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7 Uses for a Granny Flat

If you’ve been looking at your block and wondering if you could make use of the extra space, maybe it’s time to consider building a granny flat.

What is a granny flat?

A granny flat is a self-contained property built within the boundary of an existing home. Popular granny flat designs typically include a kitchen, open-plan living area, one or two bedrooms, a bathroom and laundry. A deck, patio or veranda provides outdoor living space and a car port can be easily added, too. Three-bedroom designs are also readily available. One of the great things about the WA Country Builders range of granny flat designs is that you can choose from traditional or contemporary styles to complement – or contrast with – your existing home. There’s also a choice of construction methods to suit different blocks.

Who can build one?

There are some requirements relating to how much space is available on your block and you will need planning permission, but you don’t have to subdivide. This makes it a more straightforward and cost-effective way to achieve two properties on one block.

How much does a granny flat cost?

Granny flats are considered one of the more affordable ways of adding space to an existing home. With options for one, two or even three bedrooms, there’s a design to suit a variety of needs and budgets.

What can I use my granny flat for?

On the whole, there are so many different uses for a granny flat. Do be mindful however, that in a few areas of WA some restrictions do apply, so best to check before you make too many plans. A quick call to your local council, or to one of our new home consultants, will let you know if there are any specific rules that apply in your area.

Quick to build, versatile and affordable, a granny flat could be the perfect addition to your current home.

Here are 7 of our favourite reasons to build a granny flat:

  1. Seniors’ retreat

A granny flat offers independent living for older relatives and is perfect for multi-generational living, or those active retirees in the family looking for an easy-maintenance, lock-and-leave home. Babysitting negotiable.

  1. Starter home

Young adults still living at home? A granny flat offers them independence and the chance to start paying their own bills. It’s still close enough to home to drop round for Sunday lunch.

  1. Income-generator

A granny flat can literally become an investment property on your doorstep. In many areas, a granny flat doesn’t have to be occupied by a member of the family, which means you can rent it out and generate an income. If renting it out is an option, but you don’t want long-term tenants, the granny flat could become an attractive short-stay holiday rental for people visiting your region.

  1. Guest suite

What better than to be able to offer visiting family and friends their own luxury accommodation in your back garden? Perfect for loved ones staying weeks or months at a time, a granny flat gives everyone their own space when they need it.

  1. Teenage retreat

Need a little extra space for those energetic teenagers? A granny flat is a versatile extension to your family home. Later on, when the kids have flown the nest, you have lots of options, from turning it into accommodation for paying guests, to creating a space for hobbies, work or a business venture.

  1. Home office

A granny flat gives you a work space that’s away from the main home, but there’s still no commuting. Dedicated office premises will impress your clients and provide that welcome separation between home and work.

  1. Hobby studio

Music, art, pottery? The choice is yours when you have a self-contained studio space to spread out in.