Australian Capital Territory

Backyard homes in the Australian Capital Territory

Locally referred to as Secondary residence

The ACT allows a smaller dwelling subordinate to the principal residence, subject to development approval, the Territory Plan, district policies and site controls.

Up to 90 m²

The maximum dwelling size of a secondary residence is 90 square metres, excluding the garage under the applicable measurement rule.

One per block

A maximum of one secondary residence may be developed on a block.

Associated with the principal dwelling

It must be developed in association with single dwelling housing.

Development approval is required

Adding a secondary residence is not exempt development and requires development approval.

Former block minimum removed

From 1 July 2026, the previous territory-wide requirement for a block greater than 500 square metres was removed.

The removal of the former block minimum does not mean every block can accommodate a secondary residence.

Property controls still determine feasibility

Zone, district policy, site coverage, setbacks, planting, trees, parking and Crown lease conditions remain relevant.

Also worth knowing

•A secondary residence cannot be separately subdivided or unit titled while it remains classified as a secondary residence.

What may affect your property?

State-wide rules are only the starting point. Councils, sites and titles differ, so these are checked for your 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

Intended use changes the pathway

A self-contained residence, a guest room, a home office and a non-habitable studio may be treated differently. The proposed facilities and how the building will be occupied can change the applicable planning and building pathway.

See what may suit your Australian Capital Territory property

Preliminary property guidance — not an approval, eligibility decision or permit.

Check my backyard

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.

Government sources and review date

ACT Territory Plan 2023
Responsible authority: ACT Government (Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate)
Source URL not yet verified — refer to the published government material by name.
Major Plan Amendment 04 - Missing Middle Housing Reform
Responsible authority: ACT Government (Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate)
Source URL not yet verified — refer to the published government material by name.
ACT secondary residence development controls
Responsible authority: ACT Government (Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate)
Source URL not yet verified — refer to the published government material by name.

Last reviewed 27 July 2026