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- What is a Small Second Dwelling (SSD)? Victoria's 60m² Rules Explained (2026)
The short answer A Small Second Dwelling (SSD) is a self-contained home of 60 square metres or less, built on the same lot as an existing house. It must have its own kitchen, bathroom and toilet. In Victoria, since Amendment VC253 came into effect on 14 December 2023, an SSD does not require a planning permit on most residential lots over 300m² — though a building permit is always required. SSDs are often called granny flats, secondary dwellings, or accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and anyone can live in or rent one. At Prestige Living, every granny flat in our design range — from The 36 through to the Capel Sound — is designed under the 60m² threshold specifically so our clients can take the fastest approval pathway available in Victoria. The 36- a 36m² Small Second Dwelling, well under Victoria's 60m² threshold. What officially counts as a Small Second Dwelling in Victoria? To qualify as an SSD under the Victorian planning provisions, the dwelling must: • Have a gross floor area of 60m² or less (measured from the outside of external walls) • Sit on the same lot as one existing home — and be the only SSD on that lot • Be fully self-contained: a kitchen sink and food preparation facilities, a bath or shower, and a toilet and wash basin • Not be connected to reticulated (mains) natural gas — all-electric only • Be connected to appropriate water, energy and wastewater services An SSD cannot be subdivided or sold separately from the main home — it's part of the same property, which is also why it adds value to your existing title rather than complicating it. Do I need a planning permit? In most cases, no. Since December 2023, SSDs of 60m² or less no longer need a planning permit in Victoria's main residential zones (Residential Growth, General Residential and Neighbourhood Residential) and most rural zones, provided the lot is over 300m² and the conditions above are met. There are exceptions. If your property is affected by an overlay — bushfire, flood, heritage, or certain environmental controls — a planning permit may still be required. You can check what applies to your block with a free property report at planning.vic.gov.au, or simply ask us: a site check is the first step of every Prestige Living build, and we confirm your approval pathway before you commit to anything. What approvals do I still need? A building permit is always required, no matter the size of the dwelling. The building permit covers siting, setbacks, amenity, safety and energy efficiency requirements. Since May 2024, new dwellings in Victoria must also achieve a 7-star NatHERS energy efficiency rating — a standard every Prestige Living design already meets as part of our Essentials Range inclusions, alongside double-glazed windows as standard. As a registered builder (Domestic Builder Unlimited), we manage the entire permit process for you — it's part of every turn-key build. Who can live in an SSD? Anyone. This is one of the biggest changes in the Victorian rules: there are no restrictions on who occupies a Small Second Dwelling. That means an SSD can be: • A home for ageing parents who want independence close to family • A first home for adult children trying to get ahead without leaving home • A long-term rental generating income from your backyard • A guest house, home office or studio If you rent it out, standard residential tenancy requirements apply — room sizes, facilities and smoke alarms — the same as any other rental home. Torquay Living Room What does an SSD cost to build? Prestige Living turn-key Small Second Dwellings start from $130,000 for The 36, our 1-bedroom entry design. Every build is genuinely turn-key: architectural design, permits, construction and premium finishes, completed in a typical build time of 12–14 weeks. Our full design range — one and two bedroom layouts, all under 60m² — is on our Design Range page, with five interior themes to choose from. The 36- a 36m² Small Second Dwelling, well under Victoria's 60m² threshold Frequently Asked Questions Do granny flats need a planning permit in Victoria? In most cases, no. Small Second Dwellings of 60m² or less do not require a planning permit on most residential lots over 300m², unless an overlay (such as bushfire, flood or heritage) applies. A building permit is always required. What is the maximum size of a Small Second Dwelling in Victoria? 60 square metres of gross floor area, measured from the outside of the external walls. Can I rent out a Small Second Dwelling? Yes — to anyone. There are no occupancy restrictions on SSDs in Victoria. Standard residential tenancy rules apply if you rent it out. Can a Small Second Dwelling be sold separately? No. An SSD cannot be subdivided or sold separately from the main home on the lot. Can an SSD be connected to gas? No. Small Second Dwellings must not be connected to reticulated natural gas — they are all-electric homes. All Prestige Living designs include electric hot water systems and 7-star energy efficient design as standard. How long does a Small Second Dwelling take to build? A Prestige Living turn-key SSD typically takes 12–14 weeks to build, following design and permits Does an SSD need a car parking space? No — the Victorian provisions do not require a car parking space for a Small Second Dwelling. What's the difference between an SSD and a granny flat? Nothing, in practice. "Small Second Dwelling" is the official term used in the Victorian planning provisions; granny flat, secondary dwelling and accessory dwelling unit (ADU) all describe the same thing. Thinking about a Small Second Dwelling on your block? Prestige Living designs and builds luxury turn-key SSDs across Melbourne’s eastern and south-eastern suburbs and the Mornington Peninsula. Explore the Design Range or Get In Touch for a site check. Thinking about a Small Second Dwelling on your block? Prestige Living designs and builds luxury turn-key SSDs across Melbourne’s eastern and south-eastern suburbs and the Mornington Peninsula. Explore the Design Range or Get In Touch for a site check.
