The idea of adding a granny flat to your property sounds like a great idea. A property to rent out to generate some welcome extra income, or a home for adult children or mum and dad in their later years.

But there are important tax and personal considerations to consider before taking the plunge and digging up the backyard. Although the Federal Budget proposed significant reform in this area (which we cover later in this article), important tax questions remain.

Tax and granny flats: what you need to know

A granny flat is usually a self-contained secondary dwelling with a separate entrance, bathroom, kitchen and living space.

Unlike an investment property, granny flats do not have a separate title and are built within the boundary of your existing property or attached to your home. A granny flat cannot be sold separately unless you subdivide the existing property title.

Before you rush off to start building, you need to carefully consider the tax implications and get professional advice, or you could find yourself facing significant tax bills.

For example, if you rent out your granny flat at commercial rates to a third party like a student, the rent will be assessable income and you will pay income tax on it at your marginal tax rate. You are, however, entitled to claim the normal deductions for depreciation against income from an investment property.ⁱ

Subdividing the property could also create a GST obligation, as the flat may be deemed a new residential property.

Granny flats and capital gains

Under current legislation, the main tax issue when adding a granny flat is that it can create a capital gains tax (CGT) headache when it comes time to sell your home. CGT is payable on the difference in value between the time you bought the property and the time you sell.

Normally, your main residence is exempt from CGT, but adding a granny flat can affect this. If you charge rent to a student living in your granny flat for example, you will lose some of your main residence exemption from CGT as the property is partly being used for income-producing purposes.

When a family member lives in a granny flat and does not pay commercial rent, generally the main residence exemption still applies as the arrangement is deemed private or domestic.

CGT and cash contributions

Things get more complicated if a relative provides a cash sum to help pay for the cost of building a granny flat in return for a right of occupancy for life or life interest.

Under current tax laws, a cash sum paid by one party to build a granny flat is a CGT event. This means if your parent makes a financial contribution towards you building a flat to live in on your property, you will have a partial CGT liability to pay when you eventually sell your home.

To make things worse, the normal 50 per cent discount on CGT for the disposal of an asset held for over 12 months may not be available.

Potential for elder abuse

In many cases, concern about paying CGT means families fail to put formal agreements in place when a relative contributes to the cost of a granny flat. This leaves the family member with no protection if the relationship breaks down and creates the potential for financial abuse.

The family member can also lose out financially if they need to move into an aged care facility, or if the homeowner needs to sell.

It’s also worth noting that an interest in a granny flat can affect social security entitlements and aged care fees.

Proposed Federal Budget exemption

To solve some of these issues, the October 2020 Federal Budget included a proposed CGT exemption for granny flats where a formal written agreement is in place. The new measure will be limited to arrangements covering family relationships and disabled children – not commercial rentals.

Eligibility conditions for the new CGT exemption will depend on the legislation eventually being passed by Parliament. If passed, a start date is expected as early as 1 July 2021.

If you are considering building a granny flat on your property, contact us today to discuss the potential tax implications.

i https://www.ato.gov.au/General/property/your-home/renting-out-part-or-all-of-your-home/