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tiny home on steel footings sitting in cleared land

Top 10 areas in Australia

By Finance, Queensland Regulations

Whether you’re getting a foot in the door, in the housing market or a veteran investor. It pays to have quality insight in areas that are tipped to boom around Australia.

What factors can make a property market boom?

There are a few factors that can make the property market boom. The biggest factor is the State Governments spending on infrastructure, such as public transport, hospitals, universities and roads. 

The Queensland Government “state infrastructure plan” outlines the Queensland Government strategic direction for planning. Prioritising the investment and delivery of infrastructure that supports growth, enables economic development and create jobs. 

Source: State Infrastructure Plan (QLD Govt)

The Queensland state infrastructure plan is investing $49.5 billion over the next four years to boost the Queensland infrastructure. Not only is this good for the housing market but it’s beneficial for our economy. 

As mentioned in the “Queensland state infrastructure plan” the plan for 2019-2020 is to allocate $12.9 billion for expenditure on public infrastructure. Supporting an estimated 40,500 jobs.

Queensland state infrastructure plan mentioned that about 60 per cent of the capital program and 25,500 of the jobs supported are outside the Greater Brisbane area. 

Transport projects will improve traffic flow and relieve congestion, enhance public transport services, and increase the productivity and efficiency of freight around the state. 

Critical infrastructure that ensures current and future generations of Queenslanders have access to world-class health and education services. Will be provided through programs such as Enhancing Regional Hospitals and the Building Future Schools Fund. 

The government will continue investing in regions to ensure all Queenslanders can access the frontline services they rely upon. To ensure Queensland remains an attractive place to live and for businesses to invest in

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Top 10 property hotspots around Australia

According to “Hotspotting”, these are the top 10 property hotspots around Australia.

  1. Sunshine Coast, Queensland.
  2. Marion, South Australia.
  3. Bendigo, Victoria.
  4. Moreton Bay Region, Queensland.
  5. Stirling, Western Australia.
  6. Darebin, Victoria.
  7. Port Adelaide Enfield, South Australia.
  8. Mackay, Queensland.
  9. Joondalup, Western Australia.
  10. Latrobe Valley, Victoria.

Sunshine Coast, Queensland.

  • Located: 100km north of Brisbane, stretching 55km from Caloundra to Noosa.
  • May suit: Retirees, but growth is likely to be seen in the number of younger people.
  • Strong performers: Maroochydore south to Caloundra. Noosa heads the local unit market and has had the highest unit growth in the nation at 24% so far in 2019. While Golden Beach and Warana are up 15%. Median house prices in the area have also grown in the past year (October 2018 to October 2019), particularly in Eumundi (+26%), Sunshine Beach (+15%), Twin Waters (+15%) and Wurtulla (+15%).
  • Property profile: There are still locations with median house prices below $500,000 in Caloundra West, Kawana and Nambour. The Noosa property market is making a comeback, with particular interest from Sydney and Melbourne investors, according to Hotspotting. Vacancy rates are well below 3% across the Sunshine Coast.
  • Local economy: Economy expanded from its three dominant sectors – tourism, retail and construction – into information technology, clean-tech (otherwise known as clean technology, which is a term used to describe products or services that are environmentally friendly), creative industries, aviation and education.
  • Projects boosting capital growth prospects include The new University Hospital, the Maroochydore CBD project, the Sunshine Coast International Airport to be completed in 2020 and ongoing upgrades to the Bruce Highway.

Moreton Bay Region, Queensland

  • Located: Around 50km north of the Brisbane CBD.
  • May suit: Investors looking for affordable prices, low vacancies and high rental yields.
  • Strong performers: Suburbs that recorded good price growth in the past year included Woody Point (+8%), Strathpine (+7%) and Bray Park, Burpengary East, Murrumba Downs, Narangba and Petrie were all up by around 5%.
  • Property profile: Most of the area’s suburbs have median house prices below $500,000 and several in the $300,000s. There are still large amounts of vacant land to support rapid population growth.
  • Local economy: The Caboolture area, in particular, has changed in recent decades from a former agricultural centre and timber-led industry into an urban village. Moreton Bay’s major centres all have fairly easy access to the Brisbane CBD, Brisbane Airport and major transport routes.
  • Projects boosting capital growth prospects include New University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) Moreton Bay campus (at Petrie) to open in 2020, Moreton Bay Rail Link, North East Business Park and the proposed Caboolture West Master Plan, a large-scale development which could accommodate around 70,000 residents.

Mackay, Queensland

  • Located: Around 950km north of Brisbane in Central Queensland, near the Whitsunday Islands.
  • May suit: Investors and first home buyers looking for housing affordability and job opportunities.
  • Strong performers: Hotspotting said positive property trends have included strong median house price growth over the past year in Mt Pleasant (+21%), Sarina (+15%) and West Mackay (+13%).
  • Property profile: Mackay had the strongest house price growth of any region in Queensland in the year to March 2019, and vacancy and unemployment rates are falling. Houses are selling in around 70-80 days or faster, compared to around 200 days (and even over 300 in some cases) in 2016, according to Hotspotting. The resources sector is capable of causing volatility in this market.
  • Local economy: The property market in Mackay was impacted by the mining bust but is now recovering. The local economy is diversifying from being heavily driven by mining for employment, as in the past, to other sectors such as construction, logistics, agribusiness and tourism (being located fairly close to the Whitsunday Islands).
  • Projects boosting capital growth prospects include Qantas’ pilot training academy, construction of the Mackay Ring Road, around $1.3 billion in funding for road infrastructure upgrades in the Mackay region between now and 2022 and the rebuilding of Cyclone Yasi-impacted Lindeman Island resort, which is in the Mackay local government area.

