In Australia, granny flats and houses have become popular for a combination of economic and social reasons.

First of all, housing has become very expensive in many cities and land is scarce. Families are looking for a way to expand their living space without buying a new plot of land, and a small detached house in a courtyard offers this opportunity. Building a granny flat is usually cheaper than buying a new house or investing in a new flat, and it increases the overall value of the plot.

The second reason is the desire to stay close to family, but maintain personal space. Such buildings are ideal for elderly parents or adult children: they live nearby, have a separate entrance and their own amenities, and the family can quickly help out if needed.

There is also the investment aspect. In many states, granny flats are allowed to be rented out, so plot owners receive additional income without having to sell the land. Combined with the trend towards compact and energy-efficient housing, this makes such houses very attractive.

So, the popularity is due to a combination of high housing prices, families' desire to maintain intergenerational connections, and the opportunity to turn vacant space into a source of income ( project gallery prevailing homes )