Should you build a granny flat? Why they’re a great option for retirees

If you’re lucky enough to live in Sydney, or Western Sydney and have a bit of land spare on your block you might have thought about a granny flat at some point.

But understanding the pros and cons, and whether it’s the right option for your home and your needs takes a bit of work.

Maybe we can help!

As a custom granny flat builder in Sydney we’ve been lucky enough to work with hundreds of clients over the years. And by talking to them and understanding what they were looking for, we also really understand what they think about before they decide to build.

We’ve collected some of the most common reasons that people choose to build a granny flat right here so you can see if they apply to you as well.

More independence than aged care

Many older Australians choose aged care for their living arrangements. But for many more, there are benefits to a more private option. A granny flat is suitable where a person is comfortable with their own space and prefers a sense of familiarity. It’s also a good option when someone is in reasonable to good health, and where the ‘full service’ needs of aged care are not required. Living with independence is important to many of us, and a granny flat offers that benefit.

Value added

Sydney property is expensive (as everyone already knows!). So adding value to a home and land where possible is not only practical, it can be a great investment. An experienced granny flat builder can consult on the right option for your block size, and deliver you an addition to your property on time and on budget that will enhance the long-term value of your home.

Emotional and family benefits

Living close to extended family can be incredibly beneficial. Children with aging parents get a sense of reassurance in the knowledge they are close to them, while being close by can provide both grandchildren and grandparents incredible social and emotional benefits.

With a granny flat, this can be balanced with the need for everyone to have their own space and time when desired, making it a ‘best of both worlds’ solution for everyone involved.

‘Right-sizing’

Many people resist the idea of ‘downsizing’ their living situation. But we like the idea of ‘right-sizing’. To us, that means having a home that is the right size for someone’s current age, mobility and living situation. A smaller home allows someone the benefits of independence and decorating it the way they prefer, while removing the need to clean second storey windows and vacuum rarely used rooms. For those who prefer a little extra space for hobbies or a home office, we also offer 2 bedroom granny flat layouts.

Visit our showroom for your building inspiration

We hope that our list of reasons that some of our past customers have chosen to build a custom granny flat has been helpful for you. But we know that many people prefer to speak in person and ask questions about their personal block size or preferences.

If that’s you, we’ve set up a Brickwood Homes showroom where you can come visit, and see what the all of the physical options and layouts are.

You can view all the details like bricks, tiles, roofing materials, tapware and cabinetry and have all your questions answered at the same time, or browse at your own pace.