New Granny Flat Reforms in Western Australia: Boosting Housing Supply and Diversity

The Western Australian government has introduced significant planning reforms to increase housing supply and diversity across the state. These reforms include amendments to the Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) that extend exemptions for compliant ancillary dwellings, commonly known as granny flats. Under the new regulations, compliant granny flats up to 70 square metres on residential lots of any size will no longer require planning approval. This change streamlines the development process and reduces red tape for homeowners looking to add a granny flat to their property.

Furthermore, the previous requirement of a minimum lot size of 350 square metres for granny flats has been removed, making it easier for more homeowners to take advantage of this housing option. Parking requirements have also been relaxed, with granny flats no longer needing to provide an extra car bay, except in specific locations where public transport is less accessible.

These reforms build upon previous initiatives that removed the need for planning approval for specific change-of-use applications and small residential projects. They are part of the Cook Government's broader efforts to increase housing supply and align with the National Planning Reform Blueprint. They also support the government's $2.6 billion investment in housing and homelessness measures. The granny flat reforms have the potential to significantly impact the housing market in Western Australia by providing more affordable and diverse housing options for residents. They may also create new opportunities for investors and developers to capitalise on the growing demand for smaller, more flexible living spaces.