Under 60m²
Total floor area stays inside the SSD exempt threshold, so you skip the full planning permit on most residential blocks.
SSD explained
Small second dwellings explained
Victoria’s planning rules make it simpler than ever to add a second dwelling to your block. Here is everything you need to understand before you build.
What is an SSD?
A second home on your existing block
A Small Second Dwelling (SSD) is a secondary smaller home on your property, 60m² or less. Also called a garden suite or secondary dwelling, it is fully self-contained and built on the same lot as your existing home.
Because it stays under 60m², an SSD receives significant planning advantages. In most cases, the time-consuming planning permit is not required.
SSDs are used for ageing parents, adult children, rental income, short stay, or simply adding long-term value to your property.
The 60m² rule
The planning advantage
Under Victorian planning regulations, a second dwelling under 60m² usually qualifies for a simpler approval pathway with no full planning permit required.
Planning zones
Most residential zones in Victoria are eligible, with council-specific overlays and rescode standards handled at design stage.
Occupancy
SSDs can be occupied by family members, used for remote income, or let as a short-stay accommodation depending on your council.
Who can live in it?
Designed for real life
An SSD adapts to your family’s changing needs. Whether you are housing loved ones, creating a dedicated workspace, or hosting guests, there is a solution for everyone.
Guest suite
A private retreat for visiting family and friends, so they have their own space without taking over the main house.
Home office
A self-contained studio for working from home in real quiet, well away from the kitchen table or spare bedroom.
Extra accommodation
Room for family from any generation, whether ageing parents or adult kids wanting their own front door on the block.
Planning and permits
Our proven 4-step process
We manage the entire approval and construction journey. From initial site assessment to your handover day, our team handles every detail.
01
Site assessment
We assess your block, confirm zoning overlays, and determine exactly what can be built.
02
Design and permit
Choose from our designs, bring us a design, or work with our team to design something bespoke. SSDs under 60m² do not require a planning permit, and we handle all the due diligence and the building permit on your behalf.
03
Construction
Led by one of Victoria’s best luxury home builders. Site-built by our own team to luxury standards, with real craftsmanship and no prefab panels or flat pack compromises.
04
Handover
We walk you through your completed dwelling, complete defect checks, and hand over the keys.
Dive deeper
Explore the SSD pathway in detail
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The 60m² rule
Why this single threshold unlocks the SSD pathway, and what to count in your area total.
Read more -
Planning and permits
Which approvals you still need under the SSD pathway, and which ones you do not.
Read more -
Who can live in one
How councils treat occupancy: family, tenants, short stay, and the trade-offs of each.
Read more -
Decks and outdoor areas
How decks, eaves, and verandas count toward your 60m² budget and where the line sits.
Read more
Get in touch
Want to know what is possible on your block?
We will assess your block and walk you through exactly what you can build, the approval pathway, and estimated timelines.
Book a free assessment