A two-bedroom home for around $250,000 may seem like a pipedream but that is what is being proposed in a new idea that aims to tackle housing undersupply and rising costs of building a new home.
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The offer comes as one of the country's major real estate chains joins up with a factory-built housing operator in an opportunity that could see some under used backyards turned into housing lots.
"For many Australians, the next home for their family could be closer than they think - in their own backyard," L. Janusz Hooker, Chair of OHOME and LJ Hooker said.
The real estate brand has partnered with OHOME as its exclusive distributor, connecting property owners with the new housing offering through its national network.
"A second dwelling can give adult children a place of their own, help keep older family members close, or create an additional source of rental income, without having to buy another block of land."
"Not every property will be suitable, but where it is, we have an opportunity to turn unused space into a home. It is one practical way to add housing in the neighbourhoods where people already live." Hooker said.
OHOME's digital platform provides an initial indication of whether a property may be suitable for a second dwelling, considering factors such as lot size, planning controls and setback requirements.
The assessment is a starting point, not a planning approval, with each project subject to relevant approvals and site requirements.
However, analysis by property data platform Archistar, found 2.5 million lots across Australia could accommodate at least one granny flat under current planning rules, including around 800,000 within two kilometres of a train station and 755,000 near a hospital.
Building quickly
The fast factory method of building homes that this plan proposes could also help the country's housing demand.
Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show that 173,367 homes were completed in the year to March 2026 against the annual 240,000 needed to meet the National Housing Accord target of 1.2 million homes over five years.
Cost advantage
A big attraction is the cost with a two-bedroom, 60-square-metre OHOME is expected to cost approximately $250,000.
The proposed ready-to-live-in package includes furniture and appliances, delivery and installation, with a target timeframe of less than 150 days from order to occupation, depending on planning approvals, site conditions and delivery requirements.
Mr Hooker said LJ Hooker's involvement would help property owners understand what could be possible on their land.
"Australians everywhere are feeling housing stress, and it will take a national effort to ease it," he said.
Jen Melocco
Previously she lead the editorial team for two of Australia's most read property magazines for Domain, and published within premier Nine media brands The Australian Financial Review and The Sydney Morning Herald.
