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.
Read the full national regulations comparison
| State | Typical max size | Lot / zone notes | Approval path | Rent to non-family? | Our guide | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | 60 m² internal | 450 m² for common CDC route; exceptions apply | CDC or DA | Yes | State guide | NSW Planning Portal |
| VIC | 60 m² (typical) | Varies by zone | Planning exemption / permit; building permit | Yes | State guide | Victorian planning |
| QLD | Check local scheme | 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 | 70 m² Code criterion | 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 |
Primary sources
Size caps, approval pathways and dollar bands on this page are planning ranges. Check the current official page before you lodge or sign.
- NSW Planning Portal
- Victorian planning
- Queensland planning
- WA planning (DPLH)
- PlanSA
- Australian Building Codes Board
See our editorial standards for how we research and update guides.
Check Your Block Before You Design
Indicative tools only: confirm with council or a certifier before you lodge.
