A guide to building a secondary dwelling in Victoria
Are you considering adding a secondary dwelling to your property in Victoria? Whether you're looking to create a cosy granny flat, a small second home for your kids or a rental unit for extra income, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from understanding small second dwellings to choosing the right second home builder.
But first, the basics.
What is a secondary dwelling?
A secondary dwelling is a smaller, self-contained dwelling located on the same land as the primary residence. The Victorian Government has made building a secondary dwelling easier in residential and rural areas, offering families more housing choices and boosting housing supply.
Through the Building Amendment (Small Second Dwellings) Regulations 2023 and changes to the Victoria Planning Provisions, the government has streamlined the process to encourage the development of small second homes. As a result, property owners now have greater flexibility in exploring housing options on the same property as an existing dwelling.
The difference between a primary dwelling and a secondary dwelling
A primary dwelling is the main residential structure on a property. It is typically larger and equipped with multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, and living spaces. It serves as the property owner's main home. Secondary dwellings, often known as granny flats or accessory dwelling units (ADUs), are designed to provide additional living space without needing a separate land title. They offer flexibility for various uses, such as housing for family members or generating rental income.
The difference between an investment property and a secondary dwelling
An investment property is a standalone piece of real estate purchased primarily for generating rental income or for future resale profit. These properties are separate from the owner's primary residence and are intended to be an income source.
On the other hand, a secondary dwelling is an additional living space built on the same site as the primary residence. While a secondary dwelling can also generate rental income, it is not considered a separate property and often serves other purposes, such as accommodating extended family or providing a home office.
The difference between a detached studio and a secondary dwelling
A detached studio is a standalone structure typically used for non-residential purposes such as a home office, art studio, or workshop. It generally lacks full amenities like a kitchen and a bathroom, making it unsuitable for permanent residence.
In contrast, a secondary dwelling is a fully self-contained unit that includes essential living amenities such as a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping areas. Secondary dwellings are designed for habitation and offer all the facilities needed for comfortable living, unlike detached studios, which are tailored for specific tasks or hobbies.
The difference between a dependent person's unit and a secondary dwelling
A dependent person's unit (DPU) is a type of accommodation specifically designed for someone who is dependent on the occupants of the main dwelling, such as an elderly family member or a person with a disability.
These units are often temporary and can be removed when no longer needed. Lawful dependent person's units are specifically regulated to ensure they meet the needs of dependent individuals, while secondary dwellings are more versatile and fewer have restrictions on occupancy.
Secondary dwelling rules & regulations in Victoria
How big can a second dwelling be?
In Victoria, the maximum total floor area for a secondary dwelling is 60 square metres. This includes all roofed areas and is calculated from the outside of the external walls or the centre of party walls. Typically, a secondary dwelling of this size can accommodate one to two bedrooms, a bathroom, a small kitchen and a living area. With thoughtful design, you can maximise the available space to include all the essential features, ensuring a cosy and practical addition to your property.
Can I build a second dwelling on my property?
Building a second dwelling on your property is possible in most cases, depending on factors like property size and the zoning regulations set by local governments. To begin, you'll need council approval and must adhere to all building regulations.
This includes getting a building permit and ensuring the proposed secondary dwelling is self-contained with the necessary kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities. Remember, secondary dwellings cannot be subdivided or connected to reticulated natural gas. Having a car parking space is optional.
How to get second dwelling approval
Whether you're building secondary dwellings in rural zones or residential zones, you may need development/planning approval in certain situations. Read up on Victoria's second dwelling rules so you are across the permit requirements.
Under Victoria's recent second dwelling legislative changes, most small second homes no longer need planning approval, making the process far simpler. However, consulting with a building certifier can help you navigate the building approvals process and ensure your proposed small second home is up to standard.
What is the difference between dual occupancy and secondary dwelling?
Like second dwellings, dual occupancy involves building two separate dwellings on one lot. They can be either attached or detached. However, this type of development typically requires a planning permit, whereas secondary dwellings generally don’t require a planning permit under recent regulations in Victoria. A secondary dwelling is also smaller, with a limit of 60 square metres in floor area.
Building a small second home
How to choose the right small home builders
When choosing a small secondary dwelling builder, start by researching specialty local builders. Look for builders with a track record of successfully completing similar projects and delivering high-quality craftsmanship. Take the time to view their past work to assess their style and attention to detail. Discuss your specific needs, budget and timeline upfront to ensure they can accommodate your requirements.
Of the different types of small second dwellings available, ask yourself what best suits you, whether it's a prefabricated modular home offering efficiency and cost-savings or a regular home built on-site from scratch. If you're unsure where to start, choose a builder like Ironbark Cabins that offers expert small home design and styling guidance.
Ironbark's modular homes: From dream small second home to reality
Designs and floorplans
When you work with Ironbark Cabins, you can choose from sample one—and two-bedroom cabin layouts as a starting point or collaborate with our experienced team to create a bespoke floor plan tailored to your needs.
Whether you opt for a compact 9m x 3.5m cabin or a more spacious 12m x 4.5m layout, each design can be tailored to maximise living space efficiency. Room sizes are thoughtfully planned to ensure functionality without compromising on comfort.
Styling and colours
At Ironbark, our homes are designed to blend style with functionality, featuring high-quality finishes that enhance durability and visual appeal. Ironbark Cabins offers multiple cladding and fit-out options to suit various budgets and tastes, whether you prefer a contemporary look or a more traditional style.
Working with interior designers, we provide guidance and support throughout the styling process, ensuring that your cabin reflects your personal tastes and complements its surroundings seamlessly.
Delivery and installation
Modular construction allows for swift assembly in a controlled environment. Ironbark's homes are built off-site, ensuring consistent quality and minimising construction delays. Once construction is complete, the cabins are delivered pre-finished and ready for installation. This approach reduces on-site disruption and allows homeowners to enjoy their new living space sooner.
Ironbark Cabins offers a range of sizes and configurations that comply with regulations for secondary dwellings, making our modular homes an ideal option for adding living space to your property in Victoria. If you want to build a secondary dwelling on your property and skip the hassle of a traditional build, contact the expert team at Ironbark today.