Granny Flats & Multigenerational Living: Change in Family Homes Across Wollongong, The Illawarra & The Shoalhaven
- The Groovy Granny
- Sep 12, 2025
- 3 min read
Housing has always reflected how we live — and right now, multigenerational living through granny flats is making a comeback across Wollongong, the Illawarra and the Shoalhaven.
Driven by rising housing costs, ageing populations, and a desire to keep family closer, more homeowners are choosing to build granny flats that support multiple generations under one roof — but with space, privacy and dignity intact.
Why Families Are Living Together (Again)
From Shellharbour to Kiama, there’s been a noticeable shift in how families use their homes.
For some, it’s about supporting ageing parents who want to remain independent but close. For others, it’s helping adult children save for a home of their own. Sometimes, it’s just about living more sustainably — sharing resources, child care, or the joy of day-to-day connection.
Whatever the reason, a well-designed secondary dwelling offers a way to bring family together without crowding anyone out.
The Granny Flat Advantage
Granny flats are ideal for multigenerational living because they’re self-contained — but still part of the family home.
Done right, they provide:
Proximity without pressure — Family is nearby, but not underfoot
Privacy and independence — Separate entry, kitchen, and bathroom
Comfort and accessibility — Designs tailored to seniors or carers
Flexibility for the future — Easily rented out or repurposed down the track
A Real Example from Thirroul
Take the Nguyen family in Thirroul. They needed space for ageing parents who no longer wanted the stress of stairs, traffic or isolation. We designed a 1-bedroom granny flat with step-free access, wider doorways, a walk-in shower, and a small patio — private, warm, and close enough to share meals or support when needed. It’s now home to a happier, more connected family across three generations.
What to Consider in Your Design
When planning a granny flat for family, design makes all the difference. Think about how the space will be used — now and in the years to come. Will elderly parents need accessible features? Will privacy be important for adult children or guests? Would you want to rent it out later?
Some important features might include:
Level access and step-free thresholds
A quiet bedroom away from the main house
Natural light and ventilation
A small yard or outdoor sitting space
At Wollongong Granny Flats, we tailor each design to match your family’s needs, not just the regulations.
Know the Local Rules
Every council has rules about granny flats, also known as secondary dwellings. In most parts of Wollongong and the South Coast:
The flat must be on the same title as the main home
The maximum internal area is usually 60m²
You’ll need to comply with setbacks, bushfire/flood overlays, and zoning
Depending on your block, you may be able to go through Complying Development (CDC) — a faster, simpler approval route — or you may need a Development Application (DA) through council.
We're A Family Business. Let us Help You Build for Your Family
We’ve helped families across Wollongong, Shellharbour, Nowra, Kiama and beyond create granny flats that feel like home — not just for one generation, but for many.
Our team handles:
Site inspections and council checks
Custom design with accessible options
All approvals (CDC or DA)
Construction and project management
We know this part of NSW — and we know what works for families.
Final Word
Multigenerational living is more than a trend — it’s a return to something deeply human: caring for each other, staying connected, and building smarter homes that reflect the way we actually live.
If you’re considering a granny flat to bring your family closer, Wollongong Granny Flats is here to help you design something that works — today and for years to come.
📞 Thinking of building for your family?
Let’s chat. Book a free site assessment →
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