Thinking about a cosy backyard retreat for guests, extra space for family, or a rental opportunity? Building a small second home in Victoria is now easier thanks to recent planning and building rule changes. Below we explain what a Small Second Dwelling (SSD) — sometimes called a granny flat or secondary dwelling — actually is, who can live there, and what you need to get started.
What is a Small Second Home (SSD)?
A Small Second Dwelling (SSD) is a fully self-contained living space up to 60 m². It includes essential facilities such as:
- a kitchen
- a bathroom and toilet
- laundry amenities
SSDs provide private, comfortable accommodation on the same property as the main house — ideal for parents, adult children, guests, or tenants.
Why this matters now
Victoria’s planning changes mean that in most cases you no longer need a planning permit to build a small second home — provided your property isn’t affected by special overlays such as flooding or environmental controls. This makes building an SSD simpler, faster, and more achievable for many homeowners.
Key features & requirements
- Maximum floor area: 60 m²
- Located on the same lot as the main residence
- Usually limited to one SSD per property
- Fully self-contained (kitchen, bathroom, laundry)
- No dedicated parking space required
- Cannot be subdivided or sold separately
- Not eligible for connection to mains gas
- Must comply with siting and garden-area requirements
- Can be attached, detached, or a conversion
- Requires a safe access path from the street
- Can usually be built on blocks over 300 m²
Who can live in an SSD?
SSDs are flexible. They can house ageing parents, adult children, guests, or unrelated tenants. If you choose to rent your SSD, standard residential tenancy rules apply to ensure everyone’s comfort and safety.
Permits, location & next steps
In many residential and rural zones a planning permit isn’t required. A building permit is always needed to ensure the structure meets safety, design, and siting regulations. Properties with overlays may require additional checks.
At Garden Studios we make this process simple by guiding you through design choices, compliance, and construction from start to finish.
Your small second home is within reach
Whether you’re creating a peaceful retreat, housing family members, or generating rental income, a Small Second Dwelling is a practical and versatile solution. With Victoria’s updated rules, now is a great time to explore your options.
Ready to chat? Contact Garden Studios to start planning your Small Second Dwelling today.
