According to data from realestate.com.au, searches for properties with granny flats in South Australia surged by 114% in 2024 compared to the previous year, marking the biggest increase across the state.
The spike in demand follows amendments to the state government’s planning regulations, allowing ancillary accommodation, such as granny flats, to be leased or rented to anyone.
Previously, many development approvals restricted granny flat usage to family members of the primary home’s residents.
By lifting these restrictions, the government aims to ease housing accessibility and affordability challenges, potentially adding hundreds of homes to the rental market.
The new planning rules also refine criteria to fast-track approvals for homes in master-planned communities, further boosting the availability of affordable housing.
These measures are seen as a critical step in addressing South Australia’s housing crisis, providing greater flexibility for homeowners and creating new rental opportunities for those in need.