- Complimentary Granny Flat Consultation & Property Desktop Assessment
Begin your building journey with a consultation with our Sales Team, either over the phone or in our showroom. Together, we will exploure our wide range of villa designs to find the one that best suite your lifestyle. From our standard interior packages to fully customised interiors, we will guide you every step of the way. We also carry out a free complimentary desktop site assessment to gather key details about your property and any overlays that apply, ensuring your project is set up for success right from the start. Ready to get started? Connect with us through our Get In Touch page on our website or call 03 8203 2408 to speak with our team. Time: 30 mins to 1 hour
- Transform Your 60m2 Granny Flat Dreams into Reality with Complimentary Inhouse Design Consultations
Adding a granny flat to your property can be a fantastic way to increase space, add value, or create a comfortable home for family members. Yet, many homeowners face a common challenge: finding a design that truly fits their lifestyle and the unique characteristics of their block. At Prestige Living, we offer a solution that sets us apart — complimentary inhouse design consultations that allow you to collaborate directly with our design team. This hands-on approach transforms your ideas into a tailored granny flat that feels like a natural extension of your home. Why Personalized Design Matters for Your Granny Flat Every property has its own personality, and every homeowner has different needs. A one-size-fits-all approach rarely works when it comes to granny flats. Many builders offer fixed designs that limit your options, but your home deserves more flexibility. With our inhouse design team, you get to: Shape the layout to suit your daily routines and preferences. Adjust room sizes to fit your furniture and lifestyle. Change window placements to maximize natural light and privacy. Improve flow between rooms for how you like to live for comfort and convenience. This level of customization ensures your granny flat is not just a structure but a space that enhances your living experience. How the Complimentary Design Consultation Works When you book a consultation with Prestige Living, you meet directly with our designers. This session is interactive and dynamic: You bring your ideas, inspirations, and requirements. Our designers can create or modify layouts live on the spot. You see immediate visual updates to the plans. You can suggest changes, and the design evolves in real time. This collaborative process saves time and reduces guesswork. Starting Points and Full Customization Options We offer a range of beautifully designed villas as starting points. These designs are crafted with care, balancing aesthetics and functionality. However, these are just foundations: Some clients prefer to personalize an existing layout by tweaking room sizes or features. Others want a completely bespoke design that reflects their unique needs and style. Because our designers work closely with our builders, we can ensure that your custom design is practical and buildable. This teamwork means your granny flat will meet all regulations and quality standards while reflecting your vision. Benefits of Working with Inhouse Designers Choosing to work with inhouse designers brings several advantages: Seamless communication between design and construction teams reduces errors. Faster turnaround from concept to build-ready plans. Cost-effective adjustments since changes are made early in the process. Better alignment with your budget and timeline. A design that fits your block’s specific dimensions and orientation. This integrated approach leads to a smoother project and a final product that feels truly yours. Real-Life Examples of Customized Granny Flats Consider a client who wanted a granny flat with a larger living area and an open kitchen to host family gatherings. During the consultation, our designers expanded the living space by shifting walls and repositioning windows to capture afternoon sunlight. The client saw the changes instantly and approved the new layout on the spot. Another homeowner needed a granny flat that included a home office and a separate entrance for privacy. Our team created a bespoke design that incorporated these features without compromising the overall flow or outdoor space. The result was a functional and stylish home that met all their needs. What to Expect After Your Consultation Once your design is finalized, we provide detailed plans and a clear quote. Our builders then take over, turning the design into reality with expert craftsmanship. Throughout construction, you remain informed and involved, ensuring the project stays true to your vision. How to Prepare for Your Complimentary Design Consultation To make the most of your session, consider: Bringing photos or sketches of ideas you like. Listing your must-haves and nice-to-haves. Knowing your budget range. Understanding your block’s dimensions and any site constraints. This preparation helps our designers tailor solutions that work best for you.
