How Wollongong Granny Flats Help Homeowners Beat Rising Construction Costs in 2025
- The Groovy Granny
- Sep 12
- 2 min read
Rising construction costs are a major concern for homeowners across Wollongong and the NSW South Coast. Materials, labour, and interest rates have all crept upward in 2024, and 2025 is expected to continue the trend.
At Wollongong Granny Flats (WGF), we understand the pressure this puts on homeowners planning secondary dwellings. The good news? With the right design and approvals approach, you can still build a high-quality granny flat — without overextending your budget.
Why Are Costs Rising?
The main culprits include:
Materials: timber, steel, cladding, insulation, and roofing continue to rise due to global demand and local shortages.
Labour shortages: skilled trades remain in high demand.
Regulatory delays: lengthy council approvals add to costs through time and holding fees.
Site conditions: sloped sites or poor soil require additional preparation work and engineering.
Smarter Design = Real Savings
Our design team works closely with homeowners to:
Minimise complexity — We reduce unnecessary custom features that add cost but little value.
Maximise efficiency — Open-plan living, compact footprints, and clever layout make every square metre work harder.
Use cost-smart materials — We help you select finishes that balance affordability and long-term durability.
💡 Related reading: Explore our range of granny flat designs →
Case Study: A Smart Shellharbour Build
John and Mary from Shellharbour wanted a 2-bedroom granny flat for their ageing parents. By selecting one of our pre-approved designs and opting for a CDC (Complying Development Certificate), they:
✅ Saved $18,000 on approvals and site costs
✅ Completed the build in under 12 weeks
✅ Maintained a modern, stylish finish — under budget
Tip: Use CDC Where Possible
Most properties in Wollongong, Shoalhaven and Illawarra can avoid a complete Development Application (DA) by going through Complying Development. It’s faster, cheaper, and often approved within 3 weeks.
📎 Learn more: CDC vs DA: What’s the difference? →
Get Started with WGF
At Wollongong Granny Flats, we:
Handle end-to-end design, approvals and construction
Offer fixed pricing and transparent quotes
Have in-house specialists for CDCs, council requirements, and compliance
Final Word
Don’t let rising costs delay your plans. With smart design and a builder who knows Wollongong’s landscape inside out, building a secondary dwelling in 2025 is still within reach. Reach out today and see how much you can save.
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