Last updated October 2026
The granny flat build timeline for a G-Flat™ in Melbourne is approximately 5 months end to end, from planning through to handover. That figure covers the building permit, approvals, construction and connection of services, not just the time builders spend on site. This guide walks through each stage in order, explains what happens and what you need to do, and covers the site factors that can change how long your build takes.
Key takeaways
- A G-Flat™ takes approximately 5 months end to end, from planning through to handover.
- The timeline includes the building permit, approvals, construction and connection of services.
- Every granny flat needs a building permit, and some sites also need a planning permit.
- Your building surveyor inspects the work at mandatory stages during construction.
- Planning permits, overlays, weather and site access can all change your timeline.
The granny flat build timeline at a glance
Here is the order in which a G-Flat™ comes together:
| Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Free site assessment | We check your block, access, services and any constraints |
| 2. Floor plan and finish level | You choose one of five plans and one of four finish levels |
| 3. Contract | Your price and inclusions are confirmed in writing |
| 4. Plans and reports | Drawings, engineering and required reports are prepared |
| 5. Planning permit (if needed) | Some sites need council planning approval |
| 6. Building permit | A registered building surveyor assesses the plans and issues the permit |
| 7. Construction and inspections | Your G-Flat™ is built, with mandatory inspections along the way |
| 8. Services connection | Water, sewer, stormwater and electricity are connected |
| 9. Handover and final certificate | Final inspection, paperwork and keys |
We do not quote a fixed number of weeks for each stage, because the time each one takes depends on your site, your council and the season. What we can give you is the overall granny flat build timeline of approximately 5 months end to end, and a clear picture of what happens along the way.
Stage 1: Free site assessment
Every granny flat build timeline starts with your block. During a free site assessment we look at:
- access for machinery, materials and deliveries
- where the sewer, stormwater, water and electricity connections are
- how far the granny flat will sit from the main house services
- slope, soil and any trees near the build area
- easements, covenants and overlays on your title
- your lot size, as lots under 300m² may need a planning permit
Finding these issues early is what keeps the later stages moving. Read why your free site assessment matters and our guide to restrictive covenants for more detail.
Stage 2: Choosing your floor plan and finish level
Every G-Flat™ is a 60m², two bedroom turnkey build. You choose from five floor plans:
- Stella: L-shaped, for corner or irregular blocks
- Aurora: long and narrow, for tight or side-access blocks
- Lana: balanced, and fits most backyards
- Lana 2: adds a second bathroom
- Sirius: square, with large 4 x 3m bedrooms and an L-shaped kitchen
All plans cost the same within a finish level, so the choice comes down to your block and how you will use the home. You then pick a finish level: Affordable, Homestead, Signature or Luxe.
Making these decisions promptly helps the plans and reports start sooner. See every G-Flat™ layout and finish explained and our guide to granny flat inclusions in Melbourne.
Stage 3: Signing your contract
Your contract confirms the turnkey price for your finish level, what is included and any site costs identified during your assessment. Any site costs are confirmed in writing before you commit to a build.
Take the time to read your contract carefully, and ask questions about anything you are unsure of before you sign.
Stage 4: Plans, engineering and reports
Once the contract is signed, the technical work begins. This usually includes:
- a site survey and soil test
- architectural drawings for your chosen plan
- structural engineering for the footings and frame
- an energy rating to meet Victoria’s 7-star requirements
- any other reports your site needs
The building permit and all required reports are included in every G-Flat™. Our articles on what happens from soil test to slab and the 7-star energy rating explain this stage further.
Stage 5: Planning permit, if your site needs one
In Victoria, a granny flat is known as a small second dwelling. A small second dwelling of 60m² or less does not need a planning permit in most residential zones. However, lots under 300m² and some overlays (such as heritage, bushfire or flood) may need one.
If your site needs a planning permit, this stage adds time to your granny flat build timeline, because the application goes through council and timeframes vary. The Victorian Government small second dwellings page sets out the official rules, and our guide to granny flats in bushfire overlay areas covers one common overlay.
