frequently asked questions

planning
& approvals

  • Yes, all granny flats require development approval. Malora Homes specialises in CDC (Complying Development Certificate) approval - achieving approval in just 2 weeks with our streamlined process. We handle the entire approval process across Newcastle, Hunter Valley, Lake Macquarie, Central Coast, and Port Stephens.

  • CDC approval is a fast-track system for granny flats meeting specific legislative criteria. It offers:

    • 2-week approval vs months for traditional DA

    • Greater certainty and lower costs

    • Streamlined process with less council discretion

    • Faster project commencement

  • Requirements are tiered based on lot size under NSW legislation:

    • 450m²-900m²: 12m minimum street frontage

    • 900m²-1500m²: 15m minimum street frontage

    • Over 1500m²: 18m minimum street frontage

    • Battle-axe lots: 3m wide access, minimum 12m x 12m area

    • Residential zoning (not rural residential for CDC)

    Read more about the NSW State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021 here.

  • No problem! Properties not meeting CDC criteria can often gain approval through DA (Development Application). Our team has extensive experience with challenging sites including:

    • Smaller blocks under 450m²

    • Heritage areas

    • Environmentally sensitive land

    • Flood or bushfire prone areas

    • Properties with complex access

  • Setbacks are legislatively defined by lot size:

    Side boundaries:

    • 450m²-900m²: 0.9m minimum

    • 900m²-1500m²: 1.5m minimum

    • Over 1500m²: 2.5m minimum

    • Plus 25% of building height above 3.8m

    Rear boundaries:

    • 450m²-900m²: 3m minimum (up to 8m for tall buildings)

    • 900m²-1500m²: 5m minimum (up to 12m for tall buildings)

    • Over 1500m²: 10m minimum (up to 15m for tall buildings)

    Protected trees: 3m setback required from all protected trees

    Read more about the NSW State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021 here.

  • Yes, but these require DA approval rather than CDC. We have experience with:

    • Heritage overlay areas

    • BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) zones

    • Flood prone areas

    • Environmentally sensitive sites While approval takes longer, we can navigate these complex requirements.

design
& construction

  • The secondary dwelling itself is limited to 60m² (unless council allows larger). However, total floor area limits apply to your entire property:

    • 450m²-600m² lots: 330m² total (house + granny flat + attached structures)

    • 600m²-900m² lots: 380m² total

    • Over 900m² lots: 430m² total

    Read more about the NSW State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021 here.

  • Maximum site coverage varies by lot size:

    • 450m²-900m²: 50% maximum site coverage

    • 900m²-1500m²: 40% maximum site coverage

    • Over 1500m²: 30% maximum site coverage

  • Malora Homes completes construction in 12 weeks with our efficient building process. Combined with our 2-week CDC approval, total project time is approximately 14 weeks from application to completion.

  • We offer comprehensive solutions:

    • Internal conversions: Converting part of your existing home (no minimum lot size)

    • Attached extensions: Adding to your existing house or garage

    • Detached granny flats: Standalone buildings optimised for your site

    • Multi-functional designs: Home offices, studios, teenage retreats, investment properties

    • Split-level configurations: With storage/garage underneath

  • Absolutely! Modern granny flats are incredibly versatile:

    • Home office or business space for remote work

    • Teenage retreat or adult children's accommodation

    • Fitness studio or creative workspace

    • Investment property for short-term rental (AirBnb)

    • Multi-generational living solution

    • Downsizing option while retaining your family home

  • Yes! The 60m² restriction only applies to internal living space. Malora Homes can design:

    • Covered outdoor entertaining areas

    • Decks and pergolas

    • Outdoor kitchens and BBQ areas

    • Landscaped courtyards

    • Pool houses and cabanas. This effectively expands your usable space to 90m²+ total.

INVESTMENT
& FINANCIAL
RETURN

  • Granny flats built by Malora Homes typically achieve $450-$550 per week in rental income across our service areas, with potential yields greater than 10% - significantly outperforming traditional property investments.

  • Absolutely! A quality granny flat typically adds more value than the construction cost:

    • Increased property equity often exceeding investment

    • Dual income streams from rent and capital growth

    • Enhanced property functionality and appeal

    • Future-proofing for changing family needs

  • Granny flats offer multiple financial advantages:

    • Strong rental yields (10%+ potential)

    • Increased property equity without buying additional land

    • Portfolio diversification with lower entry cost

    • Tax benefits through depreciation and deductions

    • Growing market demand for affordable rental housing

    • Hedge against interest rates with additional income

  • Perfect for various family situations:

    • Elderly parents maintaining independence while staying close

    • Adult children needing affordable accommodation

    • Mortgage assistance through additional rental income

    • Downsizing option without selling your family home

    • Flexible living arrangements adapting to life changes

    • Teenage independence while maintaining family connection

Investment Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and does not constitute financial advice. Investment returns are not guaranteed and may vary based on market conditions, location, and individual circumstances. Professional financial advice should be sought before making investment decisions. Case study results are based on specific circumstances and may not be representative of all investment outcomes.

