Tiny homes in Australia — what you need to know before you buy.
The rules around tiny homes in Australia are genuinely complex — and they vary between states, councils, and land types. Getting the wrong advice early can be an expensive mistake. This is why every Ruru client gets access to Daniel's expertise before they commit to anything.
Tiny Homes on Wheels
A tiny home on wheels does not require building approval to construct. However, where you can place it and live in it depends on your state, your council, and your specific land. In Queensland, moveable dwellings are regulated under the Manufactured Homes (Residential Parks) Act and local planning schemes. Some councils are permissive. Others are not. The rules are also evolving — Queensland has been progressively updating its approach to secondary and moveable dwellings and the landscape in 2026 looks meaningfully different from two years ago.
Secondary Dwellings on Foundations
A secondary dwelling or granny flat on a foundation is subject to Queensland Development Code and your local planning scheme. In most Queensland councils a secondary dwelling up to a certain size can be approved through a streamlined pathway. A QBCC-licensed builder is required for all construction work — which is why Ruru works with licensed subcontractors for every foundation-based build.
Daniel Huelsmeyer — in-house guidance, free to every Ruru client.
Daniel holds a Master of Laws (LLM) with Distinction from the University of Auckland and brings deep expertise in planning frameworks, consent pathways, and council processes across both New Zealand and Australia. He is currently working as a Senior Research Assistant at the University of Queensland. This guidance is available to every Ruru Australia client at no extra cost — because understanding what's possible on your land shouldn't cost you extra.
Note: Ruru provides planning and council guidance only. We do not provide legal advice.
