Why Convert a Garage to a Granny Flat?

November 8, 2024

Thinking about making the most of that unused garage space? Why not turn it into a fully functional granny flat?

Building a granny flat on your unused garage space is becoming a popular choice for Aussie homeowners. It's a clever way to add extra living space without the need for major extensions while offering numerous advantages such as an additional source of rental income. So, if you're looking for new ways to utilise your space, converting your garage into a granny flat might just be the answer.

Let’s dive into why this option is such a game-changer!

Converting Your Garage into a Granny Flat

These days, more and more homeowners are looking at their garages and thinking, "What else can I do with this space?" and choosing to convert the garage to a granny flat. It’s easy to see why!

With property prices on the rise and a growing need for functional living spaces, people are getting creative with how they use their existing homes. Turning an underutilised garage into a granny flat offers a practical solution that doesn’t require adding a whole new extension to the house. It’s a smart way to make better use of what you already have, especially if the garage is just gathering dust or clutter.

With the right planning and a few creative design choices, that dusty garage can become a vibrant and practical space, fitting seamlessly into the rest of your home and offering lasting benefits for your family.

Why Would I Want to Convert My Garage into a Granny Flat?

Here’s why making this change could be one of the best decisions you ever make.

Additional Income

Transforming your garage into a granny flat can provide a steady source of extra income. Renting it out, especially on platforms like Airbnb, can help cover mortgage payments or bills.

Accommodation for Family

A granny flat is perfect for housing the elderly, young adults, or extended family while maintaining privacy. Family members can enjoy their independence nearby and save on rent without feeling cramped.

Increase Property Value

When you convert garage into a granny flat, it can significantly boost your property’s overall value. A well-designed granny flat appeals to buyers, making your home more competitive in the market.

Maximising Space

How often does your garage sit unused? Converting it maximises that wasted space into a stylish, functional living area. This transformation leads to a more organised and pleasant home environment.

Flexible Living Arrangements

Granny flats offer versatile solutions for guests or family members needing temporary or long-term accommodation. Whether hosting friends for a weekend or providing space for a relative, a granny flat adapts to your changing circumstances without sacrificing your living space.

Basic Requirements to Convert Garage into Granny Flat

Before diving into this exciting project, it’s crucial to understand that each council, including those in Perth WA, has its own set of regulations for converting a garage into a granny flat.

Here are some minimum requirements you’ll need to consider:

Your property must be 450sqm or bigger.
There must be no other granny flat on your block.
Your property must be in a residential zone.
Any fascia or eaves must be fire-rated.
The garage must be less than 60sqm and meet the following conditions:
Located more than 3m away from trees and the rear property line.
Positioned at least 0.9m away from side boundaries.

If the garage does not meet boundary distance requirements, fire-rated walls may be required for council approval. Understanding these regulations will set you on the right path to a successful transformation!

Factors That Affect the Cost When You Convert Garage to Granny Flat

So, what about the costs? These are some of the key “convert garage to granny flat” factors that will influence your budget when converting your garage:

Heating and Cooling

Adding HVAC systems or insulation is essential for comfort. However, these can add up to the overall cost.

Design

Custom design elements or open floor plans may affect the total expense. It’s great to have your dream layout, but be mindful of your budget.

Plumbing and Sewerage

Installing plumbing lines and sewerage can significantly impact the total cost of your convert garage to granny flat project.

Electrical Work

Upgrading electrical systems to meet residential standards will also influence costs.

Cabinets for Storage

The inclusion of custom cabinetry or built-in storage will also add to the final budget.

Dry Wall

Installing drywall is a necessary expense, helping to create those cosy interiors.

Paint

The cost of painting both interior and exterior spaces adds to overall expenses.

Fixtures and Appliances

Installing modern fixtures and essential appliances, such as stoves or fridges can also increase your garage conversion expenses. Think about what you’ll need for everyday living.

Landscaping

Landscaping for the area around your granny flat can enhance the overall look and function of your property. However, it can also affect the overall cost of your project.

Are the Rules the Same Whether It Is a Detached or Attached Garage?

No! Building rules and requirements differ depending on whether you're converting an attached or a detached garage. While both options have their perks, there are key differences to keep in mind when planning your granny flat conversion in WA.

Attached Garage

When converting an attached garage, it’s essential to create a separate entrance for the granny flat. This type must have a separate entrance, meaning no interior access to the main home.
Depending on your design, it can be easier to link utilities like plumbing and electricity to the existing house, but you’ll need to meet specific fire and safety regulations.

Detached Garage

Offers more privacy and flexibility but may require more extensive plumbing and electrical work.
Since it’s physically separated from the main house, additional work might be required for plumbing and electrical connections. You’ll likely need to dig trenches to run new lines.