- Granny Flats Melbourne: Our Process
1. Consultation & Advice Begin your building journey with a complimentary consultation , either over the phone or in our showroom. Together, we’ll explore our villa designs — from standard interior packages to fully customised plans — to find the perfect fit for your lifestyle. We’ll also carry out a desktop site assessment to identify key property details and ensure your project starts on the right foot. Time: 30–60 minutes | Cost: Complimentary 2. Project Proposal Once your brief is confirmed, our Sales Consultant will prepare a detailed proposal outlining: Construction costs Optional upgrades and inclusions Pre-construction fees Where information is not yet final, provisional estimates will be provided until site reports, engineering assessments, and full specifications are completed. Time: Approx. 48 hours | Cost: Complimentary 3. Design & Site Report With a Preliminary Agreement signed , your project is assigned to a Construction Manager to guide it through pre-construction. Our Designers will create your Preliminary Drawings , tailored to your brief. Site classification and testing will then be carried out by specialists, including: Soil and geotechnical testing Wind rating Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment Site feature survey These reports, along with your drawings, are submitted for your review and approval. Next Steps...the relevant Permits are aquired, interior and exterior selections are chosen and our experienced staff start construction. Ready to start? Connect via our Get in Touch page or call 03 8203 2408 to speak with our friendly Sales Team.
- Melbourne Granny Flat Frequently Asked Questions
Is My Site Suitable for a Granny Flat? Our Sales Team can carry out a complimentary desktop assessment of your property to check for suitability, considering zoning, access, setbacks, and available space, so you know early if your block can accommodate a Prestige Living villa. We currently build in Victoria. How Are Prestige Living Granny Flats Built? Our villas are built on-site with engineered foundations and steel framing, crafted by our experienced tradespeople.. Each home meets the same standards as a full-sized residence. How Long Does Construction Take? Typical construction is 12–14 weeks from final design, selections, and deposit, depending on site and design complexity. What Is Included? Our Granny Flats come turnkey, with: Fully appointed kitchen, bathroom and european laundry Quality flooring and finishes Insulation and energy-efficient materials How Do I Arrange Finance? We can connect you with a trusted finance consultant to explore loans and funding options tailored to your project. Who Manages Permits? We coordinate all documentation for your Building Permit, including engineering and compliance reports. Planning permit guidance is provided if required. What Design Options Are Available? Choose from: Five interior fit-out themes Four external cladding styles Flexible floorplans and custom rooflines Our in-house design team ensures your villa suits your lifestyle and block. Are Service Connections Included? Connection costs for water, sewer, and electricity are determined after a site assessment. We provide a clear estimate once the site has been inspected. Are Prestige Living Homes Environmentally Considered? Yes. Sustainability is built in: steel framing, responsibly sourced materials, energy-efficient insulation and glazing, and low-impact foundation designs. Can You Build Off-Grid Designs? Yes. Selected models can be adapted for off-grid living with independent power, water, and waste systems, ideal for bush blocks or holiday properties. Can You Build on Sloping or Reactive Land? Yes. Our engineered foundations and structural systems allow construction on slopes, reactive soil, or challenging sites, subject to a site assessment. Reach out to our Sales Team via email at sales@prestigeliving.au or ph: 03 8203 2408.
- Why choose Prestige Living for your Granny Flat
Building a granny flat is more than adding space—it’s creating a lifestyle that blends comfort, style, and practicality. Here’s why Prestige Living is the trusted choice for your turn-key granny flat : Turn-Key Solutions: Every granny flat is handed over ready to move in. Redefining the Granny Flat: Architectural design and high-quality finishes at an affordable price. Complete Project Management: From design to finishes and documentation, including council approvals and compliance. Hand-Built Quality: Each granny flat is constructed on site by our sister company Katana Building Services, with 25+ years’ experience in delivering premium homes. Premium Finishes: Double-glazed windows, low maintenance materials, engineered flooring, and curated interior themes. Energy Efficiency & Sustainability: Low-impact construction, energy-efficient design, and reduced running costs. Versatile Living: Ideal for family, guests, young adults, home offices, artist studios, retreats, or investment purposes. Increase Property Value: Well-designed granny flats enhance your property and create potential rental income. Flexible Site Options: Our designs can be built on almost any block (subject to site assessment). Australian Owned & Experienced: Over 25 years in the building industry, trusted and reliable. Transparent Pricing: Detailed quotes outlining all finishes and costs give you confidence and peace of mind. At Prestige Living, we help you live a little —one beautifully crafted, turn-key granny flat at a time.
