Forget about media rooms or home offices — the extra feature climbing fastest up buyers’ wish lists is the granny flat.

Analysis of online searches by Domain shows that “granny flat” has surged as one of the most searched terms across Australia. Buyers are increasingly drawn to properties that offer more flexibility, whether that’s accommodating extended family, renting to tenants, or creating an adaptable living space.

In Sydney, “granny flat” has overtaken long-standing favourites such as “waterfront” and “views” to become the most searched property add-on. In Perth, it sits in second place just behind “swimming pool.” Meanwhile, in Brisbane, buyers are actively searching for “dual living” properties in family-friendly suburbs such as Sherwood, Indooroopilly, Holland Park, and Yeronga. 

Even in Adelaide, where pools remain the number one lifestyle feature, granny flats still crack the top ten.

Domain’s Head of Research and Economics, Dr Nicola Powell, says the trend points to shifting demographics and a clear move towards multigenerational living. “Granny flats provide flexibility — whether for family, as a rental income stream, or as a future-proof living arrangement. It’s no surprise they’ve become one of the most searched-for features nationwide,” she says.