NOW UP TO 80 Sqm: Small Second Dwellings in Victoria - SSD
Victoria’s small second dwelling planning limit has increased from 60sqm to 80sqm
Victoria’s Small Second Dwelling planning limit has increased from 60sqm to 80sqm — more room for your second home. Considering a home in your backyard?
Sure-Lock Homes designs and builds on site across Melbourne’s western and northern suburbs. We assess your property, develop a suitable design and help coordinate the relevant planning pathway, building permit and construction. Site suitability and applicable approval requirements must be confirmed for each project.
Designed around your property Up to 80sqm | Built on your property Approvals process managed
GET A QUOTE | BOOK A SITE ASSESSMENT
Call Sure-Lock Homes: 0419 561 584
A Small Second Dwelling is a self-contained home with a total floor area of 80sqm or less under Victoria’s planning provisions, located on the same lot as an existing home. Every Sure-Lock Homes SSD begins with a property assessment. The final layout is developed for the available space, access, services, intended use and applicable siting, amenity, design, safety and approval requirements. For an 80sqm design, the building surveyor must confirm the applicable building requirements and
permit pathway.
• Kitchen and food-preparation facilities
• Living and dining space
• Bedroom accommodation suited to the approved design
• Bathroom, toilet and laundry facilities
• Practical storage
• Natural light and ventilation
• Safe access from the front street
• Outdoor connection where the site and approved design allow
The design and scope of each Small Second Dwelling are developed around the site, access, ground conditions, services, finishes, approvals and your requirements. After reviewing your property, we can explain the likely requirements and provide a project-specific proposal.
One team. One process. One new home.
• Initial project consultation
• Property and site assessment
• Design development
• Planning permit pathway, where applicable
• Building permit coordination
• On-site construction
• Completion and handover
Keep family close, with room to live independently
Create a private home for parents, adult children or other family members while keeping support nearby.
Consider rental income
Victorian guidance allows a qualifying small second dwelling to be rented, subject to applicable requirements and residential tenancy obligations.
Create flexible guest accommodation
Give visitors their own comfortable space without sacrificing bedrooms or living areas in your existing home.
Make better use of your land
Transform underused backyard space into a practical dwelling designed around your block.
Build for changing needs
A second living space can adapt as your household, work and lifestyle change over time.
Focused 80sqm expertise
We develop practical 80sqm layouts around the property and current requirements. We will not rely on superseded brochure plans; the design used for pricing, approvals and construction must be the
current project-specific version.
Built on site
Your dwelling is constructed on your property and tailored to the practical characteristics of the block.
Approvals support
We help manage the relevant planning and building permit pathway, reducing the number of moving parts you need to coordinate.
Clear guidance from the start
We begin with the site, because access, services, easements, setbacks, overlays and existing conditions can determine what is possible.
Local service
We work with homeowners across Melbourne’s western and northern suburbs.
Every property is different. Lot dimensions, the existing home, vehicle and construction access, easements, services, setbacks, garden area, planning overlays and ground conditions may all effect the design and approval pathway. The best first step is not choosing a floor plan—it is assessing your property.
Think your backyard could work?
BOOK A SITE ASSESSMENT
1. Tell us about your property.
Share the location, your goals and how you plan to use the dwelling.
2. Site assessment.
We review the practical and regulatory factors likely to shape the project.
3. Design.
We develop a site-specific SSD layout for your requirements and prepare it for the necessary technical review, documentation and approvals.
4. Approvals.
The project proceeds through the relevant planning pathway and building permit process. For an 80sqm proposal, the building surveyor confirms the applicable building requirements before construction.
5. Build.
Our team constructs the dwelling on site once the project is ready to proceed.
6. Handover.
We complete the final stages and hand over your new home.
What is a Small Second Dwelling?
Under Victoria’s planning provisions, a small second dwelling is a self-contained residence with a total floor area of 80sqm or less, on the same lot as an existing home. It must include a kitchen sink, food-preparation facilities, a bath or shower, a toilet and a wash basin.
Do I need a planning permit?
Many qualifying small second dwellings do not need a planning permit in residential and rural zones.
Exceptions include residential lots under 300sqm, certain rural zones, overlays and other planning controls. We assess the property before confirming the pathway with the relevant authorities.
Do I need a building permit?
A building permit is required for a new dwelling. For an 80sqm proposal, the building surveyor must confirm the applicable building requirements and permit pathway before construction.
Can anyone live in it?
Yes. Victorian guidance allows family members or unrelated people to occupy a qualifying small second dwelling.
Can I rent it out?
Generally, yes, subject to applicable requirements and residential tenancy obligations.
Does it need a car space?
No separate car parking space is required under the Victorian small second dwelling provisions.
Can it be separately sold?
No. A small second dwelling cannot be subdivided or sold separately from the main home under these provisions.
Can it connect to natural gas?
A qualifying small second dwelling must not be connected to reticulated natural gas.
Can I customise the design?
We can discuss layouts, features and finishes. The final design depends on the site, budget and applicable requirements.
How long will it take?
Timing varies with design, approvals, site conditions, access and scope. We can give you a more realistic program after assessing the project.
Serving Melbourne’s western and northern
suburbs
If you are considering an 80sqm Small Second Dwelling, start with a conversation about your property.
We will help you understand the likely opportunities, constraints and next steps. Unlock the potential in your backyard.
Start planning your new second home with Sure-Lock Homes today.
80sqm Small Second Dwellings SSD designed around your property
GET A QUOTE | BOOK A SITE ASSESSMENT
Call 0419 561 584
