our process

clear communication
& transparency

We want to help you build a granny flat in Newcastle with minimal stress and maximum efficiency. At Malora, we'll be there to guide you through every step of the planning and building process. From start to finish, the journey to build your granny flat can take as little as 26 weeks. Throughout this time, we'll maintain constant contact with you, ensuring clear communication and transparency.

We're here to assist you and get just as excited as you are!

small home designs

your Granny flat building
journey with Malora

  • contact us

  • on site inspection

  • quotation

  • customer acceptance

  • design & feasibility process

  • selections process

  • contract signing

  • approval process

  • construction

  • practical completion

  • happy handover!

approval process

Our team can work with you to determine if your property meets the CDC requirements and, if not, we can assist with the DA process through your local council instead.

Complying Development Certificate (CDC)

CDC means no council approval is needed if you have a straightforward small home build that can meet the set guidelines. Approval via CDC is quicker and slightly more cost-effective.

Development Application (DA)

If your granny flat falls outside the CDC guidelines, or if your home is in an environmentally sensitive area, submitting a DA through council may be your only option. While the DA process does take longer, it can be a relatively smooth process if you have detailed, professional documentation.

minimum requirements (CDC)

In 2009 the NSW Government released the affordable housing State Environment Planning Policy (SEPP), which has allowed fast-tracked approvals of granny flats or secondary dwellings in NSW through CDC. This has allowed homeowners and investors to by-pass traditional development applications through local council, saving time and money along the way.

The CDC approval for a granny flat is subject to some minimum requirements outlined in
The State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP), these are listed below;

  • the property must have an existing primary dwelling

  • the property is zoned residential

  • the property has a minimum area of 450m²

  • 60m² maximum internal area

  • maintains a 3m setback from the rear boundary and 0.9m from side boundaries

  • the property has a 12m width (frontage) at the building line of the primary dwelling

  • maintains a distance of 3m from any existing large trees

minimum setbacks (CDC)

The setback requirements to obtain approval for your secondary dwelling is based on your lot size and they are categorised by size ranges in square metres. See the setback requirements below.

granny flat setback requirements NSW

minimum setbacks (CDC)

The setback requirements to obtain approval for your granny flat is based on your lot size and they are categorised by size ranges in square metres. See the setback requirements below.

minimum setbacks CDC requirements for granny flats NSW

sample site plan (CDC)

Siteplan example below of the typical setback requirements in relation to your new granny flat and your property’s boundaries, structures and large trees.

sample site plan for granny flat NSW CDC

my property doesn’t meet
(CDC) requirements

If your granny flat falls outside the CDC guidelines, submitting a DA may be your only option. While the DA process through council does take longer, it can be a relatively smooth process if you have the correct detailed, professional documentation. Malora will take care of the whole process for you and submit all the applications and documents on your behalf.

Read the full set of CDC requirements

Chat with Malora Homes
about your granny flat today.

Talk to one our expert team members about your vision and secondary dwelling needs.
Completely obligation-free.