Does Council Need to Be Involved for a Legal Conversion?

When it comes to council involvement, each council has its own rules regarding granny flat conversions. As long as your property meets the necessary requirements, you may not need council approval.

If your convert garage to granny flat project meets all required regulations, you can apply for a Complying Development Certificate (CDC), meaning no council approval is necessary. This can make the process a lot smoother and quicker!

But always double-check with your local council to ensure you’re following the right path. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

Build Your Granny Flat with Prestige Renovations

Turning your garage into a granny flat isn’t just practical—it’s a great way to make your home work harder for you. Whether it’s for family, guests, or extra income, you’re creating a valuable space that adds real benefit to your property.

At Prestige Renovations, we’re a reliable partner when it comes to converting a garage into granny flat projects and custom home builds. Our team will be with you from start to finish, turning your garage into the stylish, functional space you’ve been dreaming of— exactly just the way you imagined.

Ready to get started? Reach out for personalised consultation and top-notch service.

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What Is a Granny Flat? Full Guide for Australian Homeowners

October 27, 2025

Granny flats are no longer just for grandparents. Across Australia, they’re being built as rental units, guest accommodation, or smart add-ons for multigenerational families. Climbing property prices and limited housing supply have made granny flats an attractive option for homeowners seeking flexibility and extra income. Before you build, there are legal and planning steps to navigate. Each state has its own council rules, and the approval process can feel overwhelming. Prestige Homes & Granny Flats provides practical guidance on paperwork, design, and construction, keeping your project organised and on track from the start. Before you start asking what granny flats are and how to build one, remember there are legal and planning steps to navigate. Each state has its own council rules, and the approval process can feel overwhelming. Prestige Homes & Granny Flats provides practical guidance on paperwork, design, and construction, keeping your project organised and on track from the start. What are Granny Flats? So what is a granny flat? The answer is simple. It’s a small, self-contained home built on the same block as a main residence. Think of it as a compact version of a regular house, usually including a kitchen, bathroom, living area, and one or two bedrooms. Most states cap their size at around 60 m², though exact limits vary. In Queensland, they’re often called “secondary dwellings,” while in Victoria, you’ll hear “dependent person’s unit.” No matter the name, the idea is the same: extra living space with independence built in. What Are Granny Flats Called in Perth? Across Perth and the wider WA region, granny flats are formally classified as “ancillary dwellings” under local council planning regulations. They’re permitted on most residential-zoned blocks that meet the minimum land size, with a maximum floor area of up to 70 m². A major difference in WA is who can occupy them. Since 2015, Perth’s rules have allowed ancillary dwellings to be rented to non-family members, giving homeowners more flexibility for rental income or family use. Councils such as the City of Perth, City of Stirling, and City of Joondalup apply these state planning guidelines, though it’s always worth checking your local council’s requirements before starting. In Perth, granny flats can take several forms. They may be built as a detached unit, joined to the main house, or created by converting existing structures like garages. This flexibility makes them an appealing way to add space, boost property value, or create rental income without leaving your current suburb. What Is Granny Flat: Legal and Planning Rules You Need to Know To fully understand what granny flats are, you also need to follow council regulations that vary from state to state. Zoning and Land Use Your block must be in the correct residential zone to allow an ancillary dwelling. Perth councils set these rules, so it’s important to confirm land use requirements before drawing up plans. Size Limits & Design In most parts of Australia, granny flats are limited to 60 m². In Perth and wider WA, ancillary dwellings can be up to 70 m², provided they meet council design codes for height, setbacks, and appearance. Approval Processes Some states require both planning and building permits, while others fast-track approval if certain criteria are met. In WA, approvals generally move faster when plans follow the Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) . Rental & Occupancy Rules Unlike some states, Perth homeowners can lease ancillary dwellings to non-family members. Since the 2015 policy change, this flexibility has allowed granny flats to serve as either rental income properties or extra family space.

Step-by-Step Custom Home Build Checklist

October 24, 2025

Building your own custom home in Australia is exciting, but it can sometimes feel like you’ve got a lot on your plate. From design choices and council approvals to budgets and timelines, there are plenty of moving parts that can quickly become overwhelming. That’s why having a clear checklist is important. We’ll guide you through the key steps in building a custom home checklist. Whether it is your first build or an upgrade to suit your lifestyle, our team helps you stay organised and confident right through to the final handover. Building a Custom Home Checklist Think of a custom home checklist as your blueprint for staying organised. It turns the chaos of construction into a sequence of manageable steps. Without a checklist, you could face delays, unexpected costs and unnecessary stress. A detailed custom home build checklist ensures a smooth, cost-effective and worry-free build. It’s not just for first-time owners either. Even seasoned homeowners upgrading to a custom space benefit from a structured approach that keeps the build on track and aligned with their vision.