Can I build a granny flat in Ipswich?
Short answer: since 1 July 2025 Ipswich City Plan 2025 has removed the planning approval requirement for most secondary dwellings. How big you can go depends on your lot: 60 m² on lots over 450 to 600 m², 90 m² on lots over 600 to 800 m², and 120 m² on lots over 800 m². Building and plumbing approvals are still required.
Ipswich secondary dwelling rules at a glance
| Lots over 450 to 600 m² | Secondary dwelling up to 60 m² (a dual occupancy is not allowed) |
|---|---|
| Lots over 600 to 800 m² | Secondary dwelling up to 90 m² (dual occupancy up to 120 m²) |
| Lots over 800 m² | Secondary dwelling up to 120 m² (dual occupancy up to 150 m²) |
| Planning approval | Removed for most secondary dwellings and dual occupancies from 1 July 2025 |
| Other requirements | Setbacks, building height and car parking must still be met; council's page gives no figures, so see its fact sheet |
| Water authority | Urban Utilities |
| Rent | Since 26 September 2022 a secondary dwelling in Queensland can be rented to anyone, not only family. It needs its building approval and final certificate first, and normal tenancy law applies. |
What changed in 2025
Ipswich City Plan 2025 took effect on 1 July 2025 and replaced a two-decade-old planning scheme. Council describes its approach to the size of a second dwelling as generous, based on the size of the property. Older guides that describe Ipswich's 50 m² one-bedroom "auxiliary unit" limit are out of date.
Flooding
Council says the new City Plan also strengthens flood-risk considerations. Check flood overlays on your lot first, because they affect floor levels and construction even where planning approval has been removed.
The options are for established suburban areas
Council says these options are aimed at established suburban residential areas. Confirm that your zone is covered by checking council's fact sheet or speaking to a planner.
Who to ask in Ipswich
- Council: council's Housing in Ipswich page or call council on (07) 3810 6666
- Water authority: Urban Utilities (typically for Ipswich). Order a sewer service diagram early and ask about its build-over-asset process.
- Building certifier and builder: check licences on the QBCC register. See choosing a builder.
Other councils: Brisbane · Gold Coast · Sunshine Coast · Moreton Bay · Logan · Redland · Scenic Rim · Lockyer Valley · Noosa · Toowoomba · Somerset. See the Queensland overview.
Sources
- Ipswich City Council, Housing in Ipswich (lot size and gross floor area table).
- Ipswich City Council, New Ipswich City Plan paves way for 100,000 homes over 20 years.
General information only, not planning, legal or building advice. Council provisions change, so confirm the current version with council and check the review date above.
Frequently asked questions
How big can a granny flat be in Ipswich?
Under Ipswich City Plan 2025: 60 m² on lots over 450 to 600 m², 90 m² on lots over 600 to 800 m², and 120 m² on lots over 800 m², without planning approval.
Do I need planning approval for a granny flat in Ipswich?
Council removed the planning approval requirement for most secondary dwellings and dual occupancies from 1 July 2025. Building and plumbing approvals are still required, and setbacks, height and car parking must still be met.
Can I build a granny flat on a lot under 450 m² in Ipswich?
Council's no-approval table starts at lots over 450 m². Below that, speak to a council planner before you spend money.
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