by Granny Flat Builder | Jun 24, 2026 | Granny Flats
The NSW Government has made it easier for farmers to use their land for tourism activities, such as farm experiences, cellar doors and farm stays. As a farmer, you can diversify and add value to your agricultural business, while maintaining primary
production as the principal use of your land. The FAQ shared here is sourced directly from the NSW Planning Website.
NSW Department of Planning and Environment – Frequently asked questions
What are the planning rules for agritourism?
There are land uses for on-farm activities that can be carried out as exempt or complying development, or under a development application. The land uses are:
- Farm gate premises– where visitors interact with produce from the farm, such as fruit picking, sales, tastings, workshops and cafes.
- Farm experience premises– where visitors can experience life on a farm including tours, horse riding, weddings, functions and retreats.
- Farm stay accommodation– where visitors can stay in buildings or moveable dwellings, including tents and caravans, on a farm.
You can read the full definitions in the Standard Instrument – Principal Local Environmental Plan 2006 and they are replicated in all Standard Instrument LEPs.
These land uses can only be undertaken on a commercial farm and must be ancillary (secondary) to the farm. A commercial farm means a farm on which agriculture is undertaken that is on land categorised as farmland under the Local Government Act 1993 by the local council, or that is a primary production business under the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (Cth). It also includes a business that was a primary production business and has temporarily ceased to be a primary
production business because of a natural disaster, including a drought, flood or bush fire.
What are farm gate premises?
Farm gate premises are a way for landowners to showcase the agricultural produce of the land. This may include setting up a building or place to sell agricultural products such as a small restaurant or café, pick-your-own produce or running tastings and workshops. Other activities that meet the definition for farm gate premises can also be undertaken.
What are farm experience premises?
Farm experience premises allow a farmer to provide small scale and low impact tourist and recreational activities and events on their farm to visitors to experience the farm and farm life. They can include farm tours, school visits, retreats, weddings, conferences, horse riding and farm field days. Other activities that meet the definition for farm experience premises can also be undertaken.
What is farm stay accommodation?
Farm stay accommodation includes erecting tents and having caravans or campervans on your land, changing the use of residential accommodation to farm stay accommodation, erecting a building or modifying an existing building to provide temporary accommodation to paying guests of the farm.
How does the policy help me?
The agritourism land uses allow innovative agritourism activities on farms. Rather than having to get a development application, landowners can set up agritourism businesses with either fast-tracked approval (through complying development) or no planning or building approval (through exempt development) if they meet the requirements set out in the policy.
- Exempt development is minor, low-impact development that can be undertaken without planning or building approval if the work meets specified development standards and general requirements.
- Complying development is a combined planning and construction approval for straightforward development that can be determined through a fast-track assessment by the council or a registered certifier. Complying development must also meet specified development standards and general requirements.
If your development cannot meet the general requirements or development standards for exempt or complying development, you will need to lodge a development application with your council. Council is the best source for advice on whether you can lodge a development application and what information you need to provide. General information about development applications is also available at planningportal.nsw.gov.au.
What matters do I need to consider in my council area?
Land requirements
Farm stay accommodation, farm experience premises, farm gate premises and roadside stalls can be carried out as exempt or complying development in these zones in the council’s LEP:
- RU1 (Primary Production)
- RU2 (Rural Landscape)
- RU4 (Primary Production Small Lots).
For exempt development, in addition to these zones, farm stay accommodation, farm experience premises and farm gate premises can be carried out in other zones where development for ‘agritourism’, ‘extensive agriculture’, ‘intensive livestock agriculture’ or ‘intensive plant agriculture’ is permitted with consent or without consent under the council’s LEP.
To carry out complying development, the land use – for example, farm gate premises – must also be permissible with consent in the zone. This permissibility is set out in the council’s LEP.
Permissibility is also important for development applications. Farm experience premises and farm gate premises are permissible with consent in RU1, RU2 and RU4 zones under each Standard Instrument LEP. They are also permissible with consent in other zones where ‘agriculture’, ‘agritourism’ or the specific land use, ‘farm experience premises’ or ‘farm gate premises’, is permitted with consent, unless the use is specifically prohibited in the zone. Farm stay accommodation is permitted with consent where ‘tourist and visitor accommodation’ or ‘farm stay accommodation’ is permitted with consent, unless the use is specifically prohibited in the zone.
Certain sensitive land is excluded from complying and exempt development, such as critical habitat, floodway areas, special areas in certain drinking water catchments and significantly contaminated land.
Development Standards
The development standards for exempt and complying development include the maximum number of guests or visitors, operating hours, minimum setbacks to neighbours and waterways, the maximum size and number of buildings, and requirements for waste management, access to the property and car parking. The development standards for development applications are set out in the council’s LEP and development control plan (DCP).
