As more Aussies turn to alternative housing for flexibility, affordability, and sustainability, expandable and modular tiny homes are becoming increasingly popular. But before you roll your new tiny home onto a block of land, it’s important to understand the approval process—because while these homes are legal across Australia, each state has its own rules and procedures.
At The Good Tiny Home Co., we’re committed to making your journey to tiny living as smooth as possible. Whether you're setting up in Queensland or New South Wales, here’s a simplified guide to what you can expect when it comes to compliance and council approvals.
🟢 Queensland: A Friendly State for Tiny Living
Queensland is one of the most straightforward states when it comes to building approval for tiny and container-style homes. In most areas, you don’t even need to go through the local council—a private building certifier can manage the process for you.
đź’ˇ Here's how it works in QLD:
- Design your home and prepare site plans that show where your tiny home will sit on your property.
- Engage a private certifier, who will check zoning restrictions and advise on what documentation is needed.
- Submit necessary reports such as energy efficiency assessments, structural engineering certification, soil tests, and plumbing approvals.
- Receive a building permit once everything is reviewed and approved.
- Complete final inspections post-installation and receive your Occupancy Certificate.
âś… Good to know:
If your land is in a special zoning area (e.g., environmental or heritage overlays), you may need to go through council, but the process is generally still very manageable. Most approvals in QLD are wrapped up in under 60 days.
🔵 New South Wales: Clear and Council-Driven
NSW takes a slightly different approach, but it’s still very doable—especially with newer legislation that supports fast-track approval for manufactured and modular dwellings (which includes tiny homes).
đź› In NSW, the process looks like this:
- Prepare building and site plans.
- Submit an application to your local council for Development Approval (DA).
- Provide supporting documents, including your builder’s license, Home Warranty Insurance, and any additional info the council requests.
- Receive DA and installation approval.
- Notify the council of delivery and pass any final inspections before moving in.
đź•’ Timeline:
Some councils process tiny home applications within a few weeks, while others may take a bit longer depending on location and zoning. A plumbing inspection may also be required before occupancy, but it’s typically completed within 3–5 days.
🌟 The Good Tiny Home Co. Difference
We know that dealing with councils, certifiers, engineers, and paperwork isn't everyone's cup of tea. That’s why we offer end-to-end support, from preparing documentation and reports to connecting you with trusted professionals who specialise in tiny home approvals.
Whether you're planning a backyard studio, a full-time residence, or a getaway on rural land, our team is here to:
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Help assess your site’s eligibility
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Recommend the best route for fast approvals
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Connect you with local certifiers and compliance experts
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Manage the full process on your behalf (if you prefer!)
📞 Let’s Chat About Your Property
Every block of land is different, and so is every council. The best first step? Talk to us.
We offer free consultations where we’ll help you understand what’s possible based on your property location, zoning, and home design preferences.
👉 info@thegoodtinyhomeco.au
The Good Tiny Home Co. – Helping Australians live smart, live light, and live good. 🌿