Rules by state
Granny Flat Rules by State (Australia 2026)
Compare size limits, lot requirements, approval pathways and rental rules across every state and territory. Each row links to our state guide and the official government source.
Council rules are not national. A design that sails through as complying development in Sydney may need a different pathway in Perth or Brisbane. Use this table to pick your state, then confirm details with the official planning portal before you lodge.
| State | Typical max size | Lot / zone notes | Approval path | Rent to non-family? | Our guide | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | 60 m² internal | 450 m² min. | CDC or DA | Yes | State guide | NSW Planning Portal |
| VIC | 60 m² (typical) | Varies by zone | Part 5 / permit | Yes | State guide | Victorian planning |
| QLD | 80 m² GFA (metro) | Residential zone | Accepted dev. / assessable | Yes (no family tie) | State guide Brisbane rules | Queensland planning |
| WA | 70 m² (R-Codes) | Varies by density | R-Codes / local scheme | Yes | State guide | WA planning (DPLH) |
| SA | 60 m² typical | Varies by council | Code / DA | Yes | State guide | PlanSA |
| TAS | 90 m² (some zones) | Varies | Permit / exempt | Yes | State guide | Tasmanian planning |
| ACT | 90 m² (typical) | Territory rules | Exempt / DA | Yes | Guide coming soon | ACT planning |
| NT | Varies | Varies | Local scheme | Check council | Guide coming soon | NT planning |
Planning tools
Check Your Block Before You Design
Indicative tools only: confirm with council or a certifier before you lodge.
Granny Flat Rules FAQ
What is the maximum size for a granny flat in Australia?
There is no single national cap. New South Wales commonly uses 60 square metres internal for CDC secondary dwellings, Queensland allows up to 80 square metres gross floor area in many metro areas, Western Australia references about 70 square metres under the R-Codes, and Tasmania can allow larger ancillary dwellings in some zones. Always confirm your lot against the current state policy and local scheme.
Can you rent a granny flat to anyone in Australia?
Most states now allow renting a secondary dwelling to non-family tenants when the dwelling is lawfully approved, but rules on occupancy, parking and utility metering still vary. Queensland removed family-only rental restrictions in 2022. Check your state row in the table above and read the linked state guide before you advertise.
CDC or DA: which approval pathway is faster?
A Complying Development Certificate in NSW is often the fastest route when your design meets every Housing SEPP standard. Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia use different labels, but the same principle applies: if you meet preset standards, assessment is quicker than a full development application. Use our approval pathway wizard for a first-pass check.
