DPUs and Small Secondary Dwellings: New Transitional Arrangements in Victoria

As a leading modular home builder, Anchor Homes has always prioritised the needs of our clients, providing innovative and flexible housing solutions. With recent changes in the Victoria Planning Provisions, it’s crucial to understand the new transitional arrangements for Dependent Person’s Units (DPUs) and Small Secondary Dwellings (SSDs). This article aims to clarify these changes, highlight important dates, and explain what this means for you as a home buyer in Victoria.

Understanding DPUs and SSDs

Dependent Person’s Unit (DPU)

A DPU is movable building situated on the same lot as an existing dwelling. These units have been a popular choice for families looking to provide close, yet independent living spaces for elderly parents, teenagers, or other dependent family members.

• Who can live in a DPU? - They are specifically designed to accommodate a person dependent on a resident of the primary dwelling.
• What permits are required for a DPU? - Some DPU projects will require a planning permit and others will not, it's very specific to your site and council. We recommend speaking to a planning consultant and your local council for advice. A building permit is always required. 

Small Second Dwelling (SSD)

A SSD is a building with a gross floor area of up to 60 square metres (m²). It is located on the same lot as an existing dwelling and is used as a self-contained residence. An SSD must include essential facilities such as a kitchen sink, food preparation areas, a bath or shower, and a toilet with a wash basin. 

• Who can live in a SSD? - Anyone can live in or rent-out a small secondary dwelling, including a family member, dependent person or unrelated persons. 
• What permits are required for a SSD? - A SSD can be built on most properties in residential and rural zones without a planning permit. We recommend speaking to a planning consultant and your local council for advice. A building permit is always required. If no planning permit is required, it shortens the amount of time spent in the pre-construction timeline, ensuring a faster building process.  

Key Changes

Significant changes to the Victoria Planning Provisions were introduced on 28 March 2024. These changes initially indicated that DPUs would be phased out in favour of small second dwellings (also known as small second homes), with a complete transition expected by mid-March 2024. However, further amendments have been made to extend the transitional arrangements for DPUs.

Important Dates to Remember:

• 28 March 2024: The date when the initial changes to the Victoria Planning Provisions were introduced, signaling a shift towards small second dwellings.
• 28 March 2025: The extended deadline for the transitional arrangements, allowing DPUs to coexist with small second dwellings for an additional 12 months.

Transitional Arrangements Explained

The transitional arrangements mean that any proposal for a DPU is subject to the same provisions that were in place before the changes on 28 March 2024. This extension provides homeowners and potential buyers with a year-long period to plan and adjust to the new regulations.

The key points of these transitional arrangements are:

• Continuation of DPU Provisions: Proposals for DPUs can still be made under the same provisions that applied before 28 March 2024.
• Coexistence with Small Second Dwellings: DPUs and small second dwellings will run parallel to each other until 28 March 2025.

Size Regulations

One crucial aspect of these provisions is the allowable size of DPUs and small second dwellings (SSDs). It's important for home buyers to know the size limits they can work with, depending on the type of dwelling and the timeline.

Dependent Person’s Units (DPUs)

During the transitional period, DPUs can adhere to the previous regulations size limits, meaning there are less rules around size restrictions, allowing you to build a DPU dwelling above 60 square metres (m²). This option to build a DPU dwelling with more size flexibility will remain in place until 28 March 2025.

Designs: Explore our standard modular home range to choose your preferred size and style for your DPU project. 

Small Second Dwellings (SSDs)

For small second dwellings, the size limit will be 60 square metres (m²) or under. From 28 March 2025 onwards, the construction of new DPUs will no longer be permitted under the current provisions, and the focus will shift entirely to SSDs, which will continue to be governed by the 60 m² limit.

Benefits of Modular Construction for DPUs and SSDs

The extension of the transitional period for DPUs offers several benefits for homeowners and buyers, especially when building with modular construction:

• Flexibility and Choice: With the ability to build a DPU in the transitional period, homeowners can take advantage of this option if it best fits their needs and circumstances before SSDs become the focus in March 2025. 
  
  
• Fast-build times: Modular construction methods are more time-efficient than conventional construction methods. To build a modular DPU before the extended deadline expires will be much faster than a site build. 
  
  
• Size: By allowing DPUs to continue in the transitional period, homeowners can build a dwelling larger than 60 square metres (m²). This can better meet the size requirements or preferences of the person(s) planning to live in the DPU, such as multiple bedrooms for multiple people or larger living spaces, compared to an SSD, which is limited to 60 m² or less.
  
  
• Quality and Sustainability: Modular homes are built in a controlled factory environment, ensuring consistent quality, reduced waste and site impact.

What This Means For Home Buyers

As a potential home buyer, the extended transitional period in Victoria offers a unique opportunity to explore different housing options. We recommend leveraging the expertise of professionals, like the team at Anchor Homes, to navigate the regulatory landscape and make informed decisions for your DPU.

Anchor Homes has the capability and expertise to build high-quality modular DPUs and will work with you on a personalised design, layout and style to suit your specific site. 

Over To You

The transitional arrangements for Dependent Person’s Units in Victoria represent a significant opportunity for homeowners and buyers to plan and adapt to the new regulations with greater flexibility. Anchor Homes is committed to supporting you through these changes, providing expert guidance and high-quality modular home solutions.

If you're ready to start your new home project, we're here to help. Talk to our expert team or schedule a visit to our display homes and take the first step toward making your project a reality!