Other requirements
To undertake any building work for agritourism, the work must be constructed in accordance with the Building Code of Australia. You may also need to meet requirements under other legislation that are not related to the planning rules. For example, to serve food at an event you may have obligations under the NSW Food Act 2003.
I have a hobby farm. Do the changes apply to me?
No. The land use terms for farm stay accommodation, farm experience premises and farm gate premises only apply where the main use of the land is the production of agricultural goods for commercial purposes. A key objective of the agritourism policy is to ensure primary production remains the principal use of
farmland and the policy has been developed to achieve that objective. This includes by allowing agritourism only on a commercial farm on which agriculture is undertaken.
How do I demonstrate I have a commercial farm?
A farmer can demonstrate they have a commercial farm in one of two ways. They can demonstrate their farm has been categorised as farmland by the council under the Local Government Act 1993 or that they have a primary production business as defined under the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (Cth). You can check your council annual rate notice to find out the categorisation of your land under the Local Government Act or the council can confirm the categorisation.
Could I set up multiple agritourism activities on my property?
Yes. You could set up multiple activities on your property provided each activity has the necessary planning approval in place (or in the case of exempt development, meets all the required development standards and general requirements). The agritourism land uses are intended to complement one another. For example, you could have people staying at your property in farm stay accommodation and also allow visitors to buy produce from farm gate premises.
Can I earn more income from my agritourism proposal than from my agricultural business?
The agritourism land uses have been designed to complement agricultural production rather than detract from it. It is important to retain agricultural uses of farmland now and into the future. While you could earn more income from your agritourism business than your primary production business, particularly during periods of drought or other temporary reasons outside your control, you must continue to have a commercial farm to run your agritourism business and the agritourism activities must be ancillary (secondary) to the farm.
Do I need approval to use my rural workers’ dwelling for farm stay accommodation?
If a rural workers’ dwelling on your land is an approved development, you can change the use to farm stay accommodation without further planning or building approval (exempt development). You must not contravene any of the conditions of the development consent that applies to the land. Once the farm stay accommodation is no longer needed – for example at the end of school holidays – you can change the use of the building back to a rural workers’ dwelling as exempt development. You will need to comply with the requirements of the development consent that was issued for the rural workers’ dwelling. This recognises agriculture can be seasonal and allows farmers flexibility in using existing buildings on their land.
Can manufactured homes or relocatable homes be used or installed for farm stay accommodation?
Certain development can be undertaken in a manufactured home under exempt and complying development. An existing manufactured home on a farm can be converted to farm stay accommodation as exempt development. Alterations and additions to an existing manufactured home can be undertaken as complying development. Standards apply to each type of development. Manufactured home is defined to mean ‘a self-contained dwelling (that is, a dwelling that includes
at least one kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and living area and that also includes toilet and laundry facilities), being a dwelling—
(a) that comprises one or more major sections, and
(b) that is not a motor vehicle, trailer or other registrable vehicle within the meaning of the Road Transport Act 2013,
and includes any associated structures that form part of the dwelling.’
To install a manufactured home or relocatable home on a farm, the landowner would need to seek the council’s approval under the Local Government Act 1993 and may need to lodge a development application with the council if the land use requires development consent under the local environmental plan.
Do I need to register farm stay accommodation on the Short-Term Rental Accommodation Register?
No. Farm stay accommodation is not required to be registered on the Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) register, however any building used for farm stay accommodation must comply with the relevant requirements of the Fire Safety Standard for STRA.
What is the Agritourism and Farm Stay Accommodation Exempt and Complying Development Map?
The Agritourism and Farm Stay Accommodation Exempt and Complying Development Map sets out areas where the agritourism provisions under exempt and complying development do not apply. The map currently only identifies certain Special Areas in the Hunter region and the provisions therefore do not apply to these areas. The map is available on the NSW Planning Portal.
Partnering with Aplus for Planning, Design, and DA Work
Once you’ve explored the possibilities and gathered essential information, engaging a professional team can significantly simplify the planning, design, and DA processes.
Aplus, with its wealth of experience, can collaborate with you to bring your vision to life. From concept plans to complying development or if needed – DA submission, our expertise can navigate the intricacies of farm-stay accommodation, turning your extra income stream into a reality.
