Finding room for the important things in life

Family life has a funny way of throwing curveballs at you. One minute you’re empty nesters enjoying the quiet, the next you’re wondering how to fit everyone back under one roof, or at least nearby. Maybe it’s parents who need a bit more support as they get older, or adult kids back at home while they save for their first place. Whatever the situation, the challenge is always the same: how do you create space for everyone to live comfortably together while still maintaining some independence?

This is where Premier Homes’ Small Second Dwellings (SSDs) and Granny Flats come in. As well as being trendy additions and value-adds to your property, they also provide practical solutions that let families stay connected without stepping on each other’s toes.

What Exactly Are Small Second Dwellings?

Small Second Dwellings (SSDs) are compact, self-contained homes under 60 square metres. Think of them as perfectly formed little houses that pack everything you need into a smart, efficient design. Granny Flats, on the other hand, are over 60 square metres and offer more room to spread out.

Both can serve as what’s called a Dependent Person Unit (DPU). This isn’t as clinical as it sounds, it just means the dwelling is designed specifically to house a family member who might need some extra support or just wants to be closer to their loved ones. It could be for aging parents who want to maintain their independence but have family nearby, or even for adult children who need their own space while getting back on their feet.

The beauty of both Small Second Dwellings and Granny Flats is that they can be tailored to work as Dependent Person Units, designed around exactly what your family member needs to live comfortably and safely.

Making the Most of what you’ve Got .

Australian properties come in all shapes and sizes, and not all of them make building a second dwelling straight forward. Steep blocks, narrow access, heritage overlays, council restrictions; there’s often something that makes the job a bit trickier than you’d hope.

But that’s where good design really proves its worth. Take Premier Homes’ Sterling Villa project in Tullamarine, for example. This Small Second Dwelling had to work within some pretty tight constraints: it’s built quite close to the main house with limited space to work with. But by maximising every square metre and adding a connecting deck between the two homes, we created not just a functional Dependent Person Unit, but a shared outdoor space where the whole family can come together.

The Sterling Villa shows how a well-planned SSD can include all the essentials; a U-shaped kitchen that’s both practical and accessible, an ensuite bathroom right off the main bedroom, and thoughtful touches accessible features that make daily life easier for whoever’s living there.

Designs That Actually Work for Real Families

Every family’s situation is different, which is why having a range of SSD and Granny Flat designs to choose from makes such a difference. Our Bulla 60 is a great example of how a one-bedroom unit can feel surprisingly spacious and light-filled, perfect for an elderly parent who wants their own space but doesn’t need a lot of room.

If you need something a bit bigger, our Heathcote 60 offers a contemporary two-bedroom layout with an open-plan design that maximises natural light. It’s still technically a Small Second Dwelling, but with room for a couple or someone who likes having a spare room for visitors.

For those situations where privacy is paramount, the Ivanhoe design includes dual ensuites, perfect when you want to future-proof the space or accommodate a couple who each need their own bathroom setup.

If storage is a big concern, the Genesis 60 Small Second Dwelling has been designed with plenty of built-in storage solutions, so no one has to feel cramped in their own home.

Moving into Granny Flat territory, designs like the Yarra Cottage bring that classic farmhouse charm, while the Lyndhurst 60 offers joined living areas and even includes a study, perfect for someone who’s semi-retired but still needs a workspace.

The key with any of these designs, whether it’s a compact SSD or a more spacious Granny Flat, is that they can all be adapted to work as Dependent Person Units. That means incorporating accessibility features, adjusting layouts for mobility needs, or simply making sure the design works for your family member’s specific situation.

Planning for the Long Term

When you’re thinking about adding a Small Second Dwelling or Granny Flat to your property, it’s worth considering how it might serve your family over time. A Dependent Person Unit for aging parents today might become a teenage retreat tomorrow, or a place for adult children to get their start in a few years’ time. This is why working with builders who understand the versatility these dwellings need to offer is so important. It’s not just about meeting today’s needs, it’s about creating a space that can adapt as your family’s circumstances change. The design process with Premier Homes takes everything into account, from wheelchair accessibility and grab rail placement to kitchen bench heights and door widths. We also consider how the space connects to your main home, where the outdoor areas are positioned, and how the whole setup works for your family’s daily rhythms.

Making It Happen

One of the biggest concerns people have about Small Second Dwellings and Granny Flats is whether their block can accommodate one. The good news is that with thoughtful design, most properties can make it work, even those with challenging characteristics. At Premier Homes, we’ve seen it all, and made it work. Steep slopes, narrow access, limited space, and council restrictions are all problems that can be solved with the right approach.

The Real Value of Keeping Family Close

At the end of the day, Small Second Dwellings and Granny Flats aren’t just about adding square metres to your property. They’re about creating space for the relationships that matter most.

If you’re considering how a Small Second Dwelling or Granny Flat might work for your family, the best place to start is with a conversation about what you’re hoping to achieve. Every family’s situation is unique, and the solution should be too. The team at Premier Homes is dedicated to finding the perfect solution for each and every client, and works with you to nail down the best build. Contact us today with any questions, or to start laying the foundations for your home add-on.

Premier Homes and Granny Flats – Keeping Families together .