5 Star Granny Flats
The Croft studio granny flat
Designs, floor plans and builds

Studio granny flats Sydney

A studio granny flat is the smartest way to make use of a smaller backyard. Compact, efficient and fully self-contained, a studio gives you a real second dwelling without needing a large block or a large budget. It is the entry point to granny flat living, and it suits a wide range of owners: first-time investors testing the waters, homeowners with a modest yard, and anyone who wants a private space for a single tenant, a family member or a home office. At 5 Star Granny Flats, we design and build studio granny flats across Sydney that feel far bigger than their footprint.

Browse studio designs
Compact and efficient

Our studio granny flat designs

If your block is tight or your budget is measured, a studio granny flat in Sydney lets you add value and flexibility without overcommitting. Below you will find our studio designs, what fits inside a 35 square metre layout, and how a studio compares with a one bedroom build.

Our studio range gives you a choice of well-resolved 35 square metre layouts, each named and refined over years of building. The Croft, Fairlawn and Wentworthville designs all combine an open plan living and kitchen space with a bathroom and a defined sleeping area, arranged to feel open and comfortable rather than cramped.

Each design handles the space a little differently, so you can choose the flow that suits how the studio will be used. Whichever you start with, we can adjust the finishes and the layout to match your block and your taste, so the finished studio feels considered rather than off the shelf.

35m²STUDIO FOOTPRINT
450m²MINIMUM BLOCK
CDCMOST STUDIOS APPROVED VIA
14–16WEEKS TO BUILD
The range

Studio designs

Croft CDC-Ready
From $145,000*indicative
Studio 1 35

Croft | Modern, low-profile studio with sharp weatherboard cladding and a light, airy layout.

Built in your backyard · Display home: 2 Mary St, Blacktown
Fairlawn CDC-Ready
From $145,000*indicative
Studio 1 35

Fairlawn | Classic brick studio that blends effortlessly into any residential setting.

Built in your backyard · Display home: 2 Mary St, Blacktown
Wentworthville CDC-Ready
From $145,000*indicative
Studio 1 35

Wentworthville | A studio that effortlessly pairs function with charm, hipped roof and traditional brickwork.

Built in your backyard · Display home: 2 Mary St, Blacktown
The Fairlawn studio
Smart planning

What fits in a 35m² studio?

A well-designed 35 square metre studio fits more than most people expect. The layout centres on an open plan living and kitchen zone that doubles as the main living space, with a full bathroom and a defined sleeping area worked into the plan. Smart storage is built in throughout, so the space stays uncluttered and livable.

The key to a studio is efficient planning, and that is where our experience shows. By positioning the kitchen, bathroom and sleeping area thoughtfully, we create a home that feels open and practical rather than tight. The result is a compact dwelling that works comfortably for a single person or a couple.

Good natural light and smart flow do a lot of the work in a small space. We orient the living area to make the most of the aspect on your block, keep sightlines open across the plan, and choose finishes that make the studio feel bright and considered. Done well, a 35 square metre studio lives far larger than its floor area suggests, which is why they appeal to tenants as well as to owners housing a family member.

Is my block big enough for a studio granny flat?

One of the biggest advantages of a studio is that it opens up blocks that might feel too small for a larger build. That said, the standard complying development rules still apply as a guide: a block of at least 450 square metres with a 12 metre frontage, a 3 metre rear setback and 0.9 metre side setbacks. A studio’s smaller footprint simply gives you more room to work within those rules. We confirm exactly what your block can take during a free site inspection.

Check my block

How much does a studio granny flat cost in Sydney?

A studio is our most compact design, and its smaller footprint generally makes it the most economical granny flat to build. The final figure still depends on your site conditions and the finishes you choose, so we quote after inspecting your block rather than before. You receive a clear, itemised price with no hidden extras. Ask us how much does a granny flat cost in Sydney for your specific site.

Cost and ROI guide

Studio vs 1 bedroom: which is right for me?

The main difference between a studio and a one bedroom granny flat is the separate bedroom. A studio keeps the sleeping area within the open plan space, which suits single tenants, couples and tighter budgets. A 1 bedroom granny flat adds a dedicated bedroom and more overall space, which can widen your tenant pool and lift rental appeal. If your block and budget allow, the extra room is worth considering, and comparing our granny flat floor plans side by side makes the choice clearer.

Compare floor plans
Got questions?

Studio FAQs

What is the minimum lot size for a studio granny flat?

As a guide, you need at least 450 square metres with a 12 metre frontage to qualify under complying development. A studio’s compact footprint gives you more flexibility within those rules. We confirm on site.

Do studios go through DA or CDC?

Most studios are approved through a Complying Development Certificate, which is faster than a full Development Application. Where a block sits outside the standard rules, a DA applies. We manage the approval either way.

Can I rent out a studio granny flat?

Yes. In New South Wales you can rent a granny flat to any tenant, and a well-located studio attracts steady demand from singles and couples.

Can I customise a studio design?

Yes. We adjust the layout and finishes to suit your block and your taste, so your studio feels tailored rather than standard.

Ready to take the next step?

Free and no obligation. A designer comes back to you within one business day.

5 Star Granny Flats display home
Come visit

Our display home

Visit our display home to experience the quality for yourself, touch the finishes, test the materials, and explore the full range of design options available to you. You'll speak directly with our experienced granny flat designers and visualise what your own space could look like.

📍 2 Mary St, Blacktown NSW 2148

Quality materials

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