More Frankston home owners are asking about granny flats, whether it’s for family, ageing parents or extra rental income. Victoria changed the rules, and it’s now simpler than it used to be.
What counts as a granny flat
Victoria calls it a “small second home”. It’s 60 square metres or less, on the same block as your existing home, with its own kitchen, bathroom and toilet.
Do you need a planning permit?
In most cases, no. On most residential blocks you don’t need one, as long as there are no flooding, environmental or other special planning controls on your land. Some blocks under 300 square metres still need a planning permit. You can check the controls on your property with the Victorian Government’s VicPlan map.
What you still need
- A building permit, every time.
- No mains gas connection.
- You can’t subdivide it or sell it separately from the main home.
Who can live in it
Anyone, including family members or tenants.
Before you get builder quotes
Work out how you’ll pay for it first. Building a granny flat changes your borrowing, and the right approach depends on your current loan and what you plan to use it for.
If you’re in Frankston or on the Peninsula and thinking about a granny flat, book a call with me and we’ll work out what’s possible before you spend money on plans.
Related: Granny flat vs secondary dwelling: what is the difference?
General information only. It doesn’t consider your personal circumstances. Check your property’s planning controls before you build. Source: Planning Victoria – Small second homes (checked 26 Sep 2026). Australian Credit Licence 482558.