Pop Up Homes is your solution

 for an affordable granny flat, not only for investment purposes to increase the value of your property but for your parents, grandparent and adult children that are wanting to live closer to their family or saving for their first home, while providing that privacy that we all need. We offer 2 sizes; – 37 square metres and a 58 square metre with 4 different styles.

If you would like to know more about Pop Up Homes and investments, read this:  Why are Granny Flats becoming more and more popular than buying a conventional house

Sources: 

Canstar 

Hotspotting

Department of State Development, Tourism and Innovation

Queensland state infrastructure plan

February 24, 2020
small / tiny home installed into backyard bathed in morning sunshine and cool shade

The Benefits Of Downsizing

By Finance, Granny Flat, Kit Home, Small Home, Tiny Home

There is a trend in Australia that is taking hold, gone are the days of “bigger is better”. The younger Australian generations are looking more into Small Homes for affordability. The average size for a Small Home is between 30 square metres and 40 square metres of living space. 

As mentioned in these articles from Pop Up Homes:

What Is The Tiny House Movement That Every Australian Is Talking About?

Affordable Housing Solution

While the older generations of Australians no longer need that “big” home, their kids are mostly all grown up and moved on with their lives and have their own families. This gives the older generations of Australians a chance to downsize and unlock equity to live a better retirement, go travelling and live a comfortable life without worrying about finances.

There are other reasons to downsizing as well, sometimes you’re being forced to downsize because you might have lost your job or need to relocate or other life-changing events. Downsizing has many benefits, these include saving money on power and electrical, upkeep and maintenance and smaller workloads typically associated with larger homes. All these benefits sum up a much more enjoyable and stress-free life.

As mentioned: Freshome, The Balance

Save money on frivolous living:

Let’s be serious the more space you have in your home the more you feel like you need to fill every nook and cranny with materialistic objects to make it a home. One of the benefits to downsizing your home is that you don’t need to fill every space with objects, Save money rather than waste money on electronics, electrical appliances, furniture and small household items that are space fillers and dust collectors. Downsizing to a Small Home will not only help you prioritise your life, but it will make you bring only the necessary items to your new small home.

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Enjoying the benefits of downsizing:

Many homeowners that own a “big” home agree that living in a “big” home can be stressful with upkeep, cleaning, maintenance, furnishing, outdoor upkeep and the cost to run all these factors can lead to a stressful home. Downsizing is a great option and can be the first step to streamlining your life. You will be surprised that reducing your daily chores on maintenance will free up your time for activities that you want to do, spending time with family, getting more rest, going travelling and SAVING money.

Save on energy costs when downsizing your home:

We all know the cost of electricity when trying to keep your “big” house cooler in the summer or warm in the winter. It costs a lot to run a “big” house when you start adding up the bills. Downsizing will give you the added benefit of reducing your carbon footprint while enjoying the savings in a lower power and water bill.

Downsizing can free up your lifestyle for travelling:

Reduce bills, and unlocking your equity, Presto you have that extra spending money to go on those trips you have dreamed of going but couldn’t because of money tied up in your “big” house.

Downsizing can open a new chapter in your life:

For many homeowners downsizing their home can be a new chapter in your life. Whether your kids have finally left the nest to live their own lives or have suffered a loss from a spouse or close roommate. Downsizing can represent a way to start a new life in a new home.

Splurge on a few key furniture pieces for your small home:

Many people that consider downsizing think that they can’t make their home fabulous, think again! Some of the greatest Small Homes are ones that have style and creative uses of space and proportions. Splurge on a few key pieces like a dynamic coloured couch that draws attention to your décor and not the size of your room. There are many space-saving furniture ideas that people have come up and for you to explore in your new small home.

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A simplified lifestyle will help keep you out of debt

Living a simple stress-free life is what most people whelm to have or do, Less debt, less stress, less maintenance yet still room for family and friends. 

We speak to a lot of our customers that have downsized into a pop up home and they say, “life could not be better” Downsizing does not mean that you are missing out on anything, you are gaining a life, often debt-free. 

As mentioned: Freshome, The Balance, Pop Up Homes

February 10, 2020
Applying for a Queensland home owner grant for a tiny or small home

How does the Queensland first home buyers grant work?

By Finance, Queensland Regulations

Every state and territory in Australia has its own first homeowner’s grant, each state has its grant amounts and requirements. Queensland is the most generous offering up to $5000 more than NSW, SA and Victoria. 

At the start of the new millennium in July, marks the year that owning a home become significantly more accessible in Australia. In July 2000 the Australian government introduced the first homeowner’s buyers grant. This nationwide initiative that was introduced to offset GST and make purchasing a home more affordable for Australian citizens.

Source: echoice.com.au 

What is the first home owner grant in Queensland?