Building your farm stay accommodation business requires careful planning, adherence to zoning regulations, and effective communication with the local Council. By conducting thorough research, initiating early conversations, and collaborating with experienced professionals like Aplus, you can transform your dream into a flourishing business venture. The tranquillity of rural NSW awaits, and with the right approach, your accommodation business can become a welcoming haven for travellers seeking a taste of the countryside.
by Granny Flat Builder | Jun 24, 2026 | Granny Flats
Yes, you can have both a studio and a granny flat on the same property, provided they are separate structures and comply with local zoning regulations. Essentially, a property can include a primary dwelling (main house), a secondary dwelling (granny flat), and a non-habitable or ancillary structure (studio). However, there are specific rules that must be followed to ensure compliance with local planning laws.
Key Differences: Granny Flat vs. Studio
Understanding the distinction between a granny flat and a studio is essential for determining what is permitted on your property:
- Granny Flat (Secondary Dwelling): A granny flat is legally classified as a secondary dwelling. It is designed for full-time habitation and typically includes living space, a bedroom, a kitchen, and a bathroom.
- Studio (Ancillary Structure): A studio is usually considered an ancillary or non-habitable structure, meaning it is intended for activities like hobbies, art, music, or a home office. A studio may lack full kitchen or bathroom facilities and is not designed for permanent residence.
Zoning and Regulations in NSW
Before planning a studio and granny flat on the same property, it’s crucial to check local council regulations. Some important considerations include:
- Size Restrictions: Granny flats in NSW are generally limited to 60 square metres in size under Complying Development regulations. Studios or ancillary structures may also be subject to size limits, depending on council rules.
- Approval Requirements: A granny flat can usually be built under a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) if it meets planning guidelines. A separate studio structure may require a Development Application (DA), depending on its size and intended use.
- Land Zoning: Ensure that your property is in a zone that permits secondary dwellings and ancillary structures. Some councils impose restrictions on the number of detached structures allowed per lot.
Placement and Design Considerations
- Separate Structures: The granny flat and the studio should be distinct buildings and not attached to the main house.
- Usage Limitations: A studio cannot legally function as a secondary dwelling if it does not meet habitable building standards (e.g., a bathroom and kitchen facilities).
- Privacy & Access: Consider access pathways and privacy between the structures to create a functional and comfortable layout.
Having both a granny flat and a studio on the same property can be a great way to maximise space and functionality. Whether you need additional living space for family or a dedicated work area, ensuring compliance with NSW zoning laws and council requirements will help you avoid any legal issues. Always check with your local council or a qualified builder before proceeding with construction.
by Granny Flat Builder | Jun 24, 2026 | Completed Granny Flats, Granny Flats, Investment, Newcastle
In high-demand rental areas like Shortland, adding a secondary dwelling to your property isn’t just practical—it’s profitable. This recently completed two-bedroom granny flat was built for investment purposes and now generates an estimated $27,000 in annual rental income, based on a current median rent of $525 per week (source: domain.com.au, June 2025).
The Design: The Dock – Modified for Market Appeal
The base design is The Dock, one of Aplus’s most popular two-bedroom granny flat layouts. It’s efficient, attractive, and versatile—perfect for rental use. For this project, a few key upgrades were made to enhance appeal and functionality:
Raked ceiling with square-set cornice to the living, kitchen and dining areas
Island bench in place of the standard L-shaped kitchen for improved flow
Sliding door off the dining area, adding natural light and outdoor connection
Niche to shower, dishwasher provision, and an upgraded toilet
Attached configuration to suit block layout and maximise yard space
The rest of the finishes were kept to Aplus’s standard inclusions—ensuring the project stayed on budget while still delivering a high-quality, low-maintenance home.
Built Fast Under CDC with Steel Frame Construction
Approved via Complying Development Certificate (CDC), this project moved quickly through approvals and construction. The build commenced on 22 January 2025 and reached Practical Completion by 17 April 2025—just 12 weeks on-site.
The structure was built on a slab-on-ground (SOG) using a steel frame and truss system, making it ideal for long-term durability and investor peace of mind.
Compliant with BAL 12.5 Bushfire Regulations
The dwelling meets BAL 12.5 requirements with features that include:
These additions provide protection for tenants and ensure long-term compliance in bushfire-prone regions.
Rental Returns: $525 Per Week in Passive Income
With Newcastle’s ongoing rental demand and land values rising, granny flats like this are a smart move for owners looking to boost yield.
In Shortland, two-bedroom homes are currently leasing for a median of $525 per week, equating to an estimated $27,300 per year in rental income.
That kind of return makes building a granny flat a compelling strategy for:
Generating passive income
Increasing the value of your property
Leveraging underutilised land
Future-proofing your investment
Minimal Extras, Strong ROI
By sticking to standard inclusions where possible, and choosing value-focused upgrades, this investor was able to build an attractive rental property without overspending. It’s a strong example of how Aplus helps clients build for return—not just resale.
