What Does Granny Flat Mean In Housing?
What Does Granny Flat Mean In Housing?
A granny flat is a self-contained living area usually located on the grounds of a single-family home. It can be detached or attached to the primary dwelling and it must have its own entrance, kitchen, bathroom and living space.
Granny flats are often used for elderly relatives or live-in nannies, as well as young adult members of the family who need more room than their parents’ house.
They provide flexibility and affordable housing while also offering solutions to life’s challenges such as providing an element of privacy for one or two people.
Building a granny flat requires planning permission from local authorities in some areas and it may add value to your property by providing additional living space when you sell your home.
The building industry commonly refers to granny flats as accessory apartments or accessory dwelling units (ADUs), but they also go by other names such as granny pods, mother-in-law units, bonus units, casitas, carriage units, and ohana units (especially in Hawaii).
Many granny flats fall under the category of tiny houses, and the growing interest in tiny house living has been beneficial for grandparents who desire this type of housing.
Granny flats or tiny houses are versatile and can be utilized for nannies or young adult family members. While some people rent them out, zoning laws and deed restrictions may prohibit such practices.
As multigenerational housing gains greater acceptance, granny flats are expected to become even more prevalent. According to realtors and builders, granny flats are already a good selling point.
They are practical, flexible, and offer a viable solution for families who desire separate living quarters while remaining in close proximity.
Granny Flat Regulations
Regulations for granny flats (accessory dwelling units) vary by state and locality. Generally, they must provide living, sleeping, cooking and bathroom facilities on the same parcel as the primary one-unit dwelling.
Some states have required cities to allow ADUs by right under certain conditions, while others may require them to be approved by the city or county before construction can begin.
In Washington State, most counties permit ADUs in single-family residential zones with some restrictions such as maximum heights and setbacks.
The American Planning Association provides resources that provide background information about ADUs and policy recommendations related to updating zoning regulations or providing public information about existing laws.
Amenities In A Granny Flat
Granny flats offer a variety of amenities to ensure maximum comfort for those staying in them. Depending on the type of granny flat, they can come equipped with a fully functioning kitchen, featuring appliances like stoves and ovens or with limited kitchen facilities such as microwaves and mini-fridges – both of which are safer options than having full kitchens.
Granny flats also generally provide ample storage space such as cupboards, cabinets, shelves and closets; comfortable furnishings including couches, beds and tables; bathrooms with showers, tubs and toilets; heating systems; and air conditioning systems.
Finally, many modern granny flats are fitted with the latest technology like Wi-Fi networks and televisions that enable people to stay connected while living away from the main home.
Advantages Of Adding A Granny Flat
A granny flat offers a wide variety of benefits for both landlords and tenants. Aside from providing living space, it provides greater security due to the addition of another tenant on the property; this is especially true when the apartment is oriented towards the side or back of the lot.
In addition, tenants can often benefit from sharing transportation and other amenities with those who live in the main house, as well as taking advantage of potential shared childcare, lawn care and general maintenance support.
