Tiny House Regulations in Australia: State-by-State Guide

Tiny house regulations in Australia depend on two things: whether the home is on wheels or a fixed foundation, and which state and council it's in. Tiny houses on wheels are generally classified as caravans or moveable dwellings, with most states allowing short-term stays without a permit and requiring approval for permanent living. Fixed tiny homes on foundations are usually treated as secondary or ancillary dwellings and need a building permit, with rules on size and lot minimums varying by state.

Last reviewed against government sources: September 2026

New South Wales

A tiny house on wheels is generally treated as a moveable dwelling. Under Clause 77 of the Local Government (Manufactured Home Estates, Caravan Parks, Camping Grounds and Moveable Dwellings) Regulation 2021, you can have up to two caravans or moveable dwellings on private land for short-term stays of no more than 2 consecutive days and 60 days a year without council approval. Longer or permanent use generally needs council approval. A fixed tiny house can be approved as a secondary dwelling under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021, subject to zoning and lot requirements set by the local council.

Official sourcesNSW Housing SEPP — Secondary Dwellings (planning.nsw.gov.au)

Victoria

A fixed 'Small Second Dwelling' up to 60m² can be built on the same lot as an existing home, with some planning permit exemptions introduced under Amendment VC253 (December 2023). Tiny houses on wheels are treated as caravans/moveable dwellings and are regulated mostly at the council level rather than statewide — some councils allow indefinite placement on land with an existing dwelling under local law, others run time-limited pilot programs, and some cap use at a set number of days per year. Victorian council rules vary more than any other state, so always confirm with the specific council.

Official sourcesVictorian Government Planning — Caravan Parks & Movable Dwellings (planning.vic.gov.au) Surf Coast Shire — Tiny Houses on Wheels Pilot

Queensland

Queensland's planning framework distinguishes between fixed tiny homes (permanent, regulated as dwellings or secondary dwellings under Schedule 24 of the Planning Regulation 2017) and temporary-use tiny homes, typically on wheels, which are not required to meet building code standards or planning approval when used temporarily. Fixed dwellings still need building approval and, in some cases, planning approval depending on council zoning. Secondary dwellings (granny flats) can generally be rented to anyone following 2022 reforms.

Official sourcesQueensland Government Planning — Tiny Homes (planning.qld.gov.au)

Western Australia

A fixed 'ancillary dwelling' (granny flat) of up to 70m² can be built on a residential lot without planning approval, provided it meets deemed-to-comply requirements under the Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) Volume 1 — including a minimum lot size requirement that was removed as of 10 April 2024. A building permit is still required. Tiny houses on wheels registered as caravans/trailers are regulated separately under road and caravan park rules.

Official sourcesWA Planning Commission — Revised R-Codes (planning.wa.gov.au) WA Government — Tiny Houses Typologies Guide (PDF)

South Australia

Fixed tiny homes are regulated as 'ancillary accommodation' under the Planning and Design Code, with a maximum floor area of 70m² (increased from 60m²). Following 2024 reforms, ancillary accommodation can be fully self-contained (its own kitchen, bathroom and laundry) and rented to anyone, not just family members. Caravans and tiny homes used as moveable housing are covered separately — the State Planning Commission publishes a dedicated FAQ on this.

Official sourcesSA Planning Commission — Affordable Housing Reforms (saplanningcommission.sa.gov.au) PlanSA — Ancillary Accommodation, Caravans and Moveable Housing FAQ (PDF)

Tasmania

Fixed tiny homes are regulated as 'secondary residences' under the Tasmanian Planning Scheme, capped at 60m² and required to share access, parking, and utility connections with the main dwelling on the site. Requirements vary across the 16 zones in the Tasmanian Planning Scheme. Tiny houses on wheels registered as caravans/trailers are treated differently to fixed buildings, and composting toilets are not permitted in a trailer-based structure or caravan under state regulation.

Official sourcesTasmanian State Planning Office — Tiny Houses Fact Sheet (PDF, Dec 2024) Consumer, Building and Occupational Services — Tiny Houses Regulatory Note (PDF)
Regulations change and local council rules can add further requirements beyond the state framework shown here. This page is reviewed periodically against the government sources linked above, but you should always confirm current requirements with the relevant state planning authority or local council before buying, building or placing a tiny home.

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