Last updated October 2026
A 60m² granny flat is the largest size allowed as a small second dwelling in Victoria, which is why many Melbourne homeowners build to exactly that size. At 60m² you can fit two proper bedrooms, a full kitchen, a bathroom, a laundry and open-plan living, usually without a planning permit. This guide explains what fits inside a 60m² granny flat, how the five G-Flat™ layouts use the space, what each finish level costs and what to check on your block.
Key takeaways
- 60m² is the maximum floor area for a small second dwelling in Victoria.
- Most 60m² granny flats in residential zones do not need a planning permit, but every one needs a building permit.
- The space comfortably fits two bedrooms, a full kitchen, a bathroom, a laundry and open-plan living.
- Every G-Flat™ is a 60m², two bedroom turnkey home from $198,000.
- All five floor plans cost the same within each finish level.
Why 60m² is the size to build
Victoria’s small second dwelling rules allow a self-contained home of up to 60m² on the same lot as an existing house. Building right up to that limit gives you the most liveable space without moving outside the simpler approval pathway.
Under the rules, a small second dwelling:
- must be 60m² or less in floor area
- must have a kitchen, bathroom and toilet
- must sit on the same lot as an existing home
- cannot be subdivided or sold separately
- cannot be connected to reticulated gas
- does not need an extra car park
In most residential zones, a 60m² granny flat does not need a planning permit. Lots under 300m² and properties affected by certain overlays may still need one, and a building permit is always required. The Victorian Government small second dwellings page explains the official rules, and our granny flat compliance guide for Victoria covers what to check on your block.
Who a 60m² granny flat suits
The extra space a 60m² granny flat offers makes it flexible over time:
- Ageing parents: independence, a second bedroom for a carer or visiting family, and a full kitchen for everyday meals.
- Adult children: a real home of their own while they save, with room to work from home.
- Downsizers: a comfortable, low-maintenance home on the same block as family.
- Renting: a two bedroom layout appeals to couples and small households.
- Guests or a home office: space to host visitors or work away from the main house.
Because the layout is a complete home, a granny flat built for one purpose today can easily be used for another later.
What fits inside a 60m² granny flat
When it is planned well, 60m² feels far larger than the number suggests. A typical two bedroom layout includes:
- Open-plan living, dining and kitchen: the largest zone, where most daily life happens.
- Bedroom one: room for a queen bed, with built-in wardrobes.
- Bedroom two: works as a bedroom, home office or guest room.
- Bathroom: a walk-in shower, vanity and toilet.
- Laundry: either a dedicated space or an integrated European laundry.
- Storage: built-in wardrobes, a pantry and linen storage so furniture does not crowd the floor.
The difference between a 60m² granny flat that feels spacious and one that feels cramped is almost always the layout, not the size.
Design principles that make 60m² work
Open-plan living
Combining the kitchen, dining and lounge into one zone removes wasted walls and hallways. It also lets natural light reach further into the home.
Separate sleeping and living zones
Placing both bedrooms away from the living area gives better privacy and less noise, which matters when two people or a carer share the space.
Built-in storage
Wardrobes, a pantry and linen storage built into the walls free up floor space that freestanding furniture would otherwise take.
Light and ceiling height
Windows in every room, good orientation and higher ceilings make a 60m² granny flat feel more open. Every G-Flat™ has at least 2.7m ceilings, and Luxe raises them to 3m with skylights in the kitchen and bathroom.
Indoor to outdoor flow
A deck or landing off the living area extends the usable space in warmer months. Signature includes 20m² of decking and Luxe includes 40m² across the front and side.
The five G-Flat™ 60m² layouts
Every G-Flat™ is a 60m², two bedroom home, and all five floor plans cost the same within each finish level. The right choice depends on the shape of your block.
Stella
An L-shaped layout that works well on corner blocks and irregular yards. The shape helps the granny flat sit neatly around existing features. See granny flat on a corner block for how Stella solves tricky sites.
Aurora
A long, narrow layout for tight or side-access blocks, with a walk-in robe in bedroom one. It suits lots where width is limited but depth is available.
Lana
A balanced layout with a full kitchen, bathroom, laundry and open-plan living. Lana fits most suburban backyards and is a popular all-round choice.
Lana 2
Builds on Lana with a second bathroom for added privacy, which suits shared living or two adults with different routines.
Sirius
A square layout with large 4 x 3m bedrooms and an L-shaped kitchen. Sirius suits blocks with a more regular, square building area.
Our guide to 2 bedroom granny flat designs shows how each layout works in daily life, and granny flat floor plans for 60m² explains how to get the most from the space.
