Granny Flat Drafting in Sydney
A granny flat can house a parent, give grown-up children their own space or bring in rental income. We draw granny flat plans for Sydney lots, sized to the NSW rules and your council's controls.
The NSW granny flat rules in short
In NSW a granny flat is a secondary dwelling under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021.
- Size. In residential zones a secondary dwelling is generally capped at 60 m² of floor area, or more if your council's plan allows it.
- CDC path. Complying development generally needs a lot of at least 450 m² and at least 12 m wide at the building line, plus set setbacks, height and landscaped area. A council or a registered certifier can issue the CDC.
- DA path. If the CDC standards don't fit, or the lot is affected by heritage, flood or bushfire mapping, the granny flat can go to council as a development application.
- No subdivision. The granny flat stays on the same lot as the main house and cannot be sold off separately.
Our NSW granny flat guide goes into more detail.
What we draw
Concept layouts, site plan, floor plan, elevations, sections, a shadow diagram where needed, and the details your builder will price from. We also show the stormwater, sewer and access, because on many Sydney lots those decide where the granny flat can go.
Designing a granny flat that works
A good granny flat feels like a small home, not a shed. We look at light, privacy between the two homes, a sensible entry, storage and outdoor space for both. On a tight Sydney lot, a well planned 60 m² can hold two bedrooms, a proper kitchen and a living area that opens to the yard.
How the process works
- Send your address. Tell us what you'd like to build. We reply the same business day.
- Site check. Lot size and width, zone, sewer and easements, and whether the CDC path is open.
- Concept design. Layout options for you to comment on before any detail is drawn.
- Drawings and BASIX. The full set for your certifier or council, with the BASIX certificate coordinated.
- Lodgement support. We help answer any questions that come back.
Get started
Send us your address and what you'd like to do. We'll check the zone, the lot and your council's controls, and come back with the likely approval path and a fee proposal. Every project is quoted on its own. We reply the same business day.
Residential drafting Sydney · Granny flat drafting Sydney · DA and CDC drafting Sydney · Drafting across NSW · How we work Australia-wide
Common questions
How big can a granny flat be in Sydney?
Generally up to 60 m² of floor area in residential zones under the NSW Housing SEPP, unless your council's plan allows more. We check the limit for your lot.
Can I build a granny flat under a CDC?
Often, yes. The lot generally needs to be at least 450 m² and 12 m wide at the building line, and the design must meet every CDC standard. If it doesn't, a DA to council is still possible.
Can I rent out my granny flat?
Yes, a granny flat in NSW can be rented out. It can't be subdivided and sold separately from the main house.
Do you only draw the plans, or help with approval too?
Both. We prepare the drawings, coordinate the BASIX certificate, survey and engineering, and help with lodgement and any questions from the certifier or council.
What does a granny flat cost to build in Sydney?
Build costs depend on size, site and finishes. Our guide to granny flat costs in Sydney explains the main factors.
What can you build on your block?
Send us the address and we’ll outline what your site can generally carry and the likely approval path. We reply the same business day.
Tell us about your project.
Send us your address and what you'd like to do. We'll check the zone, the lot and your council's controls, and come back with the likely approval path and a fee proposal. Every project is quoted on its own.
We reply the same business day.