Stage 6: Building permit
A building permit is required for every granny flat, whether or not a planning permit is needed. A registered building surveyor checks that the plans and reports comply with building regulations and then issues the permit. Construction starts once the building permit is in place.
The permit also sets out the inspections required during the build. Our guide to granny flat approvals in Victoria explains how planning and building permits fit together.
Stage 7: Construction and mandatory inspections
This is the stage most people picture when they think about a granny flat build timeline. Construction generally moves through these steps:
- Site set-up: fencing, set-out and preparing the build area.
- Footings and floor: steel stumps with a timber subfloor on Affordable, Signature and Luxe, or a concrete waffle slab on Homestead.
- Frame and roof: wall frames go up, followed by a skillion roof or a pitched concrete tile roof, depending on your finish level.
- Lock-up: double-glazed windows and external doors are installed and the building is closed in.
- Rough-in and insulation: plumbing and electrical work is run through the walls, then insulation goes in.
- Internal fit-out: plasterboard, kitchen, bathroom, flooring, robes and the split system are installed.
- Finishing: painting, fixtures, decking and a final clean.
Mandatory inspections
Your building surveyor inspects the work at mandatory stages set out in your building permit, such as the footings, the frame and the final inspection. These checks protect you and are built into the overall granny flat build timeline.
Weather and site conditions
Melbourne weather can pause outdoor work, especially footings, roofing and external finishes. Our guide to concrete slab vs timber subfloor explains how soil and footings affect this part of the build.
Stage 8: Connecting services
Your G-Flat™ is connected to water, sewer, stormwater and electricity. Connection of services up to 10m from the main house is included in every G-Flat™. Longer runs, or connections that need upgrades, can add time and cost, and your site assessment identifies these early.
Small second dwellings in Victoria cannot be connected to reticulated gas, so every G-Flat™ is all electric, with a reverse cycle split system for heating and cooling. Read about services connection costs beyond 10 metres for more detail.
Stage 9: Handover and final certificate
When construction and services are complete, the building surveyor carries out the final inspection and issues the final certificate required under your building permit. You then walk through your new home with us before handover.
At handover you receive your keys and documentation, including your 10-year structural warranty and 6-month maintenance guarantee. Our guide to what to expect from build to handover covers this final stage.
What can change your granny flat build timeline
The approximate 5 month figure covers a typical site. Some factors can change it:
- Planning permit: lots under 300m² and some overlays may need council approval, which adds time.
- Overlays: heritage, bushfire and flood overlays can need extra reports or design changes.
- Weather: extended wet weather can pause footings, roofing and external work.
- Site access: narrow access or sloping blocks can slow deliveries and earthworks.
- Services: long connection runs or network upgrades can take longer to arrange.
- Decisions and paperwork: delays in choosing finishes or signing documents push everything back.
Our guide to council requirements by suburb helps you check what applies in your area.
How to keep your granny flat build timeline on track
A few simple steps help:
- book your site assessment early, especially if you need the granny flat by a set date
- choose your floor plan and finish level promptly
- reply quickly to any requests for information or signatures
- keep the site and access path clear of cars, sheds and stored items
- allow some buffer if you are planning a move-in date or a lease
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to build a granny flat in Melbourne?
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.
Why does it take about 5 months?
Construction is one part of the process. The timeline also covers planning, the building permit, inspections and services connection.
Do I need a planning permit?
Most residential zones need no planning permit for a small second dwelling of 60m² or less. Lots under 300m² and some overlays may need one.
Is a building permit included?
Yes. The building permit and all required reports are included in every G-Flat™.
What can cause delays?
A planning permit, overlays, weather and site access are the most common factors. Your free site assessment flags these early.
Start your granny flat build timeline with a site assessment
The first step is understanding your block. Book your free site assessment or visit our display G-Flat™.