Queensland calls a granny flat a "secondary dwelling": a second, self-contained home on the same block as your main house. The rules have changed in recent years, so here is what applies now. Your council and building certifier have the final say for your property.
Who can live in a granny flat?
Anyone. The Queensland Government changed the rules so a secondary dwelling can be rented to anyone, whether or not they are related to the people in the main house. This applies in every council area in Queensland.
If an older granny flat was approved with a condition limiting it to family, you need a change application through your council to remove that condition.
What approvals do you need?
- Building approval: always. A new granny flat needs building approval from a licensed building certifier.
- Planning approval: sometimes. Depending on your council's planning scheme, zoning, lot size and overlays, you may also need development approval. Check with your council before you build.
- Fire and sound rules: if the granny flat will be rented, extra fire-safety and sound-insulation requirements can apply. A certifier will confirm these.
Short-term letting
Renting long-term is allowed, but short-term holiday letting is a separate matter. Noosa Council, for example, does not allow new secondary dwellings to be used for short-term letting.
Things that affect what you can build
- Site cover and setbacks set by your council
- Flood, bushfire, coastal or vegetation overlays
- Access for delivery and the location of sewer and power
- Whether the granny flat is attached or detached and its height
How LumeHaus helps
We check your block before you commit: access, slope, services, overlays and council rules. Site-specific engineering and certification are handled by licensed Queensland professionals, and we never promise an approval before it is granted. See how we build and our property checks.
Frequently asked questions
Not sure what your block allows?
We'll check access, overlays and council rules for free.
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