Granny Flats Australia: Homeowners Prioritise Smart Space Over Luxury Amid Housing Crunch
In a clear reflection of changing homeowner priorities, Granny Flats Australia has officially surpassed swimming pools as the most searched-for home feature in the country, according to recent real estate data. Once seen as an optional add-on or a place for aging relatives, Granny Flats Australia now represent a practical, income-generating, and space-efficient solution, eclipsing the traditional backyard pool in popularity.
This growing trend is more than just a shift in search behavior; it signals a fundamental change in how Australians are choosing to live.
“It’s not just about luxury anymore; it’s about use, flexibility, and value,” says Mark Moumdjian, Director at Mark The Builder and a leading expert in Granny Flats Australia design and construction.
With housing affordability continuing to deteriorate across major cities, Australians are turning away from costly luxuries like swimming pools and leaning into versatile features that offer real returns—both financial and functional.
Granny Flats Australia are increasingly being used not only for extended family living but also for