Thinking about moving your parents in with you or planning a granny flat in Australia? Whether you're renovating, rebuilding, or starting fresh, here's a handy checklist of features to help your multi-generational living home design hit the mark—now and into the future.
General must-haves for multi-generational living
Flexible floorplan with good separation between zones
At least two distinct living areas
More than one bathroom (or room to add one)
Multiple entrances or the option to add a private entry
Space for a retreat or quiet zone for grandparents
Kids' area to contain toys, noise, and energy
Private work or study area for adults working from home
Good soundproofing between living zones
Outdoor space that's easy to access and share
Room for extra parking (driveway, carport, or street access)
Granny flat or secondary dwelling features
If you're planning or inspecting granny flat homes in Australia, check for:
Self-contained layout with bedroom, bathroom, living area
Kitchenette or full kitchen
Private entrance and outdoor space
Separate power or water meter (optional but helpful)
Connection to main home if needed, or fully detached for privacy
Council approval for dual occupancy
Legal ability to rent out or host a family
Easy access to main house if needed
Smart upgrades when upgrading for elderly parents
Step-free access to key rooms and entrances
Ground-floor bedroom and bathroom
Wider doorways and hallways (for walkers or wheelchairs)
Lever-style door handles (easier to grip than round knobs)
Walk-in shower with grab rails (instead of a bathtub)
Non-slip flooring in wet areas
Motion-sensor lighting in hallways and bathrooms
Emergency call system or smart home alerts (optional)
Lifestyle and liveability considerations
Shared agreements about bills and expenses
Written ownership or contribution agreements if co-investing
Separate routines discussed (cooking, cleaning, noise levels)
Storage space for each household member
Strong internet and multiple connection points
Adequate heating and cooling for all areas
Pet-friendly zones (if needed)
Security features or locks for private spaces
Planning and approvals
Council zoning checked for granny flat or extensions
Flood, fire, and easement risks reviewed
Finance structure discussed with broker (equity release, co-purchasing, bridging loan)
Family legal advice sought if co-owning or gifting contributions
Future-proofing included in design (mobility needs, age-in-place features)
Ready to take the next step?
An Aussie Broker or Buyer's Agent can help you:
Find the right home layout or dual-living property.
Understand what you can borrow and how to fund the upgrade.
Explore flexible loan options to support your family's needs.
Track equity, run the numbers, and access suburb-level insights via the Aussie App.