If you’re starting from scratch, here’s everything you need to know about building a granny flat, what we call a G-Flat™, in Melbourne this year. Bookmark this one, since most of the questions homeowners ask us are answered somewhere below.
Are You Eligible?
Since Amendment VC253, most residential blocks of 300m² or larger don’t need a planning permit for a secondary dwelling. That covers an estimated 700,000 lots across Victoria, including roughly 230,000 properties in Melbourne. A building permit is still required, but it’s included in our turnkey pricing. Our full explainer on what makes a block suitable goes deeper into the specifics.
What Does It Cost?
We build across four finish tiers, all turnkey and all a 60m² base with 2 bed/1 bath as standard: Affordable ($198,000), Homestead ($208,000), Signature ($238,000) and Luxe ($265,000, our best seller). Add $15,000 for an extra bed or bath, or subtract $20,000 for a 1 bed/1 bath layout. A 12.5% regional surcharge applies beyond 70km from the Melbourne CBD, and a $7,000 surcharge applies where access is tight or there’s no driveway, both disclosed upfront.
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What’s Included as Standard?
Stone benchtops, hybrid SPC flooring, double-glazed thermally broken windows, soft-close cabinetry, Colorbond fascia and gutters, James Hardie Axon cladding, a reverse cycle split system and a European laundry are standard across every tier, backed by a 10-year structural warranty and 6-month maintenance guarantee. Our detailed inclusions guide is worth cross-checking against any competing quote.
What Floor Plans Are Available?
Stella (L-shape, corner blocks), Aurora (long and narrow, tight access), Lana 2 (2 bed/2 bath, shared living), Sirius (square, generous 4x3m bedrooms) and a fifth balanced layout for standard backyards. See our full floor plan breakdown for the details on each.
How Long Does It Take, and What Does the Process Look Like?
Around five months end to end, from sign-off to handover. Our step-by-step build process walks through every stage in order, from site assessment to final inspection.
What Can a G-Flat™ Be Used For?
Rental income, ageing parents, a home office, independent living for adult children, or simply more space without moving house. Almost every use case we see fits into one of these categories, and most buyers end up using their build for more than one over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a granny flat the same as a secondary dwelling? Yes. “Secondary dwelling” is the formal planning term; “granny flat” and G-Flat™ describe the same type of build in everyday language.
Do I need council approval to build one in Melbourne? Most residential blocks of 300m² or larger no longer require a planning permit under Amendment VC253. A building permit is still required.
What’s the fastest way to get an accurate quote? A free, on-site assessment. Generic online calculators can’t account for your block’s slope, access or existing services.
The best next step is a free, no-obligation site assessment. We’ll tell you exactly what’s possible on your block, what it will cost, and how long it will take. Call 0491 176 012 or email enquiries@innovistagroup.com.au, or visit our Luxe series display home in Ferntree Gully.
Ready to get started on your granny flat project? Contact us for a personalised consultation.