FINANCING
& CONSTRUCTION LOANS

  • Yes! Based on our extensive experience, banks regularly provide preliminary pre-approval based on our preliminary quotes, even before CDC approval. This allows you to move forward with confidence while approvals are processed.

  • Banks offer flexible pathways:

    • Preliminary pre-approval: Based on our preliminary quote (before CDC)

    • Full approval: Based on preliminary quote plus executed HIA building contract

    • Final approval: Based on fixed-price quotation after CDC completion

  • Self-fund the Design & Approval stage if possible. This allows us to provide a final fixed-price quotation based on complete CDC documentation. Banks prefer this approach as it's:

    • Faster processing with complete documentation

    • Smoother approval with fixed pricing

    • Quicker project commencement with all approvals in place

  • With our streamlined process:

    • Preliminary bank approval: 1-2 weeks

    • CDC approval: 2 weeks (concurrent with finance)

    • Construction: 12 weeks

    • Total timeline: Approximately 14-16 weeks from application to completion

  • We work with several financing partners and can recommend experienced brokers who understand granny flat investments. We can also review investment property contracts to ensure they align with your financing requirements.

technical rfequirements
& compliance

  • No! NSW legislation specifically states no additional parking is required for granny flats. This makes them viable even on smaller blocks where parking might be challenging, though we can discuss practical parking solutions during design.

    Read more about the NSW State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021 here.

  • Minimum landscaped area requirements vary by lot size:

    • 450m²-600m²: 20% minimum landscaped area

    • 600m²-900m²: 25% minimum landscaped area

    • 900m²-1500m²: 35% minimum landscaped area

    • Over 1500m²: 45% minimum landscaped area

    At least 50% of landscaping must be behind the building line from the street.

    Read more about the NSW State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021 here.

  • Every lot must have more than 24m² of principal private open space:

    • Directly accessible from a habitable room (not bedroom)

    • More than 4m wide in any direction

    • Not steeper than 1:50 gradient

    • Can be shared between main house and granny flat

    • May include balconies or decks

  • Yes, NSW legislation requires privacy screens for:

    • Windows in habitable rooms near boundaries under specific height/distance criteria

    • Balconies/decks within 3m of boundaries (over 1m high) or 3-6m from boundaries (over 2m high)

    • Privacy screens must be 1.7m-2.2m high. We design these requirements seamlessly into your overall design.

  • All Malora Homes granny flats exceed minimum requirements:

    • Building Code of Australia compliance

    • NSW Housing Code standards

    • Australian Standards for structural integrity

    • BASIX energy efficiency requirements

    • Local council specific requirements

    • Privacy and articulation legislative requirements

SITE SUITABILITY
& CHALLENGING CONDITIONS

  • Absolutely! We specialise in challenging sites. NSW legislation allows specific earthworks:

    • Excavation: Up to 3m deep (with boundary restrictions)

    • Fill: Up to 1m high for secondary dwellings

    • Retaining walls: Engineer-certified for structural soundness

    • Drainage: Comprehensive stormwater management

    Read more about the NSW State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021 here.

  • All development must maintain a 3m setback from protected trees. However:

    • Some structures permitted within setback (driveways, pathways, awnings)

    • Tree removal applications can be managed if necessary

    • Design solutions to work around significant trees

    • Arborist reports arranged when required

  • Each council has unique Local Environmental Plans (LEPs). We're intimately familiar with requirements across:

    • Newcastle and surrounding areas

    • Hunter Valley regional variations

    • Lake Macquarie specific controls

    • Central Coast requirements

    • Port Stephens local provisions

  • Yes, we manage all utility connections:

    • Sewer connections up to 10m from existing mains

    • Water connections up to 10m from existing mains

    • Electrical connections up to 30m from existing supply

    • Stormwater drainage to existing systems

    • NBN and telecommunications provisioning

PROCESS
& SERVICE

  • : Our dedicated consultant guides you through every stage:

    1. Free consultation & site assessment - Feasibility, design concepts, and preliminary advice

    2. Virtual site analysis - Detailed property assessment and positioning advice

    3. Design development - Custom or standard designs tailored to your needs

    4. Comprehensive quotation - Transparent, detailed pricing with no hidden costs

    5. CDC or DA application - 2 weeks for CDC, managed entirely by us

    6. Contract execution - HIA building contract with milestone payments

    7. Construction - 12 weeks with regular progress updates

    8. Quality handover - Comprehensive inspection and documentation

    9. Ongoing support - Warranty service and maintenance advice

  • Our turnkey solution includes:

