Transportable Granny Flats

Pre-built units delivered whole to your block — the fastest path from order to occupancy, from $60,000 to $140,000.

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Published 6 April 20263 min readReviewed by GrannyFlatGuide editorial team

A transportable granny flat is built complete in a factory and delivered to your site as a single unit on a flatbed truck. As of Q1 2026, prices range from $60,000 to $140,000 depending on size and finish level.

The main advantage is speed. Once the slab is ready, the unit is craned into position and connected to services — often liveable within days rather than months. This makes transportable builds the fastest granny flat option available.

Transportable does not mean temporary. These are permanent, council-approved secondary dwellings built to the National Construction Code. They require the same CDC or DA approval as any other granny flat and are assessed to the same structural and energy standards.

Transportable vs modular granny flat comparison

How transportable delivery works

The unit is built in a factory over 8 to 14 weeks. While the factory build progresses, your site is prepared — slab poured, service trenches dug and any necessary retaining walls built.

On delivery day, a flatbed truck brings the completed unit to your property. A crane lifts it from the truck and places it on the prepared slab. This typically takes 2 to 4 hours. The unit is then bolted to the slab, and plumbing and electrical are connected to the mains.

Final inspections and the occupation certificate follow within 1 to 3 weeks. Total project time from order to move-in is typically 12 to 18 weeks — significantly faster than a traditional build.

The 4.5-metre width limit

Road transport regulations limit the width of loads that can travel on public roads without a police escort. In most states, this is approximately 4.5 metres. This width constraint is the main trade-off with transportable builds.

A 4.5-metre-wide unit can accommodate a comfortable studio or one-bedroom layout. Two-bedroom designs are possible but require a long, narrow floor plan that may not suit every block or lifestyle. If you need a wider design, a modular build — where sections are transported separately and joined on site — removes this restriction.

Site access requirements

Your property needs a clear path for the delivery truck and crane. The truck requires road access capable of supporting a heavy vehicle, and the crane needs stable ground to operate from — usually the street or driveway.

Measure the access route from the street to the installation point. Check for overhead power lines, trees, narrow gates, and any structures that could obstruct the crane arm. Your supplier will conduct a site assessment, but knowing the constraints early avoids surprises.

Transportable vs relocatable

Some suppliers market units as relocatable, implying they can be moved again later. While technically possible, relocating a granny flat after installation is expensive — $15,000 to $30,000 or more — and requires disconnecting all services, lifting the unit, transporting it, and reconnecting at the new site. Build as if it is permanent, because practically it is.

Transportable granny flat cost ranges

Unit prices below exclude delivery, crane hire and service connections. Add $8,000 to $20,000 for these depending on distance and site complexity. All figures as of Q1 2026.

ScenarioCost range (AUD, ex GST)Notes
Compact studio (under 30 sqm)$60,000$90,000Open-plan studio with kitchenette and bathroom. Simplest transport and crane requirements.
Standard 1-bedroom (30–40 sqm)$80,000$110,000Separate bedroom with living area. Within 4.5m width limit for standard road transport.
Large 1-bed or small 2-bed (40–50 sqm)$100,000$140,000Longer unit to stay within width limits. May require escort vehicle for transport.
Delivery, crane and connections$8,000$20,000Varies by distance from factory, crane size needed, and length of service connection runs.

Ranges compiled from published transportable granny flat supplier pricing across NSW, VIC and QLD. Site preparation (slab, excavation) is additional.

Last checked: 1 April 2026

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Transportable granny flats at a glance

Cost range

$60,000 to $140,000 for the unit. Delivery, crane hire and service connections add $8,000 to $20,000 depending on distance and site.

On-site time

1 to 2 days from delivery to positioned on slab. Service connections and final inspections take another 1 to 3 weeks.

Key constraint

Maximum width of about 4.5 metres for standard road transport without police escort. This limits floor plan options compared to modular or site-built.

Best suited for

Buyers who want the fastest possible build, sites with good truck and crane access, and projects where minimising on-site disruption is a priority.

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