The 60m² rule

The 60m² rule is the single threshold that defines a Small Second Dwelling in Victoria. Keep the dwelling at or under 60 square metres of total floor area and you unlock a simpler approval pathway than a full second house would require.

What is included in the 60m²?

The 60m² is measured across enclosed habitable floor area. That includes:

• Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms.
• Hallways, storage rooms, and internal stairwells.
• Any enclosed area used as living space, regardless of its label on the plans.

What is generally excluded?

Some elements do not usually count toward the 60m² total. The exact treatment depends on your council and the precise design, so we confirm each one during the site assessment:

• Open decks, verandas, and pergolas.
• Eaves and roof overhangs.
• Detached storage that is not connected to the dwelling.

Why the threshold matters

Once a second dwelling pushes past 60m² it is no longer treated as an SSD. That triggers the full planning permit process, longer timelines, and a much higher chance of council objections or amendments. Designing inside the threshold from day one keeps the project on the fast pathway.

How we design around it

Our architects design every Small Homes Victoria model to sit inside the 60m² limit while still feeling like a complete home. That means high ceilings, considered storage, and circulation that does not waste a square metre. Every inclusion the dwelling needs to function as a primary residence is on the plans before we cost it.