So, you’re thinking about moving into a granny flat. There are plenty of pros and cons to this idea, but they have grown in popularity in recent years. Many homeowners are seeking out homes with existing granny flats to boost their income. Others have taken on the task of having a granny flat built so that they can rent it out. It offers them the ability to rent it out to a tenant, and when the time comes, is a prime spot for their parents to move in.
Of course, many older couples have homes with granny flats where the situation is reversed. It’s their children living in it and they are in the big house until it’s an appropriate time to trade. Whatever your situation, let’s take a look at the granny flat pros and cons.
Granny Flats: The Pros And Cons
Pros of Granny Flats
Independence – in many cultures, inter-generational living is the norm. In fact, in these cultures there is no such thing as a granny flat, everyone is under the same roof, from the cradle to the grave. There is no need to move anywhere else, as long as you have your family. While that might some queasy, it’s easy to see why it’s a good idea. In a granny flat, you maintain your independence and space, but you have help close at hand if you fall ill. You also get to spend more time with your grandchildren.
Paying Your Way – one of the additional benefits of moving into a granny flat is that you can pay your own way financially, which will inevitably help your children out. You can contribute to the utilities and any other shared services like internet and satellite television. This will always be a pro, provided you sit down and work out these arrangements before anyone moves in.
Support – it goes both ways, you know? You can help out by babysitting your grandchildren, you can take turns cooking and enjoy meals together, and even weigh in with a bit of laundry. That means you get the same in return.
Cons of Granny Flats
No Parenting – it’s difficult to turn it off, but when you are living in a granny flat on your child’s property, you can’t parent them. They’re adults, they need to be free to live their own lives and make their own decisions, just like you do! You might think your advice is helpful, chances are it’s just exasperating. Of course, if they ask for your advice… well, that’s a different story, isn’t it?
Boundaries – this doesn’t need to be a con, but it is an issue that arises commonly in these situations. You are essentially living in each other’s pockets. So, it’s important that you sit down at the start and set ground rules. Create boundaries. For example, you may only share dinner twice a week. You may agree to offer childcare three times a week. It’s important that you lay out a framework so that things don’t get messy later down the line.
Make sure you check your local regulations on Granny Flats before proceeding with your idea.
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