The first homeowners grant is an initiative by the Queensland government, to make it easier for eligible individuals, couples and families to own their first home. You can get $15,000 towards buying or building your new house, unit or townhouse as long as it is valued less than $750,000. The grant is paid per new home, not to each of the applicants for the same home.

What is the criteria to become eligible for the first homeowner’s buyers grant?

To be able to get the first homeowners grant you must be,

  • At least 18 years of age.
  • Must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. (or applying with someone who is)
  • You or your spouse must not have previously owned property in Australia that you lived in.
  • You must be buying or building a new home. A new home is either a house, unit or townhouse that has never been occupied as a place of residence or sold as a place of residence. 
  • You may use the first homeowner’s buyers grant on a *substantially renovated home including the land it’s situated on. There is a criterion that needs to be met before the release of the grant.  
  • It must be substantially renovated before you buy it.
  • Must not have a been lived in since the renovation.
    • The seller:
  • Must be registered for GST and be selling the home in the course of their business.
  • The seller must give you a tax invoice that shows the GST component of the home purchase price.
  • Must give a statement that confirms the house has not been occupied or sold since renovation.
*Substantial renovations definition: A substantial renovation is when all, or most, of the structural or non-structural components of the building, are removed or replaced. Most of the rooms in the building must have been affected, and the renovations must have affected the building as a whole for it to be considered a substantial renovation.
  • You must live in your new home as the principal place of residence within 12 months of the completed transaction and live there continuously for 6 months.
  • The value of the new house and including the land must be less than $750,000.
  • Must be buying in Queensland.
  • The new home cannot be in a family trust.
  • You must not receive financial help to build or buy your new home, from a related person who also will regularly stay in the home.
  • Unless you are an owner-builder, you must have signed a contract to buy or build your first home before applying.

When do you get your first homeowner’s grant?

When you’re are eligible for the first homeowner’s buyers grant, you will receive the homeowners grant once you have;

Begin building a new home

  • Signed a building contract for your new home.
  • Put down a deposit for a block of land. This must be done before signing the building contract.
  • Registration statement that identifies the applicants as the registered owners.
  • Final inspection certificate.
  • Valuation notice.
  • Rates notice.

Buying a new home

  • Contract signed and dated by the seller and applicants.
  • Final inspection certificate.
  • Registration statement that confirms the applicant as the registered owners of the new home.
  • Statement from the seller confirming that the property hasn’t been previously been occupied or sold as a place of residence.
  • Stamped and lodged form 1 transfer.

Please note that that your application submission must occur within 12 months of the new home completion, and the final inspection report delivery.

Did you know?

Pop Up Homes are not only granny flats; our homes can also be used as a main dwelling. Additionally, you can use a Pop Up Home for your first homeowner’s buyer grant as you will be building a new home, as long as you have your block of land before signing the builders contract you will be eligible for the first home owners buyers grant. 

Pop Up Homes have 3 modern styles to choose from and come in 2 sizes. The size ranges from 37 square metres to 58 square metres.  The 3 modern styles to choose from include,

  • The Keppel 1 bedroom 37 square metres, Price starts from $39,990.
  • The Fraser 2 bedroom 58 square metres, Price starts from $49,990.
  • The Moreton 3 bedroom 58 square metres, Price starts from $51,990.

A Pop Up Home is an affordable solution for the young and old and a good way to get your foot in the door in the housing market. 

Contact Pop Up Homes on 1300 121 556 now for your free consolation with one of our Pop Up Home specialists.

https://popuphomes.com.au/why-are-granny-flats-becoming-more-and-more-popular-than-building-a-conventional-house/

Sources: echoice.com.au / blackk.com.au / qld.gov.au

January 13, 2020
various delivery stages of a Pop Up Home

Granny Flats becoming more popular over building a conventional house

By Finance, Granny Flat, Kit Home, Small Home, Tiny Home

 

Adding value to your property can be as easy as putting a granny flat in your back yard. In our largest capitals around Australia, they have the potential for over 500,000 properties to have granny flats built in their yard.

Source: Core Logic

What is a granny flat?

A granny flat is a small self-contained living area built on the grounds of an existing family home. They are also known as a secondary dwellings and accessory dwelling units. They were named from the original purpose they initially served. Traditionally families would use these dwellings to accommodate their aging parents or grandparents. By adding a granny flat, helped keep the family together while giving everyone much-needed privacy. By adding a granny flat was a much more affordable alternative to aged care homes and facilities.

Granny flat costs? 

There are two ways to build a granny flat. One is buying a kit home; kit homes generally offer two bedrooms, a kitchen and toilet area and can roughly cost around $50,000. Keep in mind that a kit home may have other costs involved, for example, the cost of labour to build your kit home and the services of a plumber and electrician to get your kit home connected to existing power, water and waste as well as the cost of getting your kit home certified through council.

A conventional built granny flat

Can cost around $120,000 – $200,000 which typically includes the electrician, plumber and other services required to build a granny flat. It’s a smaller expense compared to building a conventional home, but according to CoreLogic/Archistar modelling, it has the potential to boost the value of your existing dwelling by 30%. For example, adding a granny flat to a $500,000 property could see it’s market value rise to $650,000 it is a significant return on investment.

