As of October 1, 2023, all new permanent dwellings in Queensland, including Pop Up homes must comply with the Liveable Housing Design Standard (LHDS) under the National Construction Code (NCC).
The LHDS aims to ensure homes are safer, more accessible, and easier to live in for everyone. Particularly the elderly, people with disability, families with young children, and those with temporary injuries.
Key features now required in all new dwellings include:
A step-free path to at least one entrance
At least one step-free entry point
Wider internal doors and corridors
A step-free shower and bathroom access
An accessible toilet
Bathroom and toilet walls reinforced for future handrail installation
This change ensures that Pop-up Homes aren’t just compact and cost-effective; they’re also designed with long-term liveability in mind. Whether built on stumps or on wheels, if it’s a permanent residence, it must meet the new standards.
‘We enjoyed having Jack with us last week for work experience as part of his Year 10 school requirements. He impressed everyone with his enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Jack is a well mannered young man with a very bright future ahead of him and we wish him all the best as he explores his career path.
Last week we had the privilege to travel to China to meet our company partners, visit our factory and view new products available.
It was a fantastic opportunity to view our homes being made, meet the team, discuss design changes and confirm the quality is maintained at the highest standard during the manufacturing stage. This photo is us proudly raising a glass in celebration of new friendships blossoming, business partnerships and a very successful visit to China.
Featuring Kym and Andre – Owners of Pop Up Homes AustraliaFeaturing Kym and Andre – Owners of Pop Up Homes Australia
July 2023 Rockhampton Expo. Our Pop Up Homes Team attended the Rockhampton Expo in July 2023. It was a pleasure for us to be a part of the Outdoor Expo. Its was a huge success with a lot of interest in our Pop Up Homes and our services. We loved your support. Thanks Everyone!
If you’re asking yourself, ‘do granny flats add value to my property’ the answer is a resounding yes. Here’s why they work, and how to use these unique dwellings to make the biggest impact on your overall financial position.
For most Australians, our family homes are our biggest assets. In fact, at the end of the March 2021 quarter residential real estate counted for over 53% (that’s a huge $8,293.20 trillion) of all household wealth (breaking $8 trillion for the first time ever).
With that amount of money on the line, it just makes sense that we’d want to find ways to both protect, and grow, the value of our biggest assets. And one fantastic way to do that is to add a granny flat to your property.
Of course, when you ask the question, ‘do granny flats add value to my property’, you have to look at both the property’s resale value and at the monetary advantages you might be able to gain beyond that number. And there are many of those advantages. Let’s take a look.
Do Granny Flats Add Value to My Property? Yes they do. Here’s how.
Granny Flats Carry Their Own Monetary Value
Granny flats come in all shapes and sizes, and are created for all kinds of uses. You might want one for a teenage retreat, as a place to work, as an extra space for visiting family or even to rent. Each of these will require a slightly different design to ensure that you’re making the most out of your granny flat. And as with any addition, how you design and build your dwelling will determine how much value it can really add to your property.
That being said, according to CoreLogic and Archistar analysis, you can typically expect to see your property increase in value by a whopping 30% when you factor in a granny flat. This study also found that over half a million property owners across the eastern parts of Australia have the space to easily add an external dwelling and take advantage of this huge leap in property value. If you’re one of those homeowners, it’s definitely worth considering a granny flat addition.
Generate a New Household Income Stream
Your granny flat can do more than just add resale value to your property, however. It’s also a fantastic way to generate new household income in the form of rent. In fact, the CoreLogic and Archistar study found that a new granny flat could boost your potential rental income by as much as 27%.
Because they are affordable options, self-contained dwellings like granny flats are hugely attractive to renters. This means they are easy to rent, and keep rented, which ensures a steady stream of income to you and your family.
Co-Founder of Archistar, Robert Coorey said, ‘Many home-owners are sitting on a pot of gold in the form of excess land that could be developed to generate a new income stream. This has wider economic benefits for renters who want to access popular suburbs without paying a premium’.
More Bang for Your Buck?
