Can I rent out a granny flat in Queensland?

Yes. Since 2022 a secondary dwelling can be rented to anyone, not just family members.

How big can a granny flat be?

Size limits come from your council's planning scheme and the Queensland Development Code, not one statewide number. Many schemes cap the floor area of a secondary dwelling and set minimum distances to the boundary — check your scheme or your certifier before you draw plans.

Does a granny flat need its own water and sewer connection?

Plumbing approval is needed, and some councils require a separate connection or a check of the sewer capacity. Ask your council's water and sewer team early — it can affect cost and timing.

Do I need council approval for a granny flat in Queensland?

Short answer

Usually no planning approval needed. A granny flat — what the planning rules call a secondary dwelling — is treated as part of a dwelling house. In most residential zones that means you don't need a development application, provided the build meets the scheme's requirements and no flood, bushfire, landslide or heritage overlay applies. You still need a building approval and a plumbing approval.

Check your own property

Add the address, or choose your council, to see the answer for your zone. Different project?

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Council Zone

The zone is on your rates notice, or a Landbrief site report will find it for you.

The Queensland position

A secondary dwelling is treated as part of a dwelling house. Most Queensland planning schemes make a dwelling house accepted development in residential zones when it meets the scheme's requirements, so you usually don't need a development application. An overlay such as flood, bushfire, landslide or heritage can change that. Since 2022 a secondary dwelling can be rented to anyone.

What usually happens: a building approval from a private certifier and a plumbing approval, plus a check that the scheme's requirements for a dwelling house (setbacks, height, site cover) are met.

What else you'll need

Building approval
Plumbing approval

By council

These councils' own tables of assessment, read zone by zone:

Common questions

Do I need council approval for a granny flat in Queensland?: Usually not a development application. A secondary dwelling counts as part of a dwelling house, which most Queensland planning schemes make accepted development in residential zones when it meets the scheme's requirements. You do need a building approval, normally from a private certifier, and a plumbing approval. An overlay such as flood, bushfire or heritage can turn it into a development application.
Can I rent out a granny flat in Queensland?: Yes. Since 2022 a secondary dwelling can be rented to anyone, not just family members.
How big can a granny flat be?: Size limits come from your council's planning scheme and the Queensland Development Code, not one statewide number. Many schemes cap the floor area of a secondary dwelling and set minimum distances to the boundary — check your scheme or your certifier before you draw plans.
Does a granny flat need its own water and sewer connection?: Plumbing approval is needed, and some councils require a separate connection or a check of the sewer capacity. Ask your council's water and sewer team early — it can affect cost and timing.

Other projects

Dual occupancy Subdivide Shed or carport Extension Pool Fence or wall Home business Townhouses Shop, café or office Clear trees Demolish

General information, not advice. The council's planning scheme and the Planning Act 2016 decide — confirm with the council or a town planner before you build.