Source: Core Logic

How can I finance my granny flat?

There are 2 common ways to finance your granny flat. As Alex Ritchie has said in her report.

1. Redraw on your mortgage:

If you have made extra payments on your mortgage and have a redraw facility, you can access the extra money you have paid and use it to finance your renovations. This can be a competitive option if you want to avoid the hassle of additional debt, such as putting your renovation on a credit card or taking out a personal loan. However, keep in mind that you will lose the benefit of reduced interest charges on your mortgage because your loan balance will go up. Some lenders will limit the amount and frequency of redraws, as well as charge fees to deposit and withdraw.

If you want to take the redraw route, but your home loan does not offer this feature, you may want to consider refinancing to a home loan that allows this. The issue would then be waiting a few more years to build your granny flat after you’ve made enough additional payments to fund this project.

Pros

· Access cash without taking on new debt

· Easier and faster than applying for a new loan

Cons

· No longer reducing your mortgage interest

· Can be fees or limitations associated

2.Personal loan for renovation:

If you don’t have the funds upfront, you may consider taking out a personal loan for renovation.

A personal loan may allow you to take advantage of flexible features – such as the ability to make extra repayments, choose between a fixed or variable rate and choose between a secured or unsecured the loan. Personal loan terms are also much shorter than that of home loans, although interest rates may be much higher.

If you were thinking of putting your granny flat costs on plastic, keep in mind that personal loans carry lower interest rates than credit cards. The average personal loan rate on RateCity’s database sits at just over 12.14 per cent, while the average credit card rate is 16.82 per cent.

There can be a range of ongoing fees associated with a personal loan, such as annual fees. Consider researching different types of loans and compare some that you think maybe the best fit for your financial needs and budget before making a final choice.

Pros

· Flexible features

· Fixed term to pay off loan

· Lower interest rate than credit cards

Cons

· Potential fees

· Higher interest rate than home loans on average

· Can add to existing debt

Source: – Alex Ritchie – Rate City 

Around Australia a revolution is taking place

The humble granny flat is becoming more and more of a trend, why you might ask?

It has the potential to not only increase your property value but also has the potential for excellent source of steady income either by long term renting, Airbnb, storage areas, a backyard gym or home office and many other investment ideas. The family benefits of a granny flat can’t be overlooked either, whether that’s giving your adult children more privacy while they are saving for a mortgage to move into their own home, keeping loved ones close as they become more reliant on care or if you have family visiting from overseas it’s a great way to give them the space and privacy they need.

Building Granny flats

Not only helps with your investment but helps with the ever-increasing Problem of ‘’affordable housing’’ for those that cannot afford to get into the housing market or rent due to increasing cost of renting a dwelling, they finally have the opportunity to rent their own home in an area that they so choose, that’s otherwise too expensive to buy land and build a house

There are also greater potential benefits that building a granny flat could bring to the Australian economy. If every one of the eligible 500,000 plus residence of Australia decided to put granny flats in their backyard, the construction industry in Australian could see more than $6 billion invested back into the industry and country, that’s a huge cash injection. Not only can it be beneficial to builders, but it creates jobs for electricians’ plumbers and other professionals in the building industry.

 Source: Core Logic

What are the limits to building a granny flat

When it comes to adding a granny flat to your backyard, there can be some limitations, The rules about whether you can build a granny flat may vary from state to state and even between councils. The major key factor in whether you can build a granny flat on your property is the size of your block, in Queensland, for instance, you will need a minimum of 450 square metres for a small lot, or rear lot less than 600 square metres, excluding the access way. If you would like to know more about your council rules and regulations on granny flats, click this link from Pop Up Homes to find out more.

Pop Up Homes is your solution

For an affordable granny flat, not only for investment purposes to increase the value of your property but for your parents, grandparent and adult children that are wanting to live closer to their family or saving for their first home, while providing that privacy that we all need. We offer 2 sizes;- 37 square metre and a 58 square metre with 4 different styles.

  1. The Keppel is a 37 square metre 1-bedroom Pop Up Home.
  2. The Fraser is a 58 square metre 2-bedroom Pop Up Home.
  3. The Fraser 58 square metre 2-bedroom Pop Up Home with a study Pop Up home. 
  4. The Moreton is a 58 square metre 3-bedroom Pop Up Home.

Not only are Pop Up Homes affordable but we offer stress-free packages that includes;

  1. Planning at a low cost.
  2. QBCC home warranty insurance.
  3. Engineering form 15.
  4. Installation of your Pop Up Home.
  5. Supply and install footings.

Our Pop Up Home specialists deal with the certification process for you and deal with the council, so you don’t have too!

All our Pop Up Homes are thoughtfully designed and engineered in Australia while maintaining the affordability that most other granny flat builders can’t provide.

Why choose a Pop Up Home as an investment for your property?

A Pop Up Homes “Granny Flat”, is a great investment and is worth considering due to the reasonably low costs and relatively high yields/returns, especially when compared to traditional investment properties. With 4 styles of granny flats on offer, there is an option for a wide range of investors and owner-occupiers. Summarised below are the potential returns and costs.

*Please note that these costs are approximate and assume that the “Granny Flat” is put on land that you as the investor currently own, hence the costs exclude the cost of land.

