Signage for Granny Flats from Architectural Signs

Granny flats - the new housing trend

Across Australia, the granny flat is currently experiencing a construction boom, and it's not hard to see why. Rising property prices coupled with an ageing population has resulted in an increased demand for multi-generational and multi-dwelling living.

These popular and relatively affordable buildings offer considerable lifestyle benefits for homeowners. At an average cost of $100,000 they can be used as a home office, a teenage retreat, or even as a separate living area for relatives or "boomerang" adult children returning home. For many parents, the addition of a granny flat can greatly assist their children to save for a home deposit whilst giving them a certain level of independence, privacy, and freedom.

Yet the humble granny flat is no longer just for Grandma (or those pesky twenty-somethings that won't ever leave home). Homeowners are also increasingly eyeing off their backyards as a potential source of rental income.

The rising demand for granny flats has been largely fuelled by State legislative changes designed to encourage a greater supply of affordable housing. In NSW, WA, the NT, and Tas, homeowners are now permitted to generate income through the rental of secondary dwellings. And homeowners have been cashing in - with around 3,650 granny flats approved in NSW during 2014-15, an increase of 20 per cent on the year before*, with similar increases experienced in WA^.

So how could a granny flat work best for you?

Creating small, but comfortable accommodation for rent-paying tenants on your own land could provide a modest, yet valuable income stream.

Alternatively, you may wish to consider moving into the granny flat yourself and renting out the main dwelling for a higher return. Short-term rental websites such as Airbnb could also transform the space into a temporary revenue stream if you don't want to commit to longerterm rentals.

There are some tax benefits to consider as well

The ability to claim back depreciation as an expense. In addition, if you need finance to build a granny flat, the interest on the loan for the construction costs will be deductible - even before a single dollar of rent is earned.

However it's important to seek specialist tax advice, as personal circumstances can differ and you may face capital gains tax or other unforeseen costs.

Rules and requirements for secondary dwellings vary between States and even local governments, so it's important to do your homework. For example, there can be restrictions on the building's size, and the residence may be required to offer off-street parking. Before you engage a builder or architect, be sure to also consider your family's needs now and into the future, and ensure that the residence will be flexible enough to meet these needs over time.

Six benefits of building a granny flat

1. It's less expensive than building or buying a new home.
2. Where the property meets specific development requirements, the process is simpler than building a new home.
3. If leased as full-time accommodation or a part-time holiday let, where permissible, a granny flat provides income potential.
4. Family members can live within close proximity of their relatives, while retaining privacy and independence.
5. You'll have more space to host guests or to create a home office, hobby zone or multipurpose room.
6. Generally speaking, a granny flat is a favourable addition when selling your property.

Architectural Signs have been providing signage for building and construction companies over the last 25 years. For signage solutions suited to your business contact Architectural Signs via www.arcsigns.com.au.