Hi Guys,
I get a lot of enquiries about what makes a property good for granny flat development, so I thought I'd chime in with a priority list when you're out and about looking for properties.
I suggest taking a tape measure with you. Another good idea is checking on Google Earth (you can download it) because it has a measuring tool on the top menu. Can save a lot of petrol!
TIPS (in order of importance):
1. Minimum 15 m from house (wall) to back boundary. 18m+ is preferred.
2. If block slopes (falls) to the rear, minimum rear setback should be 20 m UNLESS the block is 15m wide or more. Then it can be 15m+ - reason is to allow enough room for a drainage dispersion pit behind the grany flat.
3. If the property slopes to the rear, it is served by a Drainage Easement.
4. If the property slopes to the rear, the Sewer Mains isn't sitting across the middle of the rear yard.
5. Look for 1.2m+ side setback on the opposite side to the driveway side. Reason is to provide a separate walkway entrance for tenants. Please see image.
6. Block slopes to street
7. Corner Block
8. Laneway to the rear or side
9. No significant trees in the middle of the yard. Significant means over 5m high and native. E.g. palms are ok to remove regardless of height.
These are the more important prerequisites^.
Happy hunting!
I get a lot of enquiries about what makes a property good for granny flat development, so I thought I'd chime in with a priority list when you're out and about looking for properties.
I suggest taking a tape measure with you. Another good idea is checking on Google Earth (you can download it) because it has a measuring tool on the top menu. Can save a lot of petrol!
TIPS (in order of importance):
1. Minimum 15 m from house (wall) to back boundary. 18m+ is preferred.
2. If block slopes (falls) to the rear, minimum rear setback should be 20 m UNLESS the block is 15m wide or more. Then it can be 15m+ - reason is to allow enough room for a drainage dispersion pit behind the grany flat.
3. If the property slopes to the rear, it is served by a Drainage Easement.
4. If the property slopes to the rear, the Sewer Mains isn't sitting across the middle of the rear yard.
5. Look for 1.2m+ side setback on the opposite side to the driveway side. Reason is to provide a separate walkway entrance for tenants. Please see image.
6. Block slopes to street
7. Corner Block
8. Laneway to the rear or side
9. No significant trees in the middle of the yard. Significant means over 5m high and native. E.g. palms are ok to remove regardless of height.
These are the more important prerequisites^.
Happy hunting!