Last updated October 2026
Granny flats in Dandenong follow Victoria’s small second dwelling rules, so many homeowners in the City of Greater Dandenong can build a backyard home of up to 80m² without a planning permit. The key is knowing what to check on your block first. This guide covers zones, overlays, lot size and easements, then explains G-Flat™ layouts, prices and what happens next. From 15 October 2026, the maximum size of a small second dwelling increased from 60m² to 80m² under Amendment VC306. Read our guide to the 80m2 granny flat rules in Victoria (link to https://innovistagroup.com.au/80m2-granny-flat-victoria/).
Key takeaways
- Dandenong sits within the City of Greater Dandenong council area, and Victoria’s small second dwelling rules apply.
- Most residential lots do not need a planning permit, but lots under 300m² and some overlays may need one.
- VicPlan shows the zones and overlays that apply to your property.
- The standard G-Flat™ is a 60m², two bedroom turnkey home from $195,000.
- A free site assessment confirms what fits your block and the price.
How the rules work for granny flats in Dandenong
In Victoria, a granny flat is called a small second dwelling. The same state-wide rules apply in Dandenong as across Melbourne. A small second dwelling must:
- be 80m² or less in floor area
- have a kitchen, bathroom and toilet
- sit on the same lot as an existing home
It also:
- does not need a planning permit in most residential zones
- requires a building permit
- cannot be subdivided or sold separately
- cannot connect to reticulated gas
- does not need an extra car park
The Victorian Government small second dwellings page has the official detail, and our guide to small second homes in Victoria explains the rules in plain English.
What to check on your Dandenong block
Before you plan granny flats in Dandenong, work through these four checks.
1. Your zone
Your zone sets the planning rules for your land. Most suburban homes sit in a residential zone, where a small second dwelling usually does not need a planning permit. You can look up your zone using VicPlan, the Victorian Government’s planning map, which can also generate a planning property report for your address.
2. Overlays
Overlays add extra controls on top of your zone. The ones most likely to affect a granny flat are:
- Heritage overlays, which can control the look and siting of new buildings
- Flood related overlays, which can affect floor levels and siting
- Bushfire overlays, which add construction requirements
Your planning property report from VicPlan lists any overlays on your land. If one applies, a planning permit may be needed. Read our guide to building a granny flat in a flood zone for more on flood controls.
3. Lot size
If your lot is under 300m² in a residential zone, a planning permit is generally required. On larger lots, the proposal is usually assessed through the building permit process. Our guide to what makes a block suitable for a granny flat covers size, shape and access.
4. Easements and covenants
Your title may show easements, such as drainage or sewer easements, where you generally cannot build. It may also include restrictive covenants that limit what can go on the land. Order a copy of your title and check both before you finalise a site. Read how to check restrictive covenants for the steps.
If you are unsure about any of these points, contact the City of Greater Dandenong planning team, or ask us during your site assessment.
Setbacks, access and services
Even when no planning permit is needed, the building permit checks how the granny flat sits on your block. Things to consider:
- Setbacks: the distance from side and rear boundaries. See granny flat setback requirements.
- Access: construction crews need a clear path into the backyard.
- Services: every G-Flat™ includes connection of services up to 10m from the main house. Longer runs are confirmed at your site assessment. Read about service connections beyond 10 metres.
G-Flat™ layouts for Dandenong blocks
Blocks in Dandenong come in many shapes, from wide suburban backyards to narrow lots. All five G-Flat™ floor plans are 60m² with two bedrooms, and all cost the same within each finish level:
| Floor plan | Suits |
|---|---|
| Stella | Corner or irregular blocks |
| Aurora | Long, narrow or side-access blocks |
| Lana | Most standard backyards |
| Lana 2 | Households that want a second bathroom |
| Sirius | Square layout with large 4 x 3m bedrooms |
See how the corner block option works in our Stella floor plan guide, or compare all layouts in granny flat designs for 2026.
G-Flat™ prices for granny flats in Dandenong
Dandenong is well within 70km of the Melbourne CBD, so the standard turnkey prices apply.
| Finish level | Turnkey price |
|---|---|
| Affordable Lite | $195,000 |
| Affordable | $208,000 |
| Homestead | $218,000 |
| Signature | $238,000 |
| Luxe | $265,000 |
Prices are a guide for a standard 60m², two bedroom G-Flat™ and depend on your site. Sites 70km or more from the Melbourne CBD attract a 12.5% regional surcharge, sites with no driveway or tight backyard access attract a $7,000 surcharge, and sloping or elevated sites can affect the final price. 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, stone benchtops, double-glazed windows, a reverse cycle split system and a 10-year structural warranty. See granny flat inclusions in Melbourne for the full list.
How a Dandenong granny flat can be used
A small second dwelling can be lived in by anyone, so families use granny flats in Dandenong in many ways:
- a home for an ageing parent close to family
- independent space for an adult child
- a rental home for tenants
If you plan to rent it out, Victorian residential tenancy laws apply. Rents vary by suburb, finish and demand, and a local property manager can give you a rental appraisal. Our guide on how to legally rent out a granny flat in Victoria explains your obligations.
How long it takes
A G-Flat™ takes approximately 5 months end to end, from planning through to handover. That includes the building permit, approvals, construction and connection of services.
Frequently asked questions
Do granny flats in Dandenong need a planning permit?
Most residential lots do not. Lots under 300m² and some overlays may need one, and a building permit is required.
How do I check the zone and overlays on my property?
Use VicPlan to look up your address and download a planning property report.
Can I sell a granny flat separately?
No. A small second dwelling cannot be subdivided or sold separately from the main home.
Is there a regional surcharge for Dandenong?
No. Dandenong is within 70km of the Melbourne CBD, so standard prices apply.
Start your Dandenong granny flat
The easiest way to plan granny flats in Dandenong is to have your block checked first. Book your free site assessment or visit our display G-Flat™.