Can I Convert a Studio into a Secondary Dwelling in NSW?

We often get asked if an existing studio can be converted into a secondary dwelling under NSW planning rules.

The short answer is yes, but only if your property and structure meet specific requirements. Many homeowners assume that adding a kitchen and calling it a granny flat is enough.

In reality, converting a studio requires council approval and sometimes a full development application.

Under the NSW Housing SEPP, a secondary dwelling must be self-contained. This means it must have its own kitchen, bathroom, living area and private entrance. If your studio was built as a non-habitable structure, like a shed or home office, it likely doesn’t meet the building regulations in NSW for a dwelling.

In those cases, the structure may need upgrades to meet the Building Code of Australia. A planning consultant can help assess whether conversion is viable or if rebuilding makes more sense.

Approval pathways vary depending on how the studio was built and what zone your land sits in. If the existing structure is already approved as a habitable space and meets size limits and setbacks, you may be able to apply for a Complying Development Certificate (CDC).

This can take as little as 10 days. If the structure does not meet CDC rules, then you’ll need a development application. Our town planning services for residential development in NSW regularly include helping clients with council submission for secondary dwelling NSW and managing the DA process from start to finish.

For example, we recently helped a client in Parramatta convert a backyard artist’s studio into a compliant secondary dwelling.

Because the original structure lacked adequate insulation and fire separation, we worked with a certifier to identify building upgrades. We prepared a statement of environmental effects for NSW DA, coordinated site plans and shadow diagrams, and secured DA approval in under nine weeks.

Planning advice for dual occupancy NSW often overlaps with granny flat and studio conversions. If your site is in a flood-prone or bushfire area, or near a heritage-listed property, additional reports may be needed.

We’ve handled cases requiring a heritage impact statement NSW town planning or even an expert help with Clause 4.6 variation request NSW to vary building height or site coverage.

Many clients search for a town planner near me specialising in NSW DCP because they’re unsure how to get a DA approved in NSW.

Whether it’s a studio conversion, a new granny flat or a larger development, engaging a town planner NSW based can help ensure your proposal complies with local controls and avoids common pitfalls. Getting planning advice early can save you time, stress and unnecessary costs down the line.