- Experience Luxury Living with Prestige Living Granny Flats
In a bustling city like Melbourne, finding a harmonious blend of luxury and comfort in your residential space can be a rare gem. Enter Prestige Living Granny Flats, our mission is to redefine the traditional granny flat by offering architectural design at an affordable price. Let's delve into why Prestige Living Granny Flats (we call them Villas) stand out as the latest trendsetter in Melbourne 1. Architectural Brilliance The vGranny Flats at Prestige Living are not just structures; they are architectural masterpieces. Each home is meticulously designed to exude elegance and charm while offering a contemporary living experience. From the grand entrance to the smallest detail, every aspect of these granny flats showcases unparalleled architectural brilliance. 2. Superior Quality Finishes and Fittings A hallmark of Prestige Living is the commitment to using only the finest materials and fittings. Step inside these luxurious abodes, and you'll be greeted by superior quality finishes that add a touch of glamour to every corner. From plush carpets to designer light fixtures, every element has been carefully chosen to enhance the living experience. 3. Redefining Granny Flats Traditionally associated with basic, utilitarian spaces, granny flats get a modern makeover at Prestige Living. These are not your ordinary granny flats; they are sophisticated living spaces that cater to the needs of modern families. Whether it's a cozy nook for relaxation or a stylish entertainment area, these villas redefine the concept of granny flats with a touch of luxury. 4. Lifestyle of Luxury and Comfort At the core of Prestige Living is the promise of a lifestyle that combines luxury and comfort seamlessly. Imagine waking up to panoramic views of Melbourne's skyline, relaxing in your private garden oasis, or hosting elegant dinner parties in your spacious living area. Every moment spent in these granny flats is a testament to the unparalleled comfort and opulence they offer. In Conclusion Prestige Living Garnny Flats represent a new standard of luxury living in Melbourne. With their architectural brilliance, superior finishes, and redefined concept of granny flats, these residences offer a lifestyle that is truly unmatched. If you're a professional seeking a haven of sophistication and comfort in the heart of Melbourne, look no further than Prestige Living. Experience the epitome of luxury living – experience Prestige Living. Luxury Living, Redefined.
- Prestige Living: Elevate Your Living Space with Architectural Brilliance
Welcome to the world of exquisite living, where each corner of your home exudes sophistication and elegance. In this era of luxury villas and bespoke living experiences, it's essential to stay abreast of the latest home decor trends that redefine the concept of modern living. Melbourne living has never been more fascinating, with a harmonious blend of high-quality finishes and architectural brilliance shaping the landscape of home decor. Enhancing Your Space with Prestige Living Trends Unleashing Style and Comfort: In the realm of home decor, comfort and style go hand in hand. When it comes to creating a luxurious living space, prioritizing family comfort is key. Imagine lounging in a cozy nook that reflects your personal style while maintaining a sense of warmth and tranquility. The integration of plush textures, earthy tones, and ergonomic designs can transform any space into a haven of relaxation. Architectural Brilliance Meets Functionality: At the heart of every prestigious home lies architectural brilliance that seamlessly integrates aesthetic appeal with functionality. Investing in properties that boast high-quality finishes elevates the overall ambiance of your living space. From impeccable flooring to custom cabinetry, attention to detail is paramount in creating a home that exudes opulence and refinement. Embracing Innovation: As the concept of luxury living evolves, embracing innovation becomes essential in staying ahead of the curve. Granny flats, known for their versatility and space-saving designs, have become a popular trend in modern home decor. By incorporating SSD compliant features, these structures not only enhance the value of your property but also offer a flexible living solution for various lifestyle needs. Elevate Your Living Experience with Timeless Elegance Tailored for You: One of the hallmarks of prestige living is the concept of bespoke design. Tailoring your living space to reflect your unique personality and aesthetic preferences adds a touch of exclusivity to your home decor. Whether it's custom furniture pieces or curated art collections, infusing your space with elements that speak to your individuality creates a sense of luxury that is unmatched. Functional Luxury: Luxury villas are synonymous with lavish living spaces that prioritize both form and function. By incorporating smart home technologies and energy-efficient solutions, your living space can seamlessly blend modern convenience with timeless elegance. Maximizing natural light, utilizing sustainable materials, and prioritizing energy efficiency are all integral components of creating a sustainable and luxurious living environment. Elevating Property Value: In the world of real estate, property value is a crucial consideration for homeowners. By investing in quality finishes, innovative design features, and sustainable living solutions, you not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your space but also increase the overall value of your property. Creating a harmonious balance between luxury, comfort, and functionality is a surefire way to elevate your property's desirability in the market. Conclusion In the realm of home decor, the pursuit of luxury and sophistication knows no bounds. Melbourne living is a testament to the enduring allure of architectural brilliance and high-quality finishes that define modern living spaces. By embracing the latest trends in home decor and infusing your space with personalized touches, you can transform your home into a sanctuary of luxury and comfort. Let Prestige Living guide you on a journey towards creating a living space that epitomizes the essence of bespoke living and timeless elegance. Let your home be a reflection of your style, a sanctuary of tranquility, and a testament to the seamless blend of architectural brilliance and functional design. Elevate your living experience with the latest trends in home decor and embark on a journey towards unparalleled luxury and prestige. So, are you ready to transform your living space into a masterpiece of modern luxury? Explore the possibilities, unleash your creativity, and immerse yourself in a world where every detail is a testament to the art of living beautifully. Remember, your home is not just a place; it's a reflection of your personality and a sanctuary where memories are made. Embrace the transformative power of luxury home decor trends and embark on a journey towards realizing the home of your dreams.









