My Backyard Home
Planning information

Backyard dwelling rules across Australia

Rules for backyard homes, secondary dwellings, granny flats and studios vary by state, territory, council and property. Explore the general pathway in your location, then check your address for preliminary guidance.

States and territories

VIC

Victoria

Locally: Small second home

A state-wide pathway allows compact self-contained homes on the same lot as an existing home, subject to property-specific controls.

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NSW

New South Wales

Locally: Secondary dwelling or granny flat

Secondary dwellings may use a complying development pathway where all state standards are met, or otherwise require a development application.

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QLD

Queensland

Locally: Secondary dwelling or granny flat

Secondary dwellings may be occupied or rented by anyone, with size and siting requirements set by local council planning schemes.

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SA

South Australia

Locally: Ancillary accommodation

Ancillary accommodation may provide self-contained secondary accommodation on land containing an existing dwelling.

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WA

Western Australia

Locally: Ancillary dwelling

Planning exemptions may apply to compliant ancillary dwellings that satisfy the Residential Design Codes and local requirements.

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TAS

Tasmania

Locally: Secondary residence

A secondary residence forms part of a single dwelling use on the same site, subject to zone, code and local planning provisions.

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ACT

Australian Capital Territory

Locally: Secondary residence

A smaller dwelling subordinate to the principal residence is allowed, subject to development approval and Territory Plan controls.

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NT

Northern Territory

Locally: Dwelling - independent

Independent units or granny flats are allowed in relevant zones where planning, building and servicing requirements are satisfied.

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Property check

Start with your property

Enter your address for preliminary guidance. This is not an approval, eligibility decision or permit.

We don’t store or sell your address details. We only use it to guide which dwellings are available in your area and which planning rules may apply in your state.

State-wide rules are only the starting point

Councils within the same state can apply different requirements, and every property is different. These common checks help determine what may be possible at a specific address.

  • Local government area
  • Land zoning
  • Planning overlays
  • Lot size and dimensions
  • Existing dwelling
  • Title restrictions and covenants
  • Bushfire, flood and environmental risk
  • Setbacks and site coverage
  • Utility and wastewater capacity
  • Delivery and construction access
  • Intended residential or non-residential use
My Backyard Home provides general, preliminary information based on published planning and building material. It does not confirm that a dwelling or structure can be built on your property and is not legal, planning, building, engineering, financial or tax advice. Requirements may vary according to your address, council, title, zoning, overlays, site conditions, intended use and chosen product. Final feasibility, permits, approvals and compliance must be confirmed by the relevant authorities and qualified professionals.