Granny Flat Investment Newcastle Project Gallery
Want to Add $27K a Year to Your Investment Property?
A two-bedroom granny flat can generate serious rental income in the right area—and Aplus can help you get there. From concept and approval to construction and handover, we handle the details so you can focus on the return.
Book a free site inspection today to find out what’s possible on your block—anywhere in NSW or the ACT.
Find out what’s possible on your block. We build investment-ready granny flats across NSW and the ACT.
by Granny Flat Builder | Jun 24, 2026 | Completed Granny Flats, Granny Flats, Hunter Valley, Investment, The Dock
For time-poor landlords and property investors, granny flats offer a powerful way to maximise income on existing land. This recently completed two-bedroom granny flat in Metford, built under Maitland City Council via the CDC pathway, is a prime example—delivering an estimated $26k per year in additional income (based on current median rent of $500/week, source: domain.com.au, June 2025).
Built for Investment: Trusted by Buyer’s Agents
This project was commissioned by a buyer’s agent acting on behalf of investors who were building a portfolio and needed high-return secondary dwellings without the hassle.
From design and colours to quoting and construction, Aplus worked primarily with the agent to deliver a turnkey result—with minimal input needed from the owners.
Many buyer’s agents recommend Aplus for our combination of cost-effective builds, fast CDC approvals, and a track record of delivering quality outcomes that suit investment budgets.
The Design: The Dock – Kept Simple and Effective
This granny flat follows the standard Dock layout—a compact two-bedroom home designed for efficient construction, practical living, and broad tenant appeal.
The owners selected standard inclusions throughout, proving you don’t need to upgrade everything to get a high-performing rental. Key features include:
Open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area
Functional bathroom with modern fittings
Built-in wardrobes to both bedrooms
Neutral, low-maintenance finishes ideal for tenants
With its simple, proven layout and no-frills inclusions, the flat ticks every box for long-term rental durability.
Construction: Fast, Reliable, and CDC-Approved
The build was completed in 2024 under a Complying Development Certificate (CDC)—meaning no lengthy council DA process. That’s ideal for investors focused on return timelines.
Built on a slab-on-ground with a steel frame and truss system, the structure is solid, fast to assemble, and suited to long-term investment properties where reliability and low maintenance matter most.
Estimated Rental Income: Up to $26k Per Year
Based on the current median rent of $500/week for 2-bedroom homes in Metford and East Maitland, this secondary dwelling is expected to generate over $26,000 in yearly income—on top of the existing rent from the main home.
Whether used to boost yield or improve cash flow on a negatively geared property, granny flats like this one are one of the smartest add-ons available in today’s market.
Granny Flat Investment in Metford Project Gallery
A Proven Strategy for Busy Investors
This project shows how investors can efficiently add value to existing properties without blowing the budget or overcomplicating the process. Using standard finishes, CDC approval, and a trusted buyer’s agent, the project was simple, fast, and profitable.
Want to Build a Granny Flat Investment in Maitland or the Hunter?
If you’re a property investor—or a buyer’s agent working on behalf of one—Aplus can deliver fast, compliant, investment-grade granny flats across NSW and the ACT. Book a free site inspection today, or contact us to request a quote that suits your budget and your block.
by Granny Flat Builder | Jun 24, 2026 | Central Coast, Completed Granny Flats, Custom Granny Flats, Granny Flats, Investment
For this savvy Central Coast investor, adding a granny flat to their San Remo property was about more than just ticking a box. It was a chance to maximise rental potential while showcasing great spatial thinking—and the result is a smart 60m², two-bedroom home that delivers both liveability and return on investment.
Approved via DA and completed in 2024, this project was handled by Mick (Sales) and Chris (Project Management), who brought the client’s vision to life from an existing custom layout.
Clever Design, Created for Rental Appeal
While many granny flats follow a typical L-shape or corridor layout, this custom floor plan breaks the mould. The client had a clear spatial strategy: place the bathroom and both bedrooms into one corner, freeing up the rest of the home for an expansive open-plan living, dining, and kitchen zone.
This design means:
Less hallway = more usable space
Smoother furniture placement and uncluttered walls
A wide double sliding door opens to the side yard—ideal for creating indoor-outdoor flow for future tenants
This orientation not only improves privacy between bedrooms and living zones, but allows clear side access—a highly desirable feature for renters or guests.
