{"id":2366,"date":"2023-12-18T15:10:32","date_gmt":"2023-12-18T04:10:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.upco.com.au\/?p=2366"},"modified":"2023-12-18T16:28:49","modified_gmt":"2023-12-18T05:28:49","slug":"small-second-homes-are-the-new-black-amendment-vc253","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.upco.com.au\/small-second-homes-are-the-new-black-amendment-vc253\/","title":{"rendered":"AMENDMENT VC253"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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SMALL SECOND HOMES ARE THE NEW BLACK<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

by Isobell Vescovi <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s no secret that housing demand has continued to increase in Victoria over the past decade, with ever-relatable memes and stark news reports continuing to remind us how desperate the situation has become. Naturally, many people (not just the young) are looking for alternatives to the rental hellscape \u2013 but the question remains: How is Victoria going to provide more housing in established areas to fit Victoria\u2019s estimated population of 10.3 million by 2051?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It turns out the answer may have been right there in the backyard the whole time: the granny flat. And, thanks to a new planning amendment, we could be seeing a lot more of these dwellings popping up in the not-so-distant future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On 14 December 2023, Amendment VC253 introduced the concept of a small second dwelling. The amendment also introduced siting, design and amenity requirements for these small second dwellings, to make them (in theory) more accessible to many property owners.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, most small second dwellings won’t need a planning permit on lots larger than 300 square metres. You’ll still need a building permit, though. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s a summary of what we know about the amendment so far.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How are small second homes classified?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To be classified as a small second dwelling, the building in question:<\/p>\n\n\n\n