FAQ’S

Any person can occupy a granny flat. The Affordable Rental Housing SEPP places no restriction on the tenant’s relationship to the property owner.

Your lot must be at least 450 m² with a minimum street frontage of 12 m. Numerous additional conditions also apply — our team is trained to identify and explain every relevant requirement during the initial assessment.

Yes. Provided your drawings are detailed, dimensionally accurate and carry current approval, we can construct the dwelling to our standard of quality.

We generally allow 10–14 weeks for design and approvals. Construction timelines generally range from 4–5 months depending on site conditions, design complexity and external factors. This timeline ensures thorough preparation and a build that meets the correct standards without rushing.

We deliver a substantial volume of granny flat projects annually across the greater Sydney region.

Yes. We work with a network of trusted contractors and can arrange competitive quotes for any ancillary site works.

Unfortunately not. Current legislation restricts each property to a single secondary dwelling.

In most cases, yes — though additional construction requirements or alternative approval pathways may apply. We assess these conditions as part of every site evaluation.

Absolutely. Send us the Contract of Sale and we’ll review zoning, permissible uses and any constraints (easements, sewer lines, covenants) that could affect a future granny flat build.

We can connect you with reputable finance professionals we’ve collaborated with previously.

No. Every dwelling we construct is a permanent structure built on-site from the ground up. We do not manufacture kit homes, prefabricated units or relocatable buildings.

Generally, yes. However, NSW regulations require progressively wider setbacks as building height increases. Once the structure exceeds 3.8 m, a specific formula determines the required boundary distances.

Yes. A qualified assessor inspects your property, evaluates site conditions and delivers a comprehensive, all-inclusive proposal — all at no cost and no obligation. Free site assessments are available within the Sydney metropolitan area. Conditions may apply.

「NEW EDIT #5」 Site inspections are typically available within 3–5 days, subject to availability.

「NEW EDIT #6」 No obligation. No pressure. Just clear answers about your property.

The visit allows us to identify any physical site hazards, construction challenges, service connection complexities or planning constraints that could influence pricing. Our goal is to ensure the proposal captures every foreseeable cost so there are no unwelcome surprises later.

Yes. We routinely review Contracts of Sale for buyers who want to confirm a block’s granny flat potential before they commit.

We work hard to capture every line item in the proposal, which is why the on-site inspection is so important. We do recommend budgeting separately for landscaping and any council Section 7.11 contribution fees, as these sit outside our building scope.

A licensed surveyor is arranged to map your property. Your site assessor then briefs one of our designers, who collaborates with you to finalise drawings. From there, we sign a fixed-price building contract (subject to final design, site conditions and approvals) and move into the approvals stage.

The Affordable Rental Housing SEPP caps internal living area at 60 m². Some rural zones and individual council areas may allow a slightly larger footprint — ask your assessor for location-specific advice.

It can be detached, attached or even positioned above an existing dwelling. Detached builds are the most cost-effective option. Attaching or stacking a granny flat introduces additional structural, fire-rating and waterproofing considerations that add to the budget.

Yes. Sloping land introduces design and engineering complexity, but our team has extensive experience tailoring foundations and layouts to challenging topography.

No. As a habitable dwelling, a granny flat must maintain a minimum clearance of 900 mm from every boundary.

Not at all. Our library offers a fast and budget-friendly starting point, but if you’d prefer something shaped entirely around your brief, our designers will create a custom layout from scratch. No two projects need to look the same.

Without question. We regularly configure layouts with wheelchair access, lowered bench heights, accessible bathrooms, emergency alert systems and any other modifications that support comfortable, independent living.

The Affordable Rental Housing SEPP applies state-wide, covering every local government area. If your property satisfies the relevant criteria, approval cannot reasonably be withheld.

A CDC is a streamlined approval instrument under NSW environmental planning law. If your proposed dwelling aligns with every requirement in the applicable SEPP, an accredited private certifier can issue the approval — typical approval timeframes are approximately 14 days (subject to documentation and compliance).

A DA is a formal consent application made directly to your local council under the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act. It is the appropriate pathway when CDC criteria cannot be fully met.

CDC is generally quicker and less expensive because it bypasses neighbour notification and follows a set checklist. DA takes longer (typically 2–6 months) but offers councils the discretion to approve designs that don’t fit neatly within CDC parameters.

Yes. We coordinate and manage both CDC and DA applications end to end — preparing all documents, lodging submissions, liaising with the certifier or council and keeping you informed at every stage.

Typical approval timeframes are approximately 14 days for CDC (subject to documentation and compliance). DA: anywhere from 2 to 6 months, influenced by council workload, neighbour submissions, design complexity and the number of internal referrals the application requires.

Construction timelines generally range from 4–5 months depending on site conditions, design complexity and external factors. On a relatively level site with good vehicle access, a standard granny flat takes approximately 20 weeks from slab pour to completion. Steeper sites, complex designs or tight access may extend the programme modestly.

Building sites carry inherent safety risks, so visits are conducted at prearranged stages with a GrannyFlow representative accompanying you.

Yes. We connect and commission all services — water, sewer, electricity — before the dwelling is handed over.

Every contractor is site-inducted before commencing work. We verify current licences, public liability insurance and workplace safety training for all personnel on our sites.

Yes. As a licensed builder (Licence No. 488676C) we carry construction-period risk insurance covering the works until handover. All projects are covered by appropriate construction insurance and statutory warranties in accordance with NSW building regulations. After handover, the responsibility to insure the property transfers to the owner.

We specify products from well-established Australian-standard-compliant manufacturers. Cutting costs with inferior materials creates long-term problems, which is why we refuse to compromise on product quality.

Every build comes with a 90-day defects liability period during which your project manager addresses any items requiring rectification. We also supply all manufacturer warranties for installed appliances and fixtures. Beyond that, a 6-year statutory structural warranty covers the dwelling. All projects are covered by appropriate construction insurance and statutory warranties in accordance with NSW building regulations.

Minor settling — the gradual compression of soil beneath a foundation — is normal and generally harmless. If you notice anything that concerns you, contact us and we’ll arrange an inspection.

Always. Our team remains available to answer questions, troubleshoot issues or simply explain how something in your new home works. Call us on 0426 879 898.