Victoria’s small second dwelling limit is now 80 m2. Planning scheme amendment VC306 raised the floor area in the definition from 60 m2 to 80 m2 on 15 October 2026, and the Building Regulations followed on 27 October 2026 with the same 80 m2 limit. Decks, verandahs, pergolas, porches and other attached structures are not counted in the 80 m2.*
What changed, and when
- 15 October 2026, planning (VC306): the Clause 73.03 definition of a small second dwelling now allows up to 80 m2 of floor area, measured from the outside of the external walls (or the centre of a shared wall). The separate access path standard for small second dwellings (Clause 54.03-5) was deleted.
- 27 October 2026, building (S.R. No. 174/2026): the Building Regulations now define a small second dwelling as a Class 1a building of 80 m2 or less on a lot with exactly one other Class 1 building, not counting attached decks, terraces, patios, balconies, pergolas, verandahs or gazebos. Regulation 86B, the access path rule, was revoked.
What did not change
- A building permit is always required.
- The second home must sit behind the front wall of the existing house facing the street (regulation 74A), and it needs private open space (regulation 86A). Where a design does not meet either, the council’s report and consent is still needed.
- Overlays such as bushfire, flood and heritage can still require a planning permit, and smaller lots have their own conditions. Your council confirms the planning position for your lot.
- The second home stays on the same title: it cannot be subdivided or sold separately.
What the extra 20 m2 gives you
At 60 m2 most layouts were a generous one bedroom or a tight two bedroom. At 80 m2 a true two bedroom home with a separate living area, a full bathroom and proper storage fits, which suits a parent moving in, an adult child, or a long-term tenant. See what fits in an 80 m2 granny flat in Victoria.
How a modular second home fits the new rules
As the manufacturer, EcoPrestige is responsible for every module: built and inspected in an offsite factory to Australian engineering and QA, then delivered to site. The module sizes are set against the 80 m2 limit and your block before anything is drawn, so the design stays inside the small second dwelling definition. In Victoria, design, building permit documentation and construction for a home are contracted by our sister company DST Project Management and Construction Pty Ltd, registered domestic builder CDB-U 72187. You can also build with your own registered builder using our bill of quantities.
Start with Step 1 of our Domestic Program, which checks the site, the planning position, access and cost before you commit. More: small second dwelling rules in Victoria.
Frequently asked questions
What is the size limit for a small second dwelling in Victoria?
80 m2 of floor area, measured from the outside of the external walls, not counting attached decks, verandahs, pergolas and similar structures. The planning definition changed on 15 October 2026 (VC306) and the building definition on 27 October 2026 (S.R. No. 174/2026).
Do I still need a building permit?
Yes. A building permit is always required for a small second dwelling, even where no planning permit is needed.
Do I still need a planning permit?
Often not, but overlays such as bushfire, flood or heritage, and the conditions for your zone and lot size, can still require one. Your council confirms the planning position for your lot.
Can I rent out a small second dwelling?
Yes. Anyone can live in or rent a small second dwelling, subject to tenancy laws. It cannot be subdivided or sold separately from the main home.
Sources
- Victoria Planning Provisions Amendment VC306, Explanatory Report and Clause 73.03, gazetted and in force 15 October 2026 (Department of Transport and Planning).
- Building Amendment (Small Second Dwellings) Regulations 2026, S.R. No. 174/2026, and Building Amendment (Siting and Other Matters) Regulations 2026, S.R. No. 173/2026, both commenced 27 October 2026; Building Regulations 2018, version 032, regulations 5(4), 5(5), 74A and 86A (legislation.vic.gov.au).
This is general information, not legal advice. Your council and building surveyor confirm the rules for your lot.
Send your address and a photo of the site to prebuilt@ecoprestige.com.au. Send your enquiry first so you’re fully informed.
*Rules vary by state and council. Design and building work is carried out by the licensed or registered practitioner your state requires. In Victoria, design, building permit documentation and construction for a home are contracted by our sister company DST Project Management and Construction Pty Ltd, registered domestic builder CDB-U 72187.