The clock is ticking for Dependent Person’s Units (DPUs) in Victoria. The regulations that currently allow these spacious, flexible dwellings will expire at the end of March 2026. After that, only Small Secondary Dwellings (SSDs) capped at 60sqm will be permitted.
If you want to secure a DPU under the current rules, you will need to be signed on with Anchor Homes by early November 2025 as a guideline if no town planning is required. If town planning is needed, the opportunity has already passed. Time is short and action now is essential to ensure your project can proceed before the rules change.
Read on to discover how you can still get a DPU in time and the steps you need to take next...
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.
DPUs have been permitted under temporary planning provisions, which are set to be replaced by Small Secondary Dwellings (SSDs). The key difference between the two comes down to space and flexibility:
• DPUs – No fixed size limit, offering more space for comfortable, long-term living.
• SSDs – Capped at 60sqm in size, drastically limiting the living area and functionality.
Now is your last chance to build a DPU under the current, more flexible rules. Once the extension expires, SSDs will be the only option, and space will be significantly limited. DPUs present a smart solution to the housing affordability crisis, offering an economical alternative to buying a separate property while avoiding the space restrictions of a 60sqm tiny home.
For projects that don’t require town planning, there is still a brief window to build a DPU under the current rules, but time is critical! Traditional construction methods simply won’t meet the March 2026 cutoff. Modular construction, however, is faster, more efficient, and provides the best chance to secure your DPU before the regulations change.
To proceed, you’ll need to be signed on with Anchor Homes by early November 2025 (guideline date). Starting the process now ensures all approvals and preparations are in place so your build can move forward without delay.
🏠 Not sure if your block requires town planning? Request a free desktop site assessment and our team will advise on this.
Note: If your project requires town planning, it’s already too late to build a DPU before the rules change.
At Anchor Homes, we make meeting the DPU deadline straightforward and stress-free. Our modular construction process is faster and more efficient than traditional building methods, giving you the best chance to complete your unit on time. For projects with tight schedules, we offer curated fast-track selections guide that simplify decisions while still delivering stylish, high-quality designs.
With years of experience building DPUs, our team knows exactly what needs to happen at every stage, from permits and planning to construction. We manage the process for you, ensuring nothing is overlooked and that your project stays on track.
With our approach, you can be confident that your DPU will be ready before the regulations change, giving you peace of mind and a smooth path to completion.
Our two-bedroom DPUs typically start at $350,000+, with designs from 75sqm and up. Before the new regulations take effect, it’s also possible to build larger three-bedroom or four-bedroom DPUs, which will impact the price depending on your chosen layout and specifications.
For a complete breakdown of base prices for our designs, download our price list here.
Please note: If you’re looking to build a small secondary dwelling under 60sqm, our solutions may not be the best fit, but if you’re after spacious and stylish DPU, we are the team for you.
This is the last chance to build a DPU in Victoria before the new SSD rules take over. With the regulations expiring 28th March 2026, the opportunity to create a larger, more flexible DPU is closing fast.
If you don’t require town planning, you may still make it in time—but only if you act now. Contact our expert team today for your free desktop site assessment and take the first step toward securing your DPU before it’s too late.