    • All design and architectural work

    • Engineering and structural design

    • CDC or DA application management

    • Quality construction with premium inclusions

    • Project management from start to finish

    • All necessary utility connections

    • Compliance with all NSW legislative requirements

    • Comprehensive warranties

    • Ongoing support after completion

  • Complete transparency throughout your project:

    • Dedicated project manager as single point of contact

    • Regular progress updates and site meetings

    • Milestone-based invoicing (you only pay for completed work)

    • Photo progress reports showing construction stages

    • Direct communication with site supervisors

    • Quality control inspections at key stages

  • Malora Homes services Newcastle, Hunter Valley, Lake Macquarie, Central Coast, and Port Stephens. As a local, Newcastle-owned business with 20+ years of construction experience, we offer:

    • Deep knowledge of regional council requirements

    • Established relationships with local certifiers and suppliers

    • Understanding of local site conditions and challenges

    • Responsive service with local presence

    • Community reputation built over decades

Quality, credentials
& warranties

  • We combine unmatched expertise with superior service:

    Speed Advantage:

    • 2-week CDC approval with streamlined process

    • 12-week construction with efficient building methods

    • 14-week total timeline from application to completion

    Expertise Advantage:

    • Complete understanding of NSW Housing SEPP requirements

    • 20+ years residential construction experience

    • Local knowledge of regional council variations

    • Legislative compliance ensuring no surprises

    Service Advantage:

    • Dedicated consultant throughout entire process

    • Premium finishes and attention to detail

    • Transparent pricing with milestone payments

    • Comprehensive warranties and ongoing support

    Results Advantage:

    • $450-$550 weekly rental potential

    • 10%+ yields achievable

    • Award-quality construction with premium finishes

  • Comprehensive protection for your investment:

    • 6-year structural warranty on all structural elements

    • Comprehensive warranties covering waterproofing and defects

    • Manufacturer warranties on all appliances and fixtures

    • 90-day maintenance period post-completion

    • Ongoing support for any issues or questions

    • Full documentation provided at handover

  • Absolutely. We maintain:

    • Full building license (BLN: 460606C)

    • Comprehensive insurance coverage

    • Public liability and workers compensation

    • Professional indemnity insurance

    • Home Building Compensation Fund coverage

  • Contact us today for your free, no-obligation consultation:

    Phone: 0414 605 383
    Email: info@malorahomes.com.au
    Visit: 124 Maitland Road, Mayfield, NSW 2304

    We'll provide:

    • Free site assessment and feasibility analysis

    • Preliminary design concepts tailored to your needs

    • Transparent quotation with no hidden costs

    • Clear timeline for your project

    • Financing guidance and recommendations

frequently
asked
technical questions

  • Yes, subject to height limits (8.5m maximum) and increased setback requirements. Two-storey designs require additional setbacks calculated as 25% of height above 3.8m, but can maximise your 60m² internal space across two levels. This is perfect for:

    • Bedrooms upstairs with living areas downstairs

    • Home office with separate living quarters

    • Enhanced privacy and street presence

    • Better views from upper level

    Read more about the NSW State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021 here.

  • Yes! There are no restrictions on renting to non-family members. Your granny flat can be:

    • Long-term rental to tenants

    • Short-term rental (Airbnb) subject to local council regulations

    • Commercial use (home office) with appropriate approvals

    • Mixed use adapting to your changing needs

  • We can manage demolition as part of your project:

    • Pool removal and site remediation

    • Shed or garage demolition

    • Retaining wall removal/modification

    • Site preparation and levelling

    • Waste removal and disposal All demolition work is included in our comprehensive service.

  • Yes, we offer both options:

    • Pre-approved designs for faster processing

    • Standard plans adaptable to your site

    • Custom designs tailored to your specific needs

    • Hybrid approach - standard base with custom modifications This flexibility ensures the perfect solution for your site and budget.

  • We're experienced in challenging environmental conditions:

    • BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) compliant construction

    • Flood-resistant design and materials

    • Cyclone/wind-rated construction for coastal areas

    • Specialised materials and construction techniques

    • Additional certifications and approvals managed

  • Absolutely! Our comprehensive service includes:

    • Contract of sale reviews for investment properties

    • Financing broker recommendations experienced with granny flats

    • Investment strategy advice for optimal returns

    • Rental management referrals for ongoing property management

    • Tax advice referrals for depreciation and deductions

  • We accommodate reasonable variations:

    • Minor changes can often be incorporated during construction

    • Transparent variation pricing with written approval required

    • Impact assessment on timeline and approvals

    • Quality assurance maintained throughout any changes All variations are documented and approved before proceeding

  • Yes, comprehensive ongoing support:

    • 90-day maintenance period post-completion

    • Warranty service for any defects or issues

    • Annual maintenance recommendations and service

    • Upgrade advice for future improvements

    • Ongoing consultation for any questions or concerns

Chat with Malora Homes
about your small home today.

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