60m² granny flat prices in 2026
Every G-Flat™ is a 60m² turnkey build with a fixed price for each finish level.
| Finish level | Turnkey price | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Affordable | $198,000 | Skillion roof, 2.7m ceilings, Haier appliances |
| Homestead | $208,000 | Concrete waffle slab, pitched tiled roof, Hebel facade |
| Signature | $238,000 | 40mm stone, Electrolux, bathroom skylight, 20m² decking |
| Luxe | $265,000 | 3m ceilings, Bosch, underfloor heating, 40m² decking |
Prices are a guide for a standard 60m², two bedroom G-Flat™ and may vary with your site. Sites 70km or more from the Melbourne CBD attract a 12.5% regional surcharge. A free site assessment confirms the price for your block.
Every price includes the building permit and all required reports, all plans, connection of services up to 10m from the main house, stone benchtops, SPC hybrid flooring, double-glazed windows, a reverse cycle split system and a 10-year structural warranty. See granny flat inclusions in Melbourne for the full list, and Luxe vs Signature to compare the top two levels.
How finish levels change the feel of 60m²
The floor area is the same at every finish level, but the experience of the space changes:
- Affordable delivers a complete, practical home with 2.7m ceilings and a landing with decking.
- Homestead adds a concrete slab, pitched tiled roof and rendered Hebel facade, which helps the granny flat match a traditional main house.
- Signature adds a bathroom skylight, a semi-frameless shower, 40mm stone benchtops and 20m² of decking, so the home feels lighter and opens to the outdoors.
- Luxe adds 3m ceilings, kitchen and bathroom skylights, a curved island and a multi-head split system in every room, which makes the 60m² layout feel noticeably larger.
Fitting a 60m² granny flat on your block
The footprint of the granny flat is only part of the space you need. Setbacks from boundaries, access for construction, the distance to existing services and room for outdoor living all affect whether a 60m² granny flat fits comfortably.
A free site assessment checks:
- the building area available after setbacks
- access for construction
- the distance from the main house’s services (connections up to 10m are included)
- slope, trees and drainage
- overlays, easements and covenants on your title
- whether your lot is under 300m² and needs a planning permit
Our guides to backyard granny flats for small spaces and services connection costs beyond 10 metres cover two of the most common questions.
Any site costs are confirmed in writing after your site assessment, before you commit to a build.
One bedroom or two?
Some owners ask whether a single bedroom with a larger living area would suit them better. For most households, two bedrooms make a 60m² granny flat more useful over its life. The second room can be a guest room, a study, a space for a carer or a bedroom for a second occupant, and it keeps the home flexible if your plans change. If you are weighing up a smaller layout, our guide to 1 bedroom granny flats explains when one bedroom makes sense.
Planning for accessibility
If the granny flat is for an ageing parent, or may be in future, it is worth planning for easy access from the start. Features to discuss during design include:
- a level or low-step entry, with room for a ramp if needed later
- a walk-in shower without a hob
- wider doorways and clear circulation space
- reinforced bathroom walls so grab rails can be added
- good lighting along paths between the main house and the granny flat
These choices cost far less to build in than to add later. Our guide to granny flat layouts for elderly parents covers this in more depth.
Renting out a 60m² granny flat
A small second dwelling in Victoria can be rented to family or tenants, and residential tenancy laws apply. Rents vary widely by suburb, finish and demand, so we do not publish rental estimates. A local property manager can give you a rental appraisal for your property, and your accountant can explain the tax position. Our guides on how to legally rent out a granny flat in Victoria and tax deductions for granny flat investments explain what to consider.
Energy efficiency at 60m²
New homes in Victoria must meet a 7-star energy rating, so efficiency is built into every 60m² granny flat. Double-glazed windows, insulation and a reverse cycle split system help keep the home comfortable while keeping running costs down. Read what the 7-star energy rating requires for more detail.
How long it takes
A G-Flat™ takes approximately 5 months end to end, from planning through to handover, including the building permit, approvals, construction and connection of services.
Frequently asked questions
Is 60m² the maximum size for a granny flat in Victoria?
Yes. A small second dwelling must be 60m² or less in floor area.
Do I need a planning permit for a 60m² granny flat?
Usually not in residential zones. Lots under 300m² and some overlays may need one. A building permit is always required.
How many bedrooms fit in a 60m² granny flat?
Two bedrooms fit comfortably, along with a full kitchen, bathroom, laundry and open-plan living.
How much does a 60m² granny flat cost?
A turnkey G-Flat™ costs $198,000 to $265,000, depending on the finish level and your site.
Do all five floor plans cost the same?
Yes. Stella, Aurora, Lana, Lana 2 and Sirius cost the same within each finish level.
Can I sell the granny flat separately?
No. A small second dwelling cannot be subdivided or sold separately from the main home.
See a 60m² granny flat in person
The best way to understand how a 60m² granny flat feels is to walk through one. Visit our display G-Flat™ or book your free site assessment to find the right layout for your block.