RIGHT SORT OF PROPERTY FOR A GRANNY FLATS

What’s the Right Sort of Property for a Granny Flat?

Features

• There are a number of key features to bear in mind when looking for a property that will be suitable for a Granny Flat, and so we have listed some of them below as a guide :

• Size of Block• Existing dwelling on the property• Location of services• Rear yard access• Slope of land• Corner blocks

Size of Block

• Under the relaxation of the planning scheme under Ipswich City Council, there is no minimum land size for the building of a Granny Flat.  However there are some logical approaches to it such as side or rear yard access.

Existing dwelling on the property

• When looking to purchase a property with the pure intent of building a Granny Flat to increase the rent return, it is a good idea to look at the position of the existing dwelling on the site.  If the existing home is smack bang in the middle of the block, do you have access to the rear, or would the tenants need to park out the front – to be able to park beside the Granny Flat would be a much better option for all concerned.  If the Granny Flat is going to be located to the left or right hand side of the existing dwelling, is there enough room to have a 6’ high dividing fence between the 2 houses?  Will both houses be looking in each others space – nothing worse than your neighbours looking into your living room…

• Other considerations include existing gardens or large trees.  At this point in time there are no tree preservation orders in place within the Ipswich LGA.  But if you have your heart set on a particular property that has a magnificent mango tree in the backyard (something we from down south much admire!), it’s not much use if you are considering it as a Granny Flat proposition.

Location of services

• In our due diligence we investigate all aspects of a Granny Flat development, and this is part of our process.  There are standard requirements for setbacks from water and sewer mains as well as other services that need to be adhered to.  Just because a sewer main runs through the middle of where you want to build, doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t build, but can add substantial $’s to your total end cost.

Rear yard access

• It’s always a good thing if any property has rear year access particularly if you are building a Granny Flat in the back yard – otherwise how does the delivery of building materials happen, or how do the tradies themselves get their vehicles in the backyard for that matter.  If access slows down delivery, this can add several thousand dollars to the project.The most common rear yard access is due to garages at the end of the existing driveway.

Slope of land

• As with any new build or development the fall of the land is hugely important.  It’s always recommended that the land slopes to the road, as the council requires drainage back to the kerb and gutter, unless you can tap into a storm water drain on the property or an agreed neighbour.  You may in some instances negotiate with the council for a rubble drain, but this in itself is a long, slow costly resolution that is difficult to attain.  So your best option always is to find a property that is either flat or slopes to the road.

Corner blocks

• I personally like corner blocks as it’s relatively easy for your two separate access points for parking/ entrance to each property.  Always look at the backyard on these properties, as they often have only a small yard.  As Ipswich City Council has no minimum land requirements for a Granny Flat this can still be achieved on a relatively small size block! A great number of corner properties in Ipswich already have the second slip way (driveway) in place, making it a great start for your Granny Flat project.                         

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