Why more Aussies are turning to granny flats as a smarter, faster solution

Part 1 of Let’s Be Real — Buying a Home in Australia Is Getting Bloody Hard

Buying a home in Australia has never felt more out of reach. With rising interest rates, eye-watering median house prices, and the rental crisis squeezing families from both ends, it’s no wonder Australians are looking for alternatives. For many, the traditional path to home ownership just isn’t cutting it anymore — and granny flats are stepping in as a surprisingly powerful solution.

The Cost of a Traditional Home Is Getting Out of Control

Let’s start with the obvious: price. In major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, median house prices now range from $800K to well over $1.2 million. Add stamp duty, loan interest, council delays, and it’s easy to see why the dream of owning a home is slipping away — even for dual-income households.

Granny flats, on the other hand, offer a path that’s more affordable, council-ready, and NCC compliant. With options starting from just $99K for a DIY kit or $135K as a Complete Package, families can secure a Class 1a certified home without the seven-figure debt.

🏠 “Class 1a” is the NCC classification for habitable buildings like houses and granny flats. It ensures the structure is legally liveable, insurable, and built to full code.

Renting Is Just As Brutal — and Getting Worse

Even for those not looking to buy, the rental market is offering no reprieve. Vacancy rates are at record lows, and rent prices continue to surge month after month. According to CoreLogic, national rents rose over 10% in the past year — with some areas climbing far faster.

This is pushing more families to explore secondary dwellings on existing land — especially those with older children, ageing parents, or simply too many people under one roof.

Add a self-contained granny flat for independence and space

Stay close to family while reducing living costs

Retain the value of the main dwelling

For investors, the numbers stack up too. Granny flats are Class 1a dwellings, meaning they’re legal to rent out (pending council approval), with higher yields and lower upfront costs than a full investment property.

💡 “Council-ready” means a building meets baseline zoning and compliance checks to streamline the CDC approval pathway. Not every block qualifies, but most residential-zoned properties do.

Why Granny Flats Are Booming Right Now

It’s not just cost and availability — it’s also about speed and certainty. Traditional home builds are plagued by delays, cost blowouts, and builder insolvencies. But Expandify’s homes are manufactured in controlled conditions offshore, then delivered and installed in a matter of weeks.

And unlike dodgy “transportable's” or converted sheds, Expandify homes are:

NCC compliant and fully engineered

Installed by licensed Australian builders

Covered by structural and fittings warranties

Customised to match real family needs (1 to 4 bedrooms)

This is making them a go-to for buyers who want certainty, speed, and peace of mind — without compromising on legal compliance or liveability.

🔧 “NCC compliant” means the home is built to the National Construction Code — including energy efficiency, structural integrity, and bushfire safety.

What’s Actually Included?

A lot more than you might expect. Every Expandify home — whether DIY or Complete Package — includes:

Full steel frame and wall systems

Insulated wall, roof, and subfloor panels

Complete internal fit-out: kitchen, bathroom, laundry

Tapware, fixtures, and decorative finishes (not just a shell)

Modwood decking to stairs and patio

Electrical and plumbing pre-run (just connect on-site)

There are no smoke-and-mirror “base model” tactics. What’s advertised is real, and the only extras are for site access or approval upgrades — all explained upfront.

Real Stories: Why Aussies Are Choosing Expandify

The Downsizers: After selling their family home, Rob and Maree moved into an Expandify Peak to live closer to their kids. It gave them independence, affordability, and a beautiful space — without touching their retirement savings.

The Solo Parent: Sarah needed an affordable home to live in on her parents’ land after her divorce. She got a fully installed Crest model for under $150K — no rent, no mortgage.

The Young Investor: Matt added a secondary dwelling on his rental property in Newcastle. He now earns $580 per week from the granny flat alone, with a 6-year ROI.

Quick Questions

Can I live in a granny flat full-time?
Yes — if it’s a Class 1a certified dwelling like Expandify’s homes, it is legal and fully compliant for permanent occupation.

Do I need council approval for a granny flat?
Yes. In most areas, this is through a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) or full Development Approval (DA), depending on the site and usage. Expandify handles the full process for Complete Packages.

Thinking About It?

Granny flats aren’t just for grannies anymore. They’re fast becoming the smarter way to build — with less stress, lower costs, and more flexibility.

If you're ready to explore a home that’s council-ready, NCC compliant, and designed to suit real Aussie living — we’re here to help.

📞 Call us: 0468 EXPAND (0468 397 263)
📧 Email: admin@expandify.com.au
📅 Book a free consultation: https://calendly.com/expandifyaus