Sydney’s Rental Crisis Makes Granny Flats a Smart Investment in 2026

Sydney’s rental market has hit another critical point — and savvy homeowners are using granny flats to stay ahead.

📈 Granny Flats Now Command CBD-Level Rent

Recent reporting from realestate.com.au reveals that granny flats across Sydney are now leasing for $700–$850+ per week, or even more in high-demand suburbs on the Northern Beaches.

In some areas, granny flats are fetching similar rents to CBD apartments, with renters drawn to the privacy, outdoor space, and lifestyle these dwellings offer — especially in a market starved for rental options.

"It's not uncommon now to see granny flats being rented out for $750, $800, even $850 per week," says David Ingram of LJ Hooker Narrabeen (realestate.com.au).

With vacancy rates remaining at historic lows, these self-contained secondary dwellings are in hot demand by tenants who want more than what a cramped apartment can offer — and they’re willing to pay for it.

Examples of Rentals over $950/week

Examples of 2 bedroom, 60m2 Granny Flat rentals from November 2025 advertised for $950+ / week on Domain.com.au

But here at Bungalow Homes, we aren’t just seeing these rental figures - our latest builds are being leased for well over $900/week!

That’s over $46,000 each year in income from a smart, compact design in your own backyard.

You might expect this for ocean views in the likes of Avalon or Curl Curl, but these examples are from Cromer and Forestville.

💡 What This Means for Homeowners

If you own a home in Sydney with the right zoning and space, you could be sitting on a serious income opportunity.

Granny flats are no longer just for multigenerational living — they’re now a viable tool for:

  • Boosting rental income (up to $40K per year or more)

  • Offsetting mortgage repayments

  • Future-proofing your home’s value

  • Supporting adult children or elderly parents without the cost of a second property

🛠️ Why Build with Bungalow Homes?

Not all granny flats are created equal. At Bungalow Homes, we specialise in quality secondary dwellings — it’s what we do best.

Here’s how we help you maximise your returns in this growing market:

✅ Smart, space-enhancing design

Even with the 60m² limit, we use raked ceilings, high gable roofs, clever use of windows and open-plan layouts to make our granny flats feel bigger, brighter, and more inviting.

✅ Signature & Custom options

Choose from our cost-effective Signature designs (fast, no-fuss, fixed-price), or go fully bespoke with our Custom builds, tailored to your site and goals.

✅ Local experts, real results

We’re based on the Northern Beaches and have built 300+ granny flats across Sydney. Our team knows how to navigate approvals, challenging sites, and smart rental-focused design.

✅ Transparent pricing & faster builds

With no contractual commitment until after your plans are approved, and build times as fast as 14 weeks, we keep things simple, efficient and low-stress.

📍Is Your Property Eligible?

Not sure if you can build a granny flat on your block? That’s what we’re here for.

Now’s the Time

Granny flats have always offered flexibility — but right now, they offer a financial advantage you won’t want to miss. As the rental crisis deepens and demand continues to rise, smart homeowners are acting now.

We offer a free site check and expert advice on whether your land meets the criteria for a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) or Council DA approval. No fluff — just straight answers.

📞 Call Bungalow Homes on 9984 8950
🌐 Visit: bungalowhomes.net.au
📍Or book your free site assessment today.

Let’s turn your backyard into an income-generating, future-proof asset.

Tanya Hayes