Of course, how much profit you can make on your specific granny flat addition will depend on many factors. This includes the execution of the build-the amenities installed, the size of the flat, the finishings, the access to outdoor space, parking options, your specific suburb and all the other elements that make a property more desirable.
In terms of rental income, the execution matters of course, but the location will be of premier importance. For example, while the majority of Queensland has experienced rental increases, Gold Coast rental prices have taken a huge upswing. New CoreLogic figures show that average rents climbed by a huge 3.5% during 2020, and the median weekly rent is now $485 per week, higher than most parts of Brisbane. Also, the average time that a rental property stays on the market in the Gold Coast is only two weeks-the lowest of any region.
One way to get a sense of the types of rental income you might see in your specific location is to view the RTA’s Median Rents Finder.
How Much Profit Can I Make?
Of course, how much profit you can make on your specific granny flat addition will depend on many factors. This includes the execution of the build-the amenities installed, the size of the flat, the finishings, the access to outdoor space, parking options, your specific suburb and all the other elements that make a property more desirable.
In terms of rental income, the execution matters of course, but the location will be of premier importance. For example, while the majority of Queensland has experienced rental increases, Gold Coast rental prices have taken a huge upswing. New CoreLogic figures show that average rents climbed by a huge 3.5% during 2020, and the median weekly rent is now $485 per week, higher than most parts of Brisbane. Also, the average time that a rental property stays on the market in the Gold Coast is only two weeks-the lowest of any region.
One way to get a sense of the types of rental income you might see in your specific location is to view the RTA’s Median Rents Finder.
Getting Started
It’s Got to Be Legal
There are many reasons to invest in a granny flat, but if you want to ensure that your granny flat will add value to your property, you need to look at your new addition through the eyes of a potential investor and even prospective tenants. And the first step is ensuring that it’s a legal dwelling.
Working with experts, like our team at Pop Up Homes, can help you understand what you need to do to ensure that you’re building a legal, and rentable, building.
Get the Practicalities Right
Looking at your build through the eyes of investors and renters will also help you to get the practicalities right. From planning for secure parking, to understanding how renters feel about private entrances, you can make sure that you’re making good long-term financial decisions.
Add Value to Get Value
It’s also important to remember that granny flats can differ vastly in quality. It’s vital that you choose the right builder, who can provide solid construction and designs that are attractive to tenants. Then you can guarantee that when you ask yourself the question, ‘do granny flats add value’, you’ll be able to answer with a resounding yes.
Pop Up Homes are experts at providing value-adding granny flats to your existing property. You have your choice of designs that are perfect for your specific needs, and, more importantly, that give you the opportunity to grow the value of your own home.
Do granny flats add value? Yes they do!
Get in touch with our expert team today and we can start you on the path to increasing your property value with a high quality granny flat addition.Call us on 1300 121 556 or drop us a line at office@popuphomes.com.au.
Granny flats are a rising trend in Australia. They’re compact, cosy and, some might even say, chic. But better than that, they answer that practical problem of extra space, while still being a dynamic, cost-effective and value-adding addition to your property. In fact, there are many (many) reasons why you should invest in a granny flat. But once you’ve decided that you’re ready to make that investment, it’s time to start considering the practicalities. And the first question you need to ask yourself is, ‘can I build a granny flat on my property?’
Can I Build a Granny Flat on My Property
When asking yourself, ‘can I build a granny flat on my property’ you have a number of things to consider. 1. First, will you be able to get council approval (and is it even necessary)? 2. Second, what restrictions are there on the size and placement of your granny flat, and does that work for your particular situation? 3. And third, what is your budget when it comes to building?
Can You Get Council Approval (and Is It Necessary)?
A ‘granny flat’ is simply a colloquial term for an “accessory dwelling unit”. But they’re also known as small homes, tiny homes, guest houses or mother-in-law flats. Essentially, they’re small fully-formed flats built on a piece of property that you already own, with self-contained bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms. When it comes to understanding whether you can get council approval for building a granny flat on your property, and when and if it’s necessary, the answer isn’t simply a yes or no. Since it can take from 12 weeks to many months to get approvals (where they are required), it’s best to know where you stand and plan ahead.
What are the Restrictions on Size and Placement for Your Granny Flat?
