South Australia

Backyard homes in South Australia

Locally referred to as Ancillary accommodation

South Australian ancillary accommodation may provide self-contained secondary accommodation on land containing an existing dwelling.

Same site as an existing dwelling

It must be ancillary to a dwelling already located on the allotment.

Up to two bedrooms

It may contain no more than two bedrooms or rooms capable of being used as bedrooms.

It may be self-contained

Kitchen, bathroom and other self-contained facilities may be included.

Planning approval is required

The development requires assessment under South Australia's planning system.

Building approval is required

Habitable accommodation must satisfy applicable building, safety, wastewater and service requirements.

Anyone may occupy or rent it

Occupancy is not restricted to a relative or dependent person.

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 South Australia 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

PlanSA - Ancillary accommodation, caravans and moveable housing
Responsible authority: Government of South Australia (PlanSA)
Source URL not yet verified — refer to the published government material by name.

Last reviewed 27 July 2026