 The Fraser – 2 bedroom Total Cost $ 72,560

Permanent Rental in Brisbane / Gold Coast $ 380.00 per week for say 50 weeks = $19,000 (Gross Yield 26%)

AIR BNB Rental in Brisbane / Gold Coast $ 150 per night for say 300 nights p.a. = $45,000 (Gross Yield 62%) 

 The Fraser- 2 bedroom with study Total Cost $ 73,560

Permanent Rental in Brisbane / Gold Coast $ 390.00 per week for say 50 weeks = $19,500 (Gross Yield 26.50%)

AIR BNB Rental in Brisbane / Gold Coast $ 150 per night for say 300 nights p.a. = $45,000 (Gross Yield 61%)

 The Moreton 3 bedroom Total Cost $74,560

Permanent Rental in Brisbane / Gold Coast $ 390.00 per week for say 50 weeks = $19,500 (Gross Yield 26%)

AIR BNB Rental in Brisbane / Gold Coast $ 160 per night for say 300 nights p.a. = $48,000 (Gross Yield 64.3%)

Source: Superior Accounting Group 

Advice is general in nature, please consult your accountant and lawyer to see if it suits your own personal situation before proceeding.

Related Reading: Granny Flats Make For A Great Versatile Investment Opportunity

At Pop Up Homes, we love what we do, and we love our customers even more. Have a read of customers reviews here and give us a call to answer any questions about a Pop Up Home granny flat.

Facebook Reviews

Testimonials

Google Reviews

Sources: Core Logic  /  Rate City

November 12, 2019
newly installed tiny / small home on vacant rural land

Pop Up Homes V’s Affordable Kit Homes in Queensland

By Finance, Granny Flat, Kit Home, Small Home, Tiny Home

Pop Up Homes are not just for caravan parks. They are a great alternative as a home or a Granny Flat. When thinking of a Pop Up Home in Queensland people often think of something that they have seen in a caravan park or over 50’s village. The savvy investor will often purchase a Pop Up Home and use it for investment purposes by putting it on an existing home block as a granny flat. This is a fast and efficient way of increasing your portfolio without having all the additional expenses of purchasing additional blocks of land, the smart investor uses what they already own to duplicate income changing the ROI (return on investment) from 5% to 10% or more instantly.

 

THE BENEFIT OF A POP UP HOME

The benefit of a Pop Up Home for Queenslanders is that they can be considered a permanent home/granny flat or an investment opportunity. They come in 2 sizes 37 SQM and 58 SQM and Pop Up Homes have 3 styles The Keppel, The Fraser and The Moreton. As part of our Pop Up Home package, they come complete with electrical, plumbing, flooring, kitchens and bathrooms. Pop Up Homes come with a footing system that requires no digging hence leaving your yard intact. They are built off-site and the installation takes no more than a week.

 

THE ADVANTAGES OF A POP UP HOME

The advantage to this is that you do not need to have the existing home vacant while the build process takes place as there is no disturbance to your existing tenants. A team of installers come in to install the stump’s, put the home on the stumps, fit the home off and are gone in anywhere from 2 – 7 days leaving no mess and no disturbance to neighbours or existing tenants.

Purchasing a Pop Up Home is easy, has a great return on investment, enables you to rent out your existing property while the build process takes place, leaves you with no mess, is affordable and perfect for the savvy investor.

 

BUYING A KIT HOME

Looking at buying an affordable kit home in Queensland? There are plenty of options available and it does depend on your budget and needs.

There are a few things to consider with a kit home the cheapest option is often for you to install that kit yourself. This is not for the faint-hearted.

1. You must have an owner builders’ licence to do this.

2. There are a lot of additional costs that you must not forget about as kit homes often come with all materials to lock up stage only.

3. Have you ever bought a flat pack from Bunnings and you are missing bits and pieces, think about all the components required for a home and the possible delays in acquiring the additional pieces required to complete the home?

 

THE BOTTOM LINE

The bottom line is that if you do not have a great understanding of the building code and are not a qualified builder then you are likely to run into some serious and costly delays. My suggestion is to weigh up all your options and get a price from a few builders to install the kit home to completion including electrical, footings, plumbing and council approvals. This is best done before purchasing a kit home so that you can weigh up all your costs. Also, look at the contract and ensure that the warranty on the home still covers you if you build the home yourself.

When looking at both kit homes and prefabricated home for sale in Queensland it’s important to do your homework and weigh up your options based on your building ability and individual circumstances. Both options are great if you are on a budget or are looking to get a great return on investment.

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November 7, 2019
established tiny / small home with deck, block retaining wall and outdoor furniture and bbq

Secondary dwellings (Granny flats) and council rules and regulations

By Finance, Granny Flat, Kit Home, Queensland Regulations, Small Home, Tiny Home

When it comes to building a Granny flat on your property the rules, regulations and laws may differ from each council in Queensland. Most councils in Queensland have a standard set of rules when it comes to the size of your secondary dwelling.

If you’re not sure what your local council requires when building your secondary dwelling, it pays to ring your local private certifier, builder and council to give you the correct information.

I have created a list of council regulations for building a Granny flat in Queensland.

Brisbane city council requirements.