Just as every area has their own regulations on building approvals, they also have their own rules governing the size and placement of your granny flat (and other things as well!). So, we’ve pulled together the general rules from some of Queensland’s most popular areas to help you answer the question, ‘can I build a granny flat on my property’. Of course, our expert team is always here to provide advice on your specific area and situation should you need it as well.
Brisbane Granny Flats
In Brisbane, you can build a secondary dwelling, like a granny flat, without any approvals at all as long as it’s a maximum of 80sqm, is being built for a member of your household and is less than 20 metres from your main dwelling. That’s a fantastic result, and makes it easy to add a granny flat to your property. On the other hand, you might want a slightly bigger space or want to build it further from your main home. In that case you will need to lodge a development application (DA). You will also need to lodge a DA if you plan on renting the flat to someone who is not part of your household.
Unlike Brisbane, all granny flats built on the Gold Coast will require building approval from the council. This can be organised through a private certifier. You might also need a DA if your property is not in a residential zone. You can read more about building granny flats in the Gold Coast on the City of Gold Coast website.
When asking yourself, can I build a granny flat on my property in the Sunshine Coast, you have to consider where it will be located. As of 2019, your granny flat must be designed and constructed so that is has an “association” with the primary home or dwelling on your property. In most areas, it also can’t exceed 90sqm in a rural or rural-residential zone, or 60sqm in any other zone (though this can be different in certain local areas). As with any granny flat, it’s important to speak to an expert before beginning to build on your Sunshine Coast property. You can read more about building granny flats in the Sunshine Coast on the Sunshine Coast Council website.
In Logan, you can build a secondary, self-contained dwelling, or granny flat, as long as it’s 70sqm, in a residential zone and on a lot that is less than 1000sqm. If you have a lot that is bigger than 1000sqm then you can have a granny flat is that is a generous 100sqm. There are other requirements as well, including the rule that the secondary dwelling must only be occupied by persons who are in your same household. And it must be located beside, behind, below or above an existing or new dwelling.
You can read more about building granny flats in the Logan area on the City of Logan website.
Cairns is a beautiful city and the Cairns city council also welcomes granny flats. Their rules are split into rural and non-rural as well. In rural areas, your secondary dwelling must be limited to 250sqm, while it’s 70sqm in all other zones.
You can read more about building granny flats in the Cairns area on the Cairns Building Plans.
f you live in another area in Queensland, we’ve got information for you on our Council Rules and Regulations page. Or, if you’re unsure on your local requirements around building a granny flat, always ask your local council or private certifier and builder. Or give our team of experts a call. We’re always happy to help!
What is Your Budget for Your Granny Flat?
Last, but definitely not least, you’ll want to consider your budget for building a granny flat on your property. While you might technically be able to do it (under the rules and regulations of your area), if it doesn’t make financial sense, and won’t be adding value to your property, it’s probably best to give it a pass. Just like with any home, the more features you add to your granny flat, the higher the cost will be to build it, but the more value you could potentially be adding. It’s best to consider what you are looking for, and what you have available to spend. Then speak to an expert about whether that’s a viable option in terms of financing and whether that will give you the outcomes you need.
Benefits of a Granny Flat
From bringing loved ones closer to getting more privacy yourself, from saving money to possibly earning an income, granny flats bring you lots of benefits. If you’re asking yourself, can I build a granny flat on my property, get in touch with our team today. We’re here to help you understand all your options.
Leonardo Da Vinci once declared that “simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”. This explains why the tiny house movement is gathering steam and more people are shedding unnecessary spaces to move into tiny homes. But what exactly are tiny homes? A tiny home is also called a “tiny house” or a “granny flat”. While there is no universally accepted definition, it is usually a small house measuring under 80square metres. It is a fully functioning dwelling typically designed in a simple way, stripped of all unnecessary space and equipment. Put simply, a tiny home is a small house that is big enough to accommodate your basic needs.
Why are tiny homes becoming so popular?
The movement from traditional larger living spaces to tiny homes has accelerated in recent years for a couple of reasons.
