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FAQ

Why are no Planning Permits required?

In many cases, granny flats (also known as secondary dwellings) in Tasmania can be approved without the need for a formal planning permit because they are considered a permitted use under the local planning scheme.

This means that if your property meets certain criteria—such as zoning, size limits, setbacks, site coverage, and access requirements—the development does not need to go through a full planning approval process. Instead, it can proceed directly to a Building Permit, which is generally faster and more straightforward.

However, it’s important to note that every site is different. A planning permit may still be required if:

  • Your property is in a specific zoning area or overlay

  • The design exceeds size or setback limits

  • There are site constraints such as bushfire, heritage, or environmental considerations

At Granny Flats of Hobart, we assess your property upfront to confirm whether a planning permit is required. Our goal is to design your granny flat to comply wherever possible, helping you avoid unnecessary delays and keep your project moving smoothly.

To keep our overheads low and provide an affordable product, we build on-site. 

 This approach eliminates the need to cover factory rental costs and allows us to stay flexible in serving our customers. 

 It’s also one of the reasons we build so quickly; we understand our customers don’t want months of disruption in their backyards.

 It also allows for changes to be made by customers as we build.

All of our builds come with a 6-year statutory structural warranty.

Additionally, we include a 90-day maintenance period after handover for any necessary rectifications. 

To maintain low overheads and offer affordable products, we do not operate a permanent showroom. 

Instead, we can arrange for interested customers to visit one of our in-progress or completed builds. 

Please note that this requires forward planning and depends on homeowners being comfortable allowing visitors.

All our homes are proudly Australian-made from locally sourced materials.

Our process has been designed to be a pleasurable experience for our customers. From enquiry to move-in, you will be fully informed and involved every step of the way:

  1. Product Selection

  2. Site visit to confirm the suitability of the selected product

  3. Building permit and materials ordering

  4. Build on site

  5. Handover and move in.

A granny flat—also known as a secondary dwelling—is a self-contained living space located on the same property as an existing home. It is designed to function as a fully independent residence, typically including a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living area.

Granny flats are a versatile housing solution and can be used for a range of purposes, including:

  • Accommodation for family members such as elderly parents or adult children

  • Rental income through long-term leasing or short-stay accommodation

  • A private guest house or home office

  • Downsizing while staying on your existing property

They are generally smaller than a primary residence and are designed to complement the main home while maintaining privacy and functionality.

At Granny Flats of Hobart, we design and build granny flats that are comfortable, modern, and tailored to suit your block, lifestyle, and intended use.

Granny flats are typically smaller than a standard home, but still designed to provide comfortable, fully self-contained living. In Tasmania, the size of a granny flat is generally guided by local planning rules and site constraints.

Most granny flats we build fall within the range of:

  • 40m² to 90m² for compact, efficient layouts

  • Up to 60m² is a common benchmark where planning permits may not be required (subject to site conditions)

The exact size will depend on:

  • Your block size and zoning

  • Setback and site coverage requirements

  • Bushfire or other planning overlays

  • How you intend to use the space (family, rental, Airbnb, etc.)

Even within a smaller footprint, a well-designed granny flat can include a full kitchen, bathroom, living area, and one or more bedrooms.

At Granny Flats of Hobart, we focus on smart design to make every square metre count—ensuring your granny flat feels spacious, functional, and comfortable regardless of size.

Before construction can begin, there are a few important steps to make sure everything is compliant, well-designed, and ready to go. We guide you through this entire process to keep things simple and stress-free.

1. Site Assessment & Feasibility
We review your property to confirm the granny flat will fit and meet planning requirements. This includes access, slope, services, zoning, and any site constraints.

2. Design & Quotation
We work with you to choose or customise a design that suits your needs, budget, and intended use (family, rental, Airbnb). You’ll receive a clear, fixed-price proposal.

3. Approvals
Depending on your site, this may include:

  • Planning approval (if required)

  • Building Permit approval (always required)

We manage this process for you and coordinate with surveyors, engineers, and building surveyors.

4. Documentation & Contracts
Final plans, engineering, specifications, and contracts are prepared and signed so everything is clearly defined before construction begins.

5. Pre-Construction Preparation
This includes ordering materials, scheduling trades, and ensuring all approvals and permits are in place.

  • From Offer to Purchase to moving in will take approximately 6 months*.

  • Building time on site will be 120 days depending on the style and size of unit

*If a Town Planning Permit is required, extra time will apply for Council approval.

Granny Flats of Hobart do all of this for you. We also arrange all service connections.

Of course! We understand that the designs on display do not necessarily suit everyone. With the help of our creative team, your Granny Flat can be changed to suit your personal taste and needs.

Yes, you can. You can mix and match various features from our existing floor plans, or you can have a totally unique design drawn up to suit your needs.

Yes. For most clients, we find this to be one of the most exciting times of the entire project. You can choose colours for everything: Roof & Window colours, Painting– inside and outside, Bench tops, Cabinetry Doors, Taps, Carpet and Vinyl, Curtains and Tiles.

No you do not. We take care of everything, from the preliminary planning stages, liaising with councils, to building your new home or Granny Flat. All you have to do is move in and get comfortable.

The payment terms are the standard HIA stage payments, as follows:

  • Deposit: 5%

  • Base Stage: 10%

  • Frame Stage: 15%

  • Lock Up Stage: 35%

  • Fixing Stage: 25%

  • Handover: 10% Balance of Contract Price