The high cost-of-living means generations of families are now looking to live together.
But considering the steep cost of building a granny flat in Logan – with tens of thousands of dollars for council approval alone – a local agent said families were searching for established dual-occupancy properties.
A second dwelling was added to 44-56 Wallaby Way in New Beith when the suburb was considered part of Beaudesert Shire Council, prior to the local government amalgamations in 2008.
Strud Property sales agent Nate Salesa said building a granny flat on the property was much easier back then.
“It was originally built as a four-bedroom, two-bathroom home, and then they added a granny flat to the back of it,” he said.
“All you had to do was link it under the same ‘roof’.”
Now the home has a total six bedrooms and four bathrooms.
A large, undercover patio connects the two dwellings, while also providing privacy and independence to the occupants of the granny flat.
Mr Salesa said there were multiple reasons families were looking to purchase properties together.
“One reason is having the grandparents closer so they can take care of the kids while the parents are working,” he said.
“But I think it’s more so the cost of living.
“Imagine being aged 18, 19, 20, 21 and trying to rent a property but also pay for petrol, get food and save at the same time – it’s getting harder and harder.”
Mr Salesa said combining capital also enabled families to afford a property that offered more and was “more upmarket”.
“That’s what we’re seeing here at 44-56 Wallaby Way,” he said.
“When this home was first built, it was the highest-quality build you could get.
“Two ensuites, two household bathrooms, two kitchens all centred around a swimming pool.
He said the owners made small changes that had big impacts, such as planting foliage to “give the block extra privacy”.
He said the property was the perfect destination on a hot summer’s day.
“It’s an entertainment home, no doubt about it.
“When the [owner’s] kids were a lot younger, the patio area was the centre of everything – it’s between both houses, with nice clear views to it from the inside, and overlooking the pool.”
Arriving at the property, you are greeted by a manicured lawn, horseshoe driveway and tiled porte cochere that leads to an interior featuring 5.5m high ceilings, granite-marble benchtops, and custom Tasmanian Oak cabinetry.
The back of property features a fire pit with bench seating perfect for “making memories” and entertaining.
There is solar, plenty of parking space, and just minutes away from life’s necessities.
