Victoria Expands Small Second Home Rules to 80 Square Metres

Victoria has raised the size limit for small second homes from 60 to 80 square metres. The change came into effect on 15 October 2026 under Amendment VC306.

These homes are built on the same property as an existing house. They provide a separate living space. Families can use them to accommodate relatives or make room for additional household members without having to move.

What has changed?

Under the updated rules, eligible small second homes can now measure up to 80 square metres. The dwelling must have basic facilities for independent living, including a kitchen sink, food preparation area, toilet, wash basin and bath or shower.

The amendment also spells out how the floor area should be measured. Patios, pergolas, terraces and roofed verandahs are excluded from the calculation in the circumstances covered by the rules.

There is another change for homeowners to be aware of. The planning requirement for an access pathway to a small second dwelling has been removed where it duplicates provisions under the liveable housing design standard.

Permits still depend on the property

The higher size limit does not automatically give every homeowner permission to build a second dwelling. Planning permit requirements vary from one property to another. The zoning and any restrictions on the land will determine whether approval is needed.

Flooding, bushfire risk and erosion are among the factors that may affect certain sites. Homeowners may also need a building permit and must meet the relevant building standards.

The provisions also include requirements relating to solar protection for north-facing windows.

A wider effort to add housing

The changes come as Victoria looks for ways to increase the number of homes available across the state.

In 2023, the state government announced a target of delivering 800,000 homes over ten years through its Housing Statement. Planning guidance projects that Victoria’s population will reach 10.3 million by 2051, with an additional 1.3 million homes needed.

The new rules give homeowners more room to plan a second dwelling. What they can build will still depend on the rules that apply to their property.