  • Secondary units can have a gross floor area of no
    more the 80m2
  • Secondary Dwellings must be no further than 20m
    from the main dwelling
  • Secondary Dwellings must be used by the same
    household group (family members) and cannot be legally leased as an investment
    property

For more information on requirements from Brisbane council please click link below.

Logan city council requirements.

A Secondary dwelling is termed a ‘Dwelling house (Secondary dwelling)’ in the Logan Planning Scheme 2015 and is included as part of the Dwelling house definition. A Secondary dwelling is a separate self-contained dwelling that is used in conjunction with, and subordinate to, the main dwelling on the same lot (e.g. a granny flat). A Secondary dwelling is restricted in size to:

  • 70m2 if in a residential zone and on a lot less than 1,000m2 in size or
  • 100m2 otherwise
  • Secondary dwelling must only be occupied by persons who form one household with the main dwelling. They may be located beside, behind, below or above an existing or new dwelling. Fire separation may be required per the National Construction Code. A private building certifier can advise on these requirements.

For more information on requirements from Logan council please click here.

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Fraser Coast council requirements.

  • Only one secondary dwelling can be established in association with a dwelling house
  • A secondary dwelling has a maximum gross floor area of 70m2 and a total use area if 100m2, excluding car park areas
  • A minimum of one on-site parking space is provided to service the secondary dwelling

For more information on requirements from Fraser coast council please click here.

Ipswich council requirements.

  • Auxiliary units can have a max gross floor area of
    50m2
  • Auxiliary units may be attached or detached
  • Auxiliary units must be consistent with the
    existing dwelling
  • Auxiliary units can now be rented out for income or
    used as accommodation for relatives

For more information on requirements from Ipswich council please click here..

Redland Bay council requirements. 

  • Secondary Dwellings can have a maximum gross floor
    area of 50m2
  • Secondary Dwellings must be no further than 20m
    from the main dwelling
  • Secondary Dwellings must be used by the same
    household group (family members) and cannot be legally leased as an investment
    property

For more information on requirements from Redland Bay council please click here..

Moreton Bay council requirements.

A Secondary dwelling may be free-standing or constructed under or attached to a Dwelling house.

  • be substantially smaller in size to the main house on the property
    (maximum GFA of 45m2, 55m2 or 100m2,
    depending on the zone and precinct and primary road frontage – refer to table
    below for further information);
  • be on the same lot as the main house. It cannot be subdivided, or
    community titled at a later date
  • obtain access from the existing driveway giving access to the main house
    on the property and
  • retain a relationship and association with the main house, with the two
    households making common provision for other essentials for living (‘Other
    essentials for living’ is defined as the sharing of utility bills e.g.
    electricity or Council rates).

For more information on requirements from Moreton Bay council please click here.

Gold Coast council requirements.

You will need to contact a private certifier in the gold coast area to determine the requirements for building a secondary dwelling in the Gold Coast area.

For more information on requirements from Gold Coast council please click here..

Sunshine Coast council requirements. 

Any secondary dwelling established in
association with the dwelling house is:- (a) located on a lot with sufficient area
to accommodate the secondary dwelling and associated access, parking, landscape
and setback requirements; (b) small in scale and clearly ancillary
to the dwelling house; and (c) provided with sufficient on-site car
parking to meet user needs. The
secondary dwelling has a maximum gross floor area of:

  • 90m2 were located in a lot in the rural zone or rural residential zone
  • 60m2 were located on a lot in another zone
  • The dwelling house and the secondary welling have a combined maximum site that covers 50%
  • At least one car parking space, in addition to the requirement for the dwelling house, is provided for the secondary dwelling

For more information on requirements from Sunshine Coast council please click here.
(Please click code 9.3.6 to download the pdf or click here to directly download.

Cairns Council requirements.

  • Secondary dwelling is generally no larger than 250m2 on a lot exceeding 10ha in the rural zone
  • No larger than 70m2 in all other zones

For more information on requirements from Cairns council please click here to download the pdf..

If you’re unsure on your local council requirements to building a granny flat, always ask your local council, private certifier and builder.

Related Reading: The Benefits of downsizing
November 7, 2019
Emergency accodation Pop Up Homes advert

Affordable housing solution

By Finance 
There has been a worrying trend with Australians, that they are less likely to own their own home. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare released it’s 2 yearly reports, and it has highlighted the disturbing decline in homeownership.

source: Australians Are Less Likely To Own Property Each Passing Generation (news.com.au)

  • The rate of homeownership for 30-34-year-olds has fallen by 14% in the last 45 years. In 1971 about 64% owned their own homes but only 50% did in 2016.
  • The reason for the changes in homeownership has been influenced by household demographics as well as population increases. 
  • The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare believes, that the number of single people and single-parent households had an increase. These types of groups tend to have a lower income and can’t afford a home mortgage. 
  • There also has been a huge increase in the Australian population, which has increased the demand for housing. Especially in cities like Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney where most migrants have settled.
  • Affordability is a really big issue as well, with housing prices at 8.5 times the median household income in Sydney and about 7.5 times in Melbourne.
  • Students from overseas have also greatly impacted the private rental market. Mainly in major cities and are putting pressure on demand for housing.

