With house prices continuing to rise over the years, and homeowners left without the ability to refinance their home; many are looking to new solutions to meet their lifestyle goals. For this reason, the unused space in the backyard is now being looked at in a new way.
The age-old granny flat has typically been referred to as exactly that, a space for your granny. Close to the family home but still affording the occupant independence and their own home, granny flats are the perfect solution for retirees. However, nowadays, granny flats can be used for so much more.
Here are the top reasons why you need an affordable granny flat:
1. The Retirement Revolution
As mentioned above, granny flats are an excellent solution for ageing parents, who are looking to be close to the family without losing their independence. As young adults and teenagers stay home longer, there also may not be the option to move parents back into the family home for care. A 1-2 bedroom housing solution that sits externally to the main house is the answer you have been searching for. This option can be used by mum, dad or your grandparents; and offers the opportunity to remain close to loved ones while being in the comfort of their own home.
2. The Business Solution
In this era of changing workplace environments, you may be on the lookout for a solution to your at-home office. Building a granny flat could provide you with a new space to call your own and act as the command centre for all your daily business operations. An external office that sits away from your main house will also allow you to create a better work-life balance. Granny flats can be customised to your needs and specific requirements, acting as an affordable and easy way to make a workplace sanctuary outside of your home.
3. The Dream-Maker Studio
For those of us who are blessed with an artistic flair or musical genius, then another option for a granny flat is to create a studio to give you the space to let your passions soar. As mentioned above, granny flats can generally be customised to your needs, making it the perfect option for those looking to develop their own creative oasis. If you have the next Van Gogh or Mozart in the making living under your roof, this could also be an incredible opportunity to create a space for your little prodigy to explore their talents, away from the hustle and bustle of the main house.
4. The Game-Changing Kids Breakout Space
As families with smaller kids know all too well, the space required to let the little ones run wild can be somewhat constrictive in your primary family home. However; but introducing a granny flat, this could be a welcomed addition to simplify your lifestyle. Acting as a giant playground, the kids can let their imaginations run free and the best part - the mess won’t be hindering the functionality required in your home. Besides this, for those with teenagers or a blended family, this could offer the extra space needed to provide room to breathe and enhance the family dynamic. Simply hook-up a TV and add some beanbags, and you have the perfect breakout space.
5. The Young Couples Retreat
It is no secret that with the affordability of housing decreasing, more young couples are now looking to move back in with their families to help manage financial strain. A granny flat can help your adult child get onto their feet before moving onto their own home. This space will help take the burden and stress out of finding a first home and provide much-needed support, as well as acting as an excellent investment for future use.
We also have finance options available to help make your dream granny flat a reality sooner than you thought.
6. The Investment Opportunity
Along with all the potential uses outlined above, another reason Australians are more than ever looking to introduce a granny flat onto their property is the potential for additional income. With the introduction of Airbnb, it is easier than ever to gain additional revenue from the extra spaces you have at your disposal. Along with this, the potential to lease out extra space could showcase a promising passive investment strategy that could assist in covering the mortgage of your property or simply provide extra spending money. Granny flats have been shown to add value to properties, assisting in increasing your resell value. Along with this, your granny flat may apply to tax depreciation; however, we suggest that you engage a financial advisor or your accountant for advice.
It is VanHome's mission to provide innovative, affordable housing to all Australians. With the property market becoming so rapidly unsustainable, we believe that there should be another option for Australians in all stages of life. In 2008, founder and CEO - Vito Russo, had a dream to provide affordable housing to all Australians; providing a product that is so innovative, that it is the pinnacle of affordable housing today.
VanHomes is the perfect solution in the situation where the person that's living in the VanHome is related to the person in the main dwelling on the property. Many Australian couples are looking for the flexibility of lifestyle, along with a more secure plan for their retirement. A granny-flat unit provides this security and is an affordable retirement option that keeps families close to their loved ones.
As a registrable caravan, for most properties, your VanHome can be easily added as a second dwelling without the need for council or building approvals. All VanHomes can also be customised to your needs, whether you require grab-railings in the bathroom or other features to make your life easier.
VanHomes is your new-age affordable granny flat that provides a hassle-free and affordable living solution. Get in touch with our team of experts to discuss options.
Join the thousands of Aussies opting for portable houses
The trend for tiny homes has risen in Australia. Find out why a VanHome is an affordable option for anyone looking for a long-term granny flat. Check out our brochure to discover our range of granny flats.
