Building a small second home in Victoria can provide flexible living options for families, ageing parents, adult children, or longer-term use of an existing property. In some circumstances, planning pathways for small second homes may be more streamlined than for larger developments. However, these dwellings are still subject to planning controls, building permits, and compliance requirements that homeowners need to understand before proceeding.

This article explains what is considered a small second home in Victoria, how approvals are assessed, and what homeowners should consider before starting the process.

What Is Considered a Small Second Home in Victoria?

A small second home is a separate, self-contained dwelling located on the same title as an existing residential dwelling. These dwellings are commonly used to provide independent accommodation while remaining part of a single residential site.

Small second homes may be referred to as:
• secondary dwellings
• dependent person units
• small second dwellings

The terminology used can vary between planning schemes and councils. What matters is not the label, but how the proposal is assessed under planning controls and building regulations.

Do Small Second Homes Require Planning Approval?

Whether a planning permit is required depends on the specific circumstances of the site and proposal.

In some cases, a small second home may be exempt from planning approval if it meets the criteria set out in the local planning scheme and relevant Ministerial Directions. In other cases, a planning permit will be required before a building permit can be issued.

Factors that commonly influence planning requirements include:

zoning and overlays
site size and layout
setbacks and site coverage
neighbourhood character considerations

Planning requirements vary between councils, and exemptions are not automatic. Homeowners should confirm requirements early, as assumptions about planning exemptions can lead to delays or redesign.

Is a Building Permit Still Required?

In most cases, a building permit is required for a small second home, regardless of whether a planning permit is needed. A building permit confirms that the proposed dwelling complies with the National Construction Code and applicable building regulations, including requirements for:

structural safety
fire separation and fire safety
health and amenity
energy efficiency

Construction must not commence until the required building permit is issued.

Common Rules That Apply to Small Second Homes

While requirements vary by location and design, small second homes are commonly subject to controls relating to:

maximum floor area
setbacks from boundaries
access arrangements
services connections (water, sewer, electricity)
fire separation between dwellings
minimum energy efficiency standards

These matters are assessed through the planning and building approval process and must be addressed before construction can proceed.

What Homeowners Should Consider Before Building

Before committing to a small second home, homeowners should consider:

whether planning approval is required for their site
how services will be connected and metered
the impact on the existing dwelling and neighbouring properties
any restrictions on future use or occupancy
how compliance will be managed during construction

Early, site-specific advice can help avoid unnecessary delays, redesigns, or compliance issues later in the process.

The Role of Compliance and Inspections

Small second homes are subject to the same inspection and compliance framework as other residential building work.

Mandatory inspections are required at defined stages of construction to confirm that work is being carried out in accordance with approved plans and regulatory requirements. Identifying and addressing non-compliance early is typically simpler and less costly than resolving issues after completion.

How Surveyoria Supports Homeowners

Surveyoria helps homeowners understand and navigate building compliance, so they can make informed decisions at each stage of their project.

Our Role

We support homeowners by:

explaining planning and building approval requirements
supporting correct building permit and inspection processes
identifying potential compliance issues early
providing independent, site-specific guidance

If you are considering a small second home and are unsure how approvals or compliance apply to your property, you can contact Surveyoria for clear, practical guidance.

Further Information

For general, consumer-focused guidance on planning and building requirements in Victoria, homeowners can also refer to information published by Consumer Affairs Victoria.