Victoria

Backyard homes in Victoria

Locally referred to as Small second home

Victoria has a state-wide pathway for compact self-contained homes on the same lot as an existing home, but property-specific controls still apply.

Up to 60 m²

A small second home has a maximum gross floor area of 60 square metres.

Same lot as an existing home

It must be located on the same lot as an existing dwelling.

Often no planning permit

Many properties in residential and rural zones do not require a planning permit, but overlays and other controls can change this.

Small residential lots differ

A planning permit is generally required on residential lots under 300 square metres, except where different provisions apply.

A building permit is always required

The building must satisfy siting, design, safety and construction requirements.

It cannot be separately sold

A small second home cannot be subdivided or separately sold from the main property.

Also worth knowing

•Anyone may occupy or rent the dwelling.
•No dedicated car parking space is required under the state pathway.
•It must not connect to reticulated natural gas.
•Flood, bushfire, environmental and other special controls may trigger planning assessment.

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 Victoria 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

Planning Victoria - Small second homes
Responsible authority: Victorian Government (Department of Transport and Planning)
Source URL not yet verified — refer to the published government material by name.

Last reviewed 27 July 2026