A practical solution to housing pressure is gaining renewed attention, and it is one that does not rely on large scale developments or long timelines. Secondary dwellings, commonly known as granny flats, are being positioned as a way to increase housing supply using land that already exists.

The Housing Industry Association has called for a nationally consistent framework to support this shift. The idea is simple. Make it easier for homeowners to add a second dwelling on their property, and you create more housing without needing entirely new developments.

There is already clear demand for this type of housing. Modular homes and prefabricated designs are becoming more popular, offering faster and more cost effective construction options. Many buyers are open to increasing density, particularly when it can be done without major disruption.

Builders are responding to that demand. Industry forecasts suggest that the number of granny flats being constructed could increase tenfold by 2026 compared to 2022 levels. That is a significant shift in a short period of time.

The challenge lies in regulation. Planning rules vary between councils and states, creating inconsistencies that slow down approvals and add unnecessary complexity. This patchwork approach limits the potential of what could otherwise be a scalable solution.

The proposed framework aims to address that. By allowing secondary dwellings up to 90 square metres to bypass lengthy planning processes, approvals could become faster and more predictable.

There is also a push for national design standards. This would help ensure quality while reducing the need for custom approvals on each project. The goal is to simplify the process and lower costs for homeowners.

From a property perspective, this creates new opportunities. Homeowners can generate additional income through rental returns, while investors can increase yield on existing properties.

In established suburbs, particularly those close to transport and employment hubs, adding a secondary dwelling can increase housing supply without changing the overall character of the area.

It is not a complete solution to affordability challenges, but it is a practical step in the right direction. And in a market where supply remains one of the biggest constraints, even incremental increases can have a meaningful impact.

The conversation around housing is often focused on large scale solutions, but smaller, more flexible options like this can play an important role in easing pressure over time.