1. Economic reasons
Moving into a smaller house will obviously save you considerable expense in both the short and long term. Tiny homes are also the home of choice for young adults having their first taste of independence or those that are considering retirement and lowering costs of living.
2. Ecological reasons
Believe it or not, many people care about the planet. Tiny houses have emerged as an eco-friendly alternative in the housing industry. This means that more people are ridding themselves of things and space they don’t need if that means that they can contribute their quota to saving our beloved planet.
3. Change in taste
It’s possible to grow tired of the need to have a big house. People’s tastes change all the time. Think about it – parents with adult children who have moved out tend to want to go back to simpler times and therefore seek a housing option that is simple yet accommodating in nature.
The nature of tiny homes
One of the greatest fears of the modern world is making long-term commitments you can’t get out of easily. This fear expresses itself in almost every area of our lives from our relationships to career choices and even to the houses we own. We hesitate to make decisions we have to live with for the rest of our lives. Consequently, one of the biggest appeals of tiny homes is their low-risk, low cost comparative nature. You invest in a small house for a lower cost than a standard house and reap all the benefits that come with it.
Benefits of tiny homes
1. Save money
As mentioned earlier, reducing your cost of living is one of the most appealing benefits of tiny homes. By choosing a tiny home you are opting to reduce your costs of living by paying lower electrical bills and lower maintenance costs. Tiny houses are also cheaper to build. If you are renting a tiny house rather than buying/building one, you will pay lower rent. Consequently, you are saving money that can be channeled elsewhere.
2. Helping the environment
By helping the planet, we are inevitably helping ourselves. Living in a tiny house helps us achieve that by reducing our carbon footprint, invariably creating a more sustainable future. When you live in a tiny home, you produce less waste, consume less energy, and use fewer resources that put a strain on the environment.
3. Easy to maintain
One of the biggest drawbacks of large houses is the maintenance. The larger the house, the more maintenance that is generally required. There is a constant requirement to ensure the upkeep of a larger home which all simply translates into higher costs of living. On the other hand, the smaller the home, the easier it is to maintain. Furthermore the biggest advantage to not having to maintain a larger a house is the saving of time for more important things. This explains why highly effective people tend to want smaller spaces with minimalistic designs.
Conclusion
A tiny home is a great option to consider as a downsize, an investment or for adult children yet to leave home. They are simple, comfortable and affordable.
With a growing popularity to seek out alternative living options as well as an increase in domestic house prices, it’s no surprise that Granny Flats are having a moment.
The Granny Flat is an attractive, affordable and accessible option for many and in this article, we explore the growth of this exciting living option alternative.
What Exactly Is A Granny Flat?
A Granny Flat is a complete home on a property that can house at least one person. It can be built as a separate structure or as an attachment to the main house. However, the common trait in most Granny Flats is that they can function as an independent unit.
The first thing you need to consider before you build a Granny Flat are your local Council bylaws. Fortunately, at Pop Up Homes, we have extensive experience dealing with local Councils concerning rules and regulations that concern your future Pop Up Home Granny Flat. As part of the process, we’ll check all the provisions that are required to deliver your fantastic new home.
While some disparities depend on your location, we at Pop Up Homes have written up an extensive list of Council rules and regulations for Councils across Queensland which you can view further by clicking through to this link: Pop Up Homes, council rules and regulations.
Granny Flats, A Rising Trend
The fact that housing prices are going through the roof is another factor in Granny Flat housing popularity. With a lot of young adults and teenagers unable to afford regular houses, they must rely on alternatives. A Granny Flat is more affordable, which puts it in high demand.
There are several reasons for building Granny Flats, from economic considerations to family growth to leisurely activities.
Home For Elderly Family Members
It is possibly the purest way to use a Granny Flat. The name – Granny Flat – reflects the history and original purpose of these small homes. They were traditionally used to house aging parents or grandparents. It is a way to keep the family together while spontaneously allowing privacy.
Potential Extra Income
There are two smart ways to earn rent money from Granny Flats
Rent out your Granny Flat
Are you recently single, or the kids moved out? You can downsize to the Granny Flat and rent out the main house for a while.
Either way, you get to experiment with your property and see what comes off it. Some people even take Granny Flats more seriously as a real estate venture to secure their future.
Home Office
Starting a new business, or do you prefer working from home? A Granny Flat can provide you with the privacy and comfort you need while saving you some cost. Granny Flats as home offices are usually more efficient than in-house offices. The distractions are usually lesser. Besides, you get to design your office to your taste without restructuring your primary home.
Hobby Space
Granny Flats take the term “safe space” to the next level. It can serve as space where you can enjoy painting, gaming, reading, knitting, or even wine tasting, etc. You get to decide what you want and make it happen.
Guest Lodge
Who needs a guest house when you can have a Granny Flat? When friends and distant relatives come into town, you can treat them to your hospitality by offering your Granny Flat for their stay. On the one hand, you win the “friend of the year” award. On the flipside, you get to show off your taste and artistry, especially if you were actively engaged in designing your Granny Flat.
Add Value To Your Property
If you already own a rental property, building a Granny Flat increases the income from that property. It also increases the value of the overall property.
Extra Rooms For A Large Family
You can create extra bedrooms or living areas with Granny Flats without having to tear down and restructure your house. This can become quite useful if/when your kids become teens and young adults. Granny Flats provide some independence for young adults who aren’t yet financially stable enough to move out.
Temporary accommodation
Are you in-between houses, jobs, or just starting in life? Then renting a Granny House can be a smart choice. Young couples are an example of the beneficiaries of this arrangement. They can afford to rent a Granny House while they save to buy their home. Parents of the couple can also offer their Granny Flat to them for free.
No matter what your Granny Flat requirements are, Pop Up Homes are your local Granny Flat, Small Home experts. With over 120 successfully built and delivered Granny Flats all over Queensland, we’ll have the perfect solution for you.
From less clutter to more freedom to travel, the benefits of small home living are abundant. But for some homeowners, downsizing can prove daunting. Homeowners pondering the move must consider everything from how many pairs of shoes to take with them, to how to design the tiny house to maximise space. Read on to learn more about the benefits of small home living, from affordability to freedom and adventure.
Rise of Small Home Popularity
Tiny home living originally became popular in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. Many families were looking to tighten their proverbial belts and saw the best way to do so as cutting their mortgages down significantly, or in some cases even living debt free. Living simply has long captured the imaginations of many, and the reasons why are plentiful. Revoking material possessions to getting closer to nature, portability, or having the freedom to travel instead of paying a mortgage are chief among them. This imagination has been captured by the mainstream media where tiny and small homes have contributed greatly to the programming content. In countries like Japan and New Zealand where space is already limited, tiny homes offer a viable option for purchasers to own their own home with less of the fuss of maintenance that comes along with owning a more traditional house. There are many reasons tiny homes and small houses have become popular in recent years.
Pop Up Homes range of tiny houses and small homes have several advantages over their larger counterparts. Here are some of the benefits you can enjoy when “going tiny:”
– Standard homes run from 100 – 500 square meters, while tiny homes generally run only 37 – 58 square meters.
– Less square meters means less to maintain! It also means less clutter and a deeper commitment to minimalism.
The original intent – “living debt-free” or as close to it as possible – is a beneficial aspect of tiny home living. The tiny home movement has largely spawned from this benefit alone. Many people live pay check to pay check, and not having a mortgage frees them up to enjoy more of life. Pop Up Homes offers 3 styles of small home, each unique in their own right, they are very adaptable and customisable, they are the perfect downsize solution. Additionally, maintenance and investment in improvements runs cheaper than a traditional home as well as a general reduction in overhead costs such as utilities. There is such a multitude of benefits that come from downsizing to a Pop Up Home – affordability, freedom and customisation among the many.
Time for a Change?
Tiny home living is a growing social movement that gives freedom and benefits to those who participate. If you are one of many savvy investors or owner occupiers looking to take advantage of this opportunity, there is more to learn. Contact the friendly, knowledgeable team at Pop Up Homes to find out more. Our commitment to the highest standard of customer service and detailed knowledge of the process will help you well onto the path of your brand new, downsized small home.
1300 121 556
office@popuphomes.com.au