Built to Perform, With Timber and Bearers & Joists
Constructed on bearers and joists with a timber frame and truss system, the home is built for long-term durability and compliance. The design adheres to all applicable energy efficiency and BASIX requirements, including:
R2.5 wall insulation & R3.0 ceiling insulation
Rainwater tank connected to toilet and laundry
Air conditioning installed to both bedrooms and the living area
Sealed LED lighting and ventilation to BCA standards
Thoughtful Upgrades That Tenants Will Appreciate
The client came to us with a clear layout in mind, and from there, worked closely with our team to fine-tune both the design and finishes. Together, we focused on smart, rental-friendly upgrades—features that lift the appeal of the home without pushing the budget beyond what makes sense for an investment.
Key upgrades include:
Kitchen island bench to separate the living space and create extra prep room
Tiling to full ceiling height in the bathroom for a polished look
Wall-hung vanity and upgraded shaving cabinet
Pull-out spray mixer tap in the kitchen
Carpet to bedrooms for comfort and warmth
These touches help elevate the flat beyond a basic fit-out, making it more appealing to quality tenants looking for a home, not just a rental.
$460 Weekly Rent Potential in San Remo
According to Domain.com.au, the median rent for two-bedroom homes in San Remo is $460 per week—or almost $24,000 annually. That’s a strong return for a 60m² footprint, especially when built on an already owned investment property.
This project shows what’s possible when you combine a great block, a clear rental strategy, and a team that knows how to execute a custom design efficiently.
Custom San Remo Granny Flat
An Investor Build That Sets the Standard
From the considered layout to smart upgrade choices, this San Remo granny flat is a strong example of how Aplus supports investors—from early layout review through to council submission and handover. With standard compliance, thoughtful selections, and experienced project management, the outcome is a rental-ready secondary dwelling designed to generate income from day one.
Thinking about building a granny flat to generate income?
Whether you’ve already drafted a layout or are just exploring options, we can help you build a smart, compliant and rentable secondary dwelling across NSW and the ACT.
📍 We build across NSW and the ACT
📝 Book a free site inspection to get started
💰 Ask us how much rental return your property could generate
by Granny Flat Builder | Jun 24, 2026 | Granny Flats
CDC vs DA: What’s the Difference When Building a Granny Flat?
If you’re thinking about building a granny flat, there’s a lot to get excited about—from extra space and rental income to adding value to your property. But before you can start building, you’ll need the right approvals in place.
Understanding the difference between a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) and a Development Application (DA) is a key step in the planning process. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right path forward.
What is a CDC?
A Complying Development Certificate (CDC) is a fast-tracked approval process that combines both planning and construction approval. It’s designed for straightforward projects that meet specific criteria set by the NSW government.
If your site and proposed granny flat meet these requirements, a CDC is usually the quickest and simplest option. Best of all, it can be handled by a private certifier—meaning you don’t need to go through council.
What is a DA?
A Development Application (DA) is a more traditional approval process managed by your local council. It involves a formal assessment of your plans against council guidelines, including things like setbacks, streetscape, and environmental impact.
Even if your proposed design doesn’t meet all guidelines, councils may still grant approval if the overall proposal is considered reasonable—offering more flexibility than a CDC in some cases.
How Much Does a CDC or DA Cost?
CDC costs:
The cost of a CDC varies based on the complexity of your build and the certifier’s fees. On average, you can expect to pay around $2,500 to $3,500 for the application.
DA costs:
Development Application costs can vary widely, typically ranging from $2,000 to $9,000, depending on council fees, consultant reports, and any required adjustments to your plans.
Keep in mind that both paths will also require a Construction Certificate before work begins, which carries its own fees.
How Long Does the Approval Process Take?
CDC timeline:
If your block is straightforward and all required documents (like surveys and drawings) are ready, approval can be obtained in as little as 4 to 8 weeks.
DA timeline:
A DA takes significantly longer—usually 4 to 6 months, depending on your council’s workload. It can take even longer if there are objections or requests for amendments.
Pros and Cons of a CDC
Pros:
Faster and simpler than a DA
Can be approved by a private certifier
Suitable for straightforward sites
Can sometimes be lodged before land registration
Cons:
Pros and Cons of a DA
Pros:
Cons:
Slower processing time (up to six months or more)
More complex and often requires more documentation
Council response times can vary significantly
So, Which Option is Right for You?
If your site meets the CDC requirements, that’s usually the best path—faster, simpler, and often cheaper. But if your land isn’t eligible for a CDC, don’t be discouraged. A DA might take longer, but it can still get you to the finish line.
At Aplus Granny Flats, we work with both approval pathways and guide you through the process from start to finish. Whether it’s a quick CDC or a more complex DA, our experienced team knows how to navigate the regulations—and get your granny flat built.
Thinking of building a granny flat? Get in touch today and let’s talk about what’s possible on your property
