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Small Second Homes

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Excellent 34 reviews

34 reviews

Design & Build Your Small Second Homes

Having extra living space on your property has gone from being a luxury to a necessity for many households across Australia. A small home makes this wish a reality at affordable prices. Whether you decide to use it as a space for a private retreat or consider renting it out, a small second home should be able to cater to all your growing needs. At Bennic Homes, we pave the way for your dream small second home. Bespoke designs that are perfectly tailored to your lifestyle and budget. Let us walk you through and bring your vision to life.

Why Build A Second Home?

This can be an excellent choice for homeowners looking to maximize the value of their property. Whether you add a granny flat, a rental unit, or even a guesthouse, the benefits are frankly abundant.

Versatile And Flexible Living Option

Whether it is to accommodate guests, transform it into a private office or studio, or simply use it as the name implies, a second home adds another layer of flexibility to your lifestyle. Enjoy the extra space for your growing family without having to spend extravagant amounts on larger property expansions.

Future-Ready

With construction rates soaring, now is the perfect time to invest in a small second home to ensure you are ready for life’s changes. Having that little bit of extra space can prove to be quite useful for expanding families.

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Multigenerational Living

Small second homes provide a separate living space on the same property, allowing for close proximity between family members while maintaining privacy and independence. Traditionally a granny flat, it is now a custom-built bespoke second home.

Rental Income

Small second homes can serve as rental properties, generating additional income for homeowners. This extra revenue stream can help offset mortgage payments, property taxes, and maintenance costs.

Increased Property Value

Adding a small second home can boost the overall value of the property. The flexibility of having an additional dwelling unit appeals to potential buyers and can enhance the home’s resale value.

What Is A Small Second Home?

A small second home is a dwelling that is 60 square metres or less with a kitchen, bathroom and toilet, located on the same lot as an existing home. A small second home must not be connected to reticulated natural gas and does not require a car parking space. It’s never been easier to build a small second home thanks to changes to the Victoria Planning Provisions, building regulations and all planning schemes. Victorians can now build a small second home without a planning permit if it is 60 square metres or less and there are no special planning controls in place. A small second home still requires a building permit, to meet siting, amenity, design and safety requirements – and cannot be subdivided or separately sold off from the main home.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why have these changes been made?

We all know that finding the right type of housing in the right location is getting harder and more expensive. That’s why the Victorian Government’s Housing Statement – The decade ahead 2024–2034 sets out a plan to deliver significantly more housing that better meets the needs of our wonderfully diverse community. Small second homes on the same lot – also known as granny flats or dwelling garden units – have become more and more popular. They can give families the space to grow together, provide a critical second income, or give kids somewhere to stay when they visit for the weekend. But for many, the burden of getting a planning approval has put building a second small home in the too hard basket.

Who can live in a small second home?

Anyone. There are no limitations on tenancy for a small second dwelling. It can be rented, used as long-term or short-term accommodation or used by a family member and not rented out. In addition, an owner looking to apply for a certificate of consent to build a small second dwelling is not required to intend to reside in the small second dwelling. The residential tenancy requirements that apply to a dwelling will also apply to a small second dwelling. These include requirements relating to room sizes, facilities, and smoke alarms. More inform about renting housing is available from Consumer Affairs Victoria.

Can a "tiny home" be a small second home?

A “tiny home” can be a lawful small second home if it meets the specified planning and building requirements. Other regulations including local laws may apply. It is advised to speak with your local council or a registered building surveyor for more information.

Key features of a small second home

  • Floor area equal to or less than 60 square metres
  • Sited on the same lot as an existing dwelling
  • One small second dwelling per lot, however there may be more than one and this would be subject to a planning permit
  • Is self-contained, i.e., has a kitchen, bathroom, toilet, and laundry facilities
  • No car parking required
  • Anyone can live in it or rent it out
  • Cannot be subdivided from the primary dwelling
  • Cannot be connected to reticulated gas
  • Meets siting requirements, including minimum garden area
  • Can be attached, detached or a conversion
  • Must have an access path from the front street

Can I remove vegetation to build a small second home?

A planning permit may be required to remove, destroy or lop vegetation on your property (including trees and shrubs – either native or exotic species).

LET'S BRING YOUR VISION TO LIFE TOGETHER

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We understand that every project is unique, and we’re dedicated to providing personalised service to meet your specific needs. Whether you’re planning a small renovation or a large-scale construction project, we’re committed to exceeding your expectations every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to reach out – we’re excited to hear from you and discuss how we can turn your vision into reality.

Phone: 0403 911 005

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The Process

1. CONSULTATION

Get in touch with our wonderful team so that we can organise a site visit to discuss your needs and view the space.

This provides us with a greater understanding of what needs to be achieved so that we can create a bespoke design and plan to suit.

2. PRODUCT SELECTION

At this stage of the process, you will sit down with our friendly staff and select your fittings, fixtures and finishes.

The hard work put in throughout this phase pays off dividends down the track as it lays the foundations for the entire project.

3. FORMAL PROPOSAL

At this point, Bennic Homes has everything we need to provide you with a highly detailed and accurate estimate for the proposed scope of work.

Together we will revise and fine tune the scope to make sure that you are happy and in full understanding of the particulars. Once satisfied, we will progress to signing building contracts and purchasing domestic building insurance. At this point, we will require a deposit to secure your position in our upcoming schedule and commence the procurement of the required materials.

4. FINAL SITE MEASURE

Upon acceptance of our proposal, our team of highly skilled tradesman will conduct the production phase site measure.

We always make sure we measure twice, so we only have to cut once.

Plans are now at a stage where they are ready to be finalised and production/delivery times can be confirmed.

5. CONSTRUCTION

This is the moment that everything starts to take shape, and you start to see the results of all your hard work and investment. Our construction team will start by protecting the floors and establishing the site. We take a great amount of care through this stage and always treat your home as if it was our own.

We pride ourselves on our efficiency, cleanliness, and professionalism. All of our tradesman are trusted, insured, ah have proven their reliability time and time again.

6. COMPLETION

Smiles, satisfaction, and joy is our mission here. This is the moment that you get to enjoy the fruits of your labour and live in the beautiful space that you have created.

At this point you are well and truly part of the Bennic Homes family and our commitment to service and quality has only just begun.

Clients will be given an aftercare package that includes maintenance and servicing requirements.

We look forward to maintaining an ongoing relationship and welcome the opportunity to service any of your future requirements.

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