, changing the light bulbs, and sweeping the floors.

Parking is another important factor to consider. Some backyards need side access or sufficient space for parking, which can be beneficial for both tenants and guests. Landscaping can also be beneficial for the quality of life, the value of your home, and the quality of life you can offer to potential tenants.

Insurance is also important when planning for a granny flat, as not all policies will protect a home from damage caused by an accessory housing unit. You may need additional insurance to cover your house if you rent out.

Content Summary: 

• The construction and housing industry is experiencing explosive growth due to the popularity of granny flats.
• The rising rent expense, the lack of affordable homes, and the expansion of families and the general population contribute to why granny flats are gaining popularity.
• What is a "granny flat," and how does it vary from conventional housing?
• This comprehensive tutorial will cover all you need to know about granny flats.
• Whether or not your parents or grandparents reside there, a granny flat is essentially the same as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU).
• One or two persons can live comfortably in this type of dwelling unit, which can be attached or detached.
• It's commonly believed that granny flats are a distinct type of dwelling unit, but they are a subset of ADUs.
• They mean the same thing, although the latter is a slang term.
• A "granny flat" is so called because it is usually used to house the owner's elderly parents or in-laws.
• The vast history of granny flats, which stretches back to the "dowager house" that preceded the granny flat, helps to explain the term.
• The word "dower house" referred to a special residence on an English or Scottish estate for the deceased owner's wife.
• When the heir to the estate took over the main property, the dowager relocated here.
• It was done as a favour to the dowager so that she might remain in her familiar surroundings in close proximity to her loved ones.
• Despite this, there has been a move away from housing that accommodates people of different generations.
• A granny flat is an excellent solution that allows you to keep your separation from other members of the family while still keeping elderly parents who require your care within proximity.
• When it comes to small homes, there are few to choose from, and it can be difficult to tell them apart.
• The most important factor in determining the best value and option for you is your intended use of the property.
• Let's look at some of the more prevalent choices for compact housing to see how they stack up against granny flats so you can make an informed decision.
• Many people interchange "granny flat" with "secondary dwelling."
• On the same property as the primary residence, secondary housing is a separate living space that stands on its own.
• A secondary dwelling can have a bathroom, kitchen, and bedrooms, and it can be rented out to renters if it has all of these features.
• As a "Secondary dwelling," or a dwelling that isn't the primary residence, a granny flat is subject to the same zoning rules and local council regulations as any other secondary dwelling.
• It can function as a self-contained home, complete with kitchen and bathroom facilities; this provides tenants with privacy and eliminates the need to use the main dwelling. "
• granny flat" may conjure images of an elderly relative's living quarters.
• However, these homes can serve various purposes beyond only housing the occupant's elderly relatives.
• That "self-contained accommodation" you keep hearing about includes "granny flats," "teenage retreats," and anything else along those lines.
• Only one primary residence and one accessory dwelling unit are permitted per property.
• Granny Flat Services can assist with the entire approval process, beginning with the planning phase and continuing through the design, approval, and construction phases.
• The absence of a kitchen and the ability to rent the space distinguishes an outdoor studio from a granny flat.
• An outdoor studio, sometimes known as a "lifestyle pod," can serve a variety of purposes, including as a place to work, play, entertain guests, or record music.
• Granny Flat Adds value to your home in the long run, especially if it is designed specifically for your needs and tastes.
• You can earn extra money every month by renting out one of your granny flats.
• A low-priced approach to expanding your home's living space.