Who can live in an SSD

SSDs are designed to adapt across your family’s changing needs. Who is allowed to live in one depends on a mix of state planning rules and your specific council’s position on secondary dwellings.

Family and dependents

The original intent of the Dependent Person’s Unit pathway was housing a family member who depends on the primary household. Ageing parents, adult children, and family members with additional care needs are the most clear-cut occupants and are permitted by every Victorian council.

Long-term tenants

Most councils now allow SSDs to be leased to a long-term tenant on the same conditions as any other rental property. The dwelling is treated as a fully separate residence for tenancy and tax purposes. Where this applies, the SSD becomes a productive income asset on land you already own.

Short-stay and holiday letting

Short-stay platforms like Airbnb are permitted in some councils and restricted in others. Where allowed, councils may impose limits on the number of nights per year or require registration. We confirm your council’s current position before design begins so the dwelling is fitted out to suit.

Home office and studio

SSDs make exceptional standalone studios for working from home. There is no occupancy restriction at all in this scenario because no one is sleeping in the dwelling overnight, which can simplify things when councils ask about intended use.

Common scenarios we see

• Adult child saving for a deposit while keeping their independence.
• Parents downsizing into the SSD and handing the main house to their adult children.
• A long-term rental that pays for itself within a decade on the same block.
• A separate workspace that protects the main house from work-from-home overflow.