It is worrying that younger Australians are going to find it harder to get into the property market. The Australian Queensland Government has come up with a housing strategy for 2017-2027. The housing strategy looks at investing $1.8 billion, for social and affordable housing and transform the way that housing services are delivered to better support people in need. 

The Queensland government Key areas of action are:

Construction and Jobs

  • Construction jobs will be boosted by creating a stronger pipeline of development.
  • supply of social and affordable rental housing will be increased. Housing precincts and neighbourhoods will be revitalised by attracting private and government investment. 

Young Australians

  • Young people in public housing will have a greater capacity to pursue education, training and employment opportunities, and social and economic participation.
  • Highly vulnerable young people exiting from out-of-home care and institutional settings will receive improved access to safe and secure housing options, to support their transition to independence.

Affordable and innovative housing solutions

  • State, local government and private sector stakeholders will work collaboratively to identify, leverage and manage development opportunities across the state, to create greater housing choice and diversity, respond to local needs and improve neighbourhood liveability. 
  • A genuinely affordable housing market will be delivered in partnership with community housing providers, through greater flexibility to use existing program funds and project financing arrangements.

Supporting seniors

Older people living in retirement villages and residential parks will have better protection through legislative reforms.
Older people living in public housing will be supported to age in their homes through increased accessibility and adaptability of their dwellings.
Seniors will have enhanced housing support by implementing service improvements to address the issues raised by the Advisory Taskforce on Residential Transition for Ageing Queenslanders.

Service delivery transformation

Housing and homelessness services will take a more holistic and person-centred approach, and people will be linked to the support they need to improve their wellbeing and self-reliance, and access and sustain safe and secure tenancies. 
Modern and innovative services will support people to have better access to information about their full range of housing options and the housing and support services, that can help them to achieve their aspirations.

Supporting the most vulnerable

Vulnerable Queenslanders will have access to and will sustain housing through early intervention, referrals, coordinated support, and personalised assistance. 
Housing and support will be proactively delivered to provide pathways and support broader human services outcomes for vulnerable Queenslanders.

Fairness for all

Consumers will be protected and empowered, and the retirement village and residential park industries will be supported to supply quality services with confidence.  
People living in the private rental market will have better consumer protection and housing stability through legislative and policy reforms.

source: Queensland Housing Strategy 2017–2027 (QLD Govt)

To combat these growing concerns Pop Up Homes have been planning and developing a solution to solve the affordable housing crisis in Australia. Shanyn Pedersen having 15 years’ experience in various property investments, knows firsthand that the affordable housing crisis isn’t going away.

Thus, Shayn has developed 3 affordable Pop Up Homes ranging from 37 SQM 1 bedroom and 58 SQM 2 bedroom and 3 bedrooms pre-fabricated Pop Up Home. Shayn developed these homes with affordable housing in mind for those that want to downsize due to financial issues, or for those that want to get into the housing market.

Not only can Pop Up Homes be the solution to affordable living, but it can also be the solution for emergency shelters and Field Hospitals for areas that have been impacted by environmental disasters.

More information on our Granny Flats Page…

  • near complete install of a tiny home
  • near complete install of a tiny home close view
  • near complete install of a tiny home back view
  • near complete install of a tiny home far back view
The Affordable Fraser 58 sqm 2 bedroom Pop Up Home

 

October 23, 2019
Pop Up Homes Granny Flats, small affordable homes

The necessity of having a Budget Planner

By Finance

The best way to take financial control of your life is to do a Budget.

A budget a planner is a simple tool that will allow you to understand your money going in and going out of your household.

Many people are often turned off by the simple term BUDGET, they associate it with restrictions and a lot of hassles and headaches.

Budgeting can save your money for a new house and allow you to have more to spend by helping you to take control of your money.

By doing a budget it will help with,

  • Stops overspending: By taking control of your spending, you’re not spending it on items that are not necessary for you or your family. Like that extra chocolate bar or that new flat-screen TV that everyone is talking about.
  • Helps you reach your goals: We all have goals that we want to achieve, it can be that holiday that you have been planning for a couple of years or it can be a deposit for your first home. By creating a budget, you have a full understanding of where your money is going.
  • Helps you save money: By having a budget in place it helps you save money for financial security.
  • Helps you stop worrying: Having financial security is a good feeling, having any unexpected cost in your life is inevitable. If you have a car accident or a pipe has burst in your wall, knowing that you are financially secured enough to pay the unexpected things in life and still be able to afford rent, food or your mortgage.
  • Allows you to be more flexible financially: Having financial flexibility in your life is another way of being financially secure. It allows you to pursue your goals as desired and to take advantage of the ‘’unique’’ opportunities that will present themselves in your life. For example buying that special investment house, taking a trip, starting a family or changing careers.
  • Budgeting puts YOU in control: By being in control of your finances your head will always be above water, no more living by pay to pay or week to week. You will have a better understanding of where your money is going, where you can save and finally reaching your financial goals.

You need to be honest with yourself when creating a budget, at the end of the day, it’s your finances.

Once you create your first budget, you can begin to use it and keep track of your finances. It allows you to map out your spending plan or budget for 6 months to a year.

By keeping track of your finances, you can easily forecast how much you’re saving and how much you’re spending.

If you’re spending more than what you’re saving and constantly looking for money you need to have a look at your lifestyle! Question everything you spend money on and ask yourself can you survive without it?.

If you have debt with a financial institute, for example, a personal loan or a car loan or even a mortgage with any of the banks or credit unions. You have the right to ask for lower interest rates.

At the end of the day, you are a consumer and can take your business to another bank that has offered a lower interest rate.

The same is said with your insurance companies you have the right to ask for lower rates, there are plenty of competitors out there that will be happy to have you as their customer and offer a cheaper service.

Don’t be afraid to shop around for other banks, credit unions and insurance companies, Unfortunately, banks and insurance companies don’t reward loyalty.

This can be a daunting but an exciting experience but you’re one step closer to being financially secure.

A good book to read is Barefoot investor, I highly recommend this book, it has helped me to domino, my debt set up my budget and have a full understanding of my financial situation.

I’m now on my way to buying my first block of land and home and no longer worried about my financial security.

Below I have added a link to the QLD government website that offers a free budget planner for your convenience, it’s easy to use and is straight forward.

QLD Govt Free Budget Planner (excel file)

I have also added a link to Scott Pape website for your convenience, The Author of The Barefoot Investor.

The Barefoot Investor Website

 

This is not financial advice, but from personal experience. Please seek or ask a professional for advice on your finance situation.

October 11, 2019
older couple receiving keys to new home from attractive female real estate agent

Affordable Housing Solutions

By Finance, Queensland Regulations
tiny home on uneven block of land with double garage shed

1 in 5 women become homeless in Australia at least once in their lives. What we are doing at Pop Up Homes QLD trying to prevent this from happening and give people a housing option that is durable and affordable.

At Pop Up Homes we believe that we have the best and affordable pre-fabricated home for sale that the market has on offer. With our passion being to be able to provide 1, 2 and 3 bedroom options for those in need at the best affordable price.

Our Pop Up Homes are an affordable prefabricated home.

There are many companies that offer pre-fabricated homes for sale in QLD but they are often out of most people’s price range. We have developed a Pop Up Home, that ensures that our customers get the best value for money with the best quality.

When we developed our Pop Up Homes and system, we had at the forefront of our design how the entire process could be made affordable and reachable to the everyday budget.

We considered how the design could be made so that the transport costs were as low as we could get them how the installation costs could be kept low and we always keep our customer well informed of the prices they should be paying for plumbing, certification and any additional costs they may have for additions to the home like decks etc.

When researching pre-fabricated homes for sale in QLD it is important to weigh up all the costs involved and ask all the right questions to ensure you are well informed of onsite costs, transport costs and connection costs.

Here at pop up homes

We listen to our customer’s needs and price accordingly to ensure that the customer gets the best value for money, We are not hard pushing salespeople we are passionate about what we do and how we do it.

I also think it is important when buying a pre-fabricated home in QLD that you know what to ask to ensure that you are getting a product that will last:

  • Does the home come with Australian Engineering and a form 15?
  • Does the home have the certification for the windows?
  • Is the plumbing that is installed to Australian Standards?
  • What is the Structural Warranty?
  • Are the smoke detectors hard-wired?

Please see our questions to ask when buying a prefabricated building

Questions like these will not only save you a lot of hassles when applying for a building application or a temporary home application but will give you the reassurance that the home is to Australian standards and will last.

It is always handy to keep these documents in a safe place as if you want to sell the home then you will always get a better price when providing such documents. 

It is like buying a car if a car has a servicing log book then you know that you are buying something that has been cared for and the warranty has not been voided due to lack of service.

When looking at pre-fabricated homes for sale in QLD always do your homework, at the end of the day it will be YOUR HOME.

Affordable housing is available in Queensland you just need to do your research and find someone like the family-owned business.

Pop Up Homes is here to provide an affordable housing solution.

Please see our Granny Flat solutions.

September 24, 2019
Small or tiny home well established front shot

Ordering A Pop Up Home Is Easy & Stress-Free!

By Finance, Granny Flat, Kit Home, Small Home, Tiny Home

At Pop Up Homes we know you have enough to do in your busy life.

We also understand the last thing you want to do is spend your time, energy and money driving around in the car looking at displays, or surfing thousands of pop up homes websites and ending up more confused than ever.

That’s why enquiring or ordering your Pop Up home is easy and stress-free and why we have a complimentary price guide.

Our focus is to keep you in the loop at all times with your order, so you do not have to worry about anything.

Simply put, Pop Up Homes are a proven leader in supplying affordable Pop Up Homes to people, businesses and other operations of all over Australia.

Our permanent Pop Up Homes are perfect for use as granny flats, spare rooms, an investment, renovating, first home, downsizing, deluxe camp accommodation and much more.

Put one on a block you can’t build on or live in it while building your dream home.

They’re a great space for the adult children while they leave or save for a home of their own. They also make ideal University accommodation and are perfect for caravan parks or your own bed and breakfast, so find out more today with our complimentary price guide.

To find out more or order your Pop Up Home…

  1. Phone us 1300 121 556 and speak to one of our home specialist.
  2. Email us at office@popuphomes.com.au
  3. Or you can register for our complimentary price guide and have it mailed to you. It contains additional information about our pop up homes, which many people and businesses find extremely useful, so why not orders yours today?
July 15, 2019
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