We’re incredibly proud to announce that Innovista Group was recently featured in Yahoo Finance, where our client Maria Hatzi shared her inspiring story about building a granny flat in Victoria to support her son’s journey towards homeownership. The article, written by Finance Reporter Tamika Seeto and published on 8 October 2025, highlights a growing movement across Australia as families discover innovative solutions to tackle housing affordability challenges, and we’re honoured to be part of Maria’s story.

A Mother’s Smart Investment Decision

Maria Hatzi, a 47-year-old from Ferntree Gully in Victoria, made a decision that many parents are now considering. When her 18-year-old son Lee expressed interest in moving out, she had an honest conversation with him about the realities of today’s rental market.

“I said, ‘Well mate, I don’t feel you’re right to move out. It’s so expensive to rent out there’,” Maria told Yahoo Finance. “I said [his] Dad and I would be happy to invest in a granny flat and build it in our backyard, if that’s something that you want to live in and save for your future home… because it’s so expensive out there for our kids these days.”

Instead of watching Lee spend hundreds of dollars each week on rent with nothing to show for it, Maria and her husband decided to invest in our Lana 60 Luxe granny flat in Victoria. At approximately $250,000, they financed it by adding to their nearly-paid-off home mortgage.

Maria’s perspective on this investment really resonated with us. “I prefer to see my kids happy than them struggling. So we’re happy to do that,” she shared in the Yahoo Finance article. “I think this will be the main thing instead of doing a cash gift when they do move out. This is what they can have to build their own little blocks to actually get out and purchase their own home.”

Her son can live there whilst building his savings, and later, her 14-year-old daughter will have the same opportunity. Eventually, it could become a rental property generating around $500 per week.

Understanding the Multi-Generational Asset Concept

Our CEO, Theodore Stone (Theo Stone) – widely known as the Granny Flat King – has been at the forefront of this housing evolution. In his discussion with Yahoo Finance, he explained how granny flats are transforming from their traditional purpose into something far more versatile.

“What we’re seeing now is this idea of a granny flat being a multi-generational asset,” Theo explained to Yahoo Finance. “It’s now actually helping families find that in-between where their kids get to keep their independence, get to live close but not too close, and at the same time allow them to save up a deposit.”

This shift represents a significant change in how these secondary dwellings are being utilised. Whilst granny flats were traditionally built to house elderly relatives, they’re increasingly becoming a stepping stone for younger generations struggling to enter the property market.

For young adults, it provides an opportunity to maintain independence whilst staying connected to family support. They enjoy their own private space whilst dramatically reducing their living costs, which accelerates their ability to save for a home deposit. This arrangement creates a win-win situation where parents can help their children without simply handing over cash, and young adults learn financial responsibility whilst building their future.

Introducing the Lana 60 Luxe: The Perfect Balance of Space and Affordability

Maria chose our Lana 60 Luxe model, and it’s easy to see why this design has become one of our most popular offerings. The Lana 60 Luxe provides everything a young couple or small family needs to live comfortably whilst saving for their future home.

Key Measurements and Features:

• Total Area: 60 m²
• Bedrooms: 2 spacious bedrooms
• Bathroom: 1 modern bathroom
• Living/Dining: Large open-plan layout perfect for entertaining
• Kitchen: Full-size with modern fittings and quality appliances
• Laundry: European laundry with washer/dryer nook and ample storage
• Decking: Included to the front in our Luxe Series

What sets Innovista Group apart is our comprehensive pricing structure. As part of our offering, our prices include the building permit and all related documentation, as well as connection of services up to 10 metres from the primary home to the second home. This transparent approach means no hidden costs or unexpected expenses down the track.

Our granny flats generally take between four and six months to build, allowing families to plan ahead and see their investment come to life in a reasonable timeframe.

Adding Substantial Value to Your Property

Beyond the immediate benefits of providing affordable housing for family members or generating rental income, a granny flat in Victoria can significantly boost your property’s value. According to Corelogic (now Cotality) figures cited in the Yahoo Finance article, an extra two bedrooms and an extra bathroom could add around 32 per cent to the value of an existing dwelling.

For a house worth $500,000, a granny flat could potentially add $160,000 to the property’s value. When you consider that our granny flats range from $180,000 to $250,000, the return on investment becomes quite compelling.

How Government Changes Are Fuelling the Granny Flat Boom

One of the reasons we’re seeing such strong interest in granny flats is the removal of regulatory red tape by state governments across Australia. These changes have made it significantly easier and more affordable for homeowners to add secondary dwellings to their properties.

Victoria introduced game-changing legislation in 2023, exempting small secondary dwellings up to 60 square metres from requiring a planning permit in most cases.

As Theo explained to Yahoo Finance, “Now you don’t need a planning permit anymore, you can go straight to a building permit, which is a lot more streamlined, quicker and cheaper. You can rent it out to anybody that you wish. You can generate rental income from it without any restrictions. It doesn’t have to be movable, it can be fixed.”

New South Wales led the way back in 2009, allowing homeowners to build granny flats up to 60 square metres without council approval, provided they meet minimum requirements. Queensland followed in 2022, amending rental rules to allow homeowners to rent granny flats to anyone outside the family.

These regulatory changes have opened up enormous opportunities for Australian homeowners looking to maximise their property’s potential.

The Numbers Tell the Story

The granny flat boom isn’t just anecdotal – the data backs it up. A recent survey by the Housing Industry Association found that builders were expecting to build 10 times more granny flats in 2026 compared to 2022. They attributed this dramatic surge to changes in the planning system across various states.

The HIA estimates that 4,320 secondary dwellings were approved for construction in NSW each year between 2017 and 2023. In Victoria, an average of just 270 permits were issued during the same timeframe – but with the 2023 regulatory changes, those numbers are set to skyrocket.

Property website Domain has also noticed a significant uptick in interest. The term “granny flat” was the most searched in Sydney so far this year and the second-highest in Perth, demonstrating strong consumer demand across Australia’s major markets.

A joint report by Archistar, Blackfort and Cotality in 2023 revealed the massive potential across Australia’s capital cities:

• Sydney: Around 242,000 properties suitable for granny flat development (17.6% of the region’s housing stock)
• Melbourne: Almost 230,000 suitable properties (13.2% of stock)
• Brisbane: Nearly 185,000 suitable properties (23.3% of stock)

Our Prediction: The Shift Is Happening Now

As the Granny Flat King, Theo Stone has his finger on the pulse of this rapidly evolving market. His prediction for Victoria’s future is particularly striking.

“I think that over the next couple of years, the amount of granny flats that’ll get built in Victoria will at least triple, at least, from where they are currently now,” Theo told Yahoo Finance. “That shift is probably happening as we speak.”

We’re seeing this trend play out in real-time. About half of our clients are building granny flats as investments to rent them out, whilst others are using them to house elderly relatives, carers, or – like Maria – to give their adult children a leg up into the property market.

Why Families Are Choosing Granny Flats

The beauty of a granny flat in Victoria lies in its versatility. It’s not just a one-time solution – it’s an asset that can evolve with your family’s changing needs over the years.

For young adults like Maria’s son Lee, a granny flat provides:

• Affordable living: No hefty rental payments eating into savings
• Independence: Their own space separate from the main house
• Proximity to family: Close enough for support but maintaining privacy
• A path to homeownership: The ability to save a deposit much faster

For parents and homeowners, the benefits are equally compelling:

• Supporting family members: Helping children, elderly parents, or other relatives
• Rental income potential: $500+ per week in many markets
• Property value increase: Up to 32% boost to your home’s value
• Flexibility: Adapt the space as your family’s needs change
• Tax advantages: Potential deductions for investment properties (consult your accountant)

Real Stories, Real Impact

Maria’s story resonates because it represents what thousands of Australian families are thinking about right now. The housing market has become increasingly challenging for young people, with deposit requirements climbing faster than wages and rental costs consuming a larger share of income than ever before.

By choosing to invest in a granny flat rather than simply giving her children a cash gift, Maria is teaching them financial responsibility whilst providing a safety net. Lee and his partner can live rent-free or at a significantly reduced rate, allowing them to save aggressively for their own home deposit. When they’re ready to move out, Maria’s 14-year-old daughter will have the same opportunity. And when both children have established themselves, the granny flat becomes a rental investment generating passive income for Maria and her husband’s retirement.

This is the power of thinking of granny flats as multi-generational assets. One investment creates opportunities across multiple life stages and family members.

The Innovista Difference

At Innovista Group, we’ve built our reputation on understanding what Australian families need. Our designs aren’t just about square meterage – they’re about creating comfortable, functional living spaces that enhance people’s lives.

The Lana 60 Luxe, featured in the Yahoo Finance article, exemplifies our approach. At 60 square metres, it maximises the space allowance for a granny flat in Victoria that doesn’t require a planning permit, keeping costs down and approval times short.”. Yet within that footprint, we’ve created a home that doesn’t feel like a compromise.

The large open-plan living and dining area creates a sense of spaciousness, whilst the full-size kitchen with modern fittings means residents don’t have to sacrifice functionality. Two proper bedrooms provide flexibility – a bedroom and a home office, or accommodation for a couple planning to start a family. The European laundry is cleverly designed with a washer/dryer nook and storage, eliminating the need for a separate laundry room whilst maintaining practicality.

And because we include the front decking in our Luxe Series, there’s even outdoor living space – perfect for a morning coffee or evening barbecue.

Taking the First Step

If Maria Hatzi’s story has resonated with you, you’re not alone. Thousands of Australian families are exploring a granny flat in Victoria as a solution to housing challenges, whether that’s helping their children, caring for elderly parents, or generating additional income.

The regulatory environment has never been more favourable, with streamlined approval processes across most states. The market conditions are driving strong rental demand if you choose to go the investment route. And the potential for property value appreciation means you’re not just spending money – you’re investing in an asset.

At Innovista Group, we’ve helped hundreds of families navigate this process, from initial consultation through to handing over the keys. Our transparent pricing, which includes building permits, documentation, and service connections, means you know exactly what you’re investing from the start.

Whether you’re looking at the Lana 60 Luxe like Maria, or one of our other models ranging from $180,000 to $250,000, we’re here to help you explore your options and find the right solution for your family’s needs.

Get Started Today

The future of Australian housing is evolving, and granny flats are playing an increasingly important role. Join families like the Hatzis who are taking control of their housing solutions and creating opportunities for the next generation.

Don’t wait to explore how a granny flat in Victoria could benefit your family or enhance your property investment portfolio.

Contact Innovista Group today to start your journey towards creating a multi-generational asset for your family.

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This article references the Yahoo Finance story “Aussie mum’s $250,000 backyard granny flat solution as kids face uphill battle: ‘So expensive’” by Tamika Seeto, published 8 October 2025. All quotes attributed to Maria Hatzi and Theodore Stone are sourced from the original Yahoo Finance article.

Innovista Group specialises in quality granny flat construction across Victoria and beyond. Our CEO, Theodore Stone – the Granny Flat King – and our experienced team are committed to helping Australian families navigate the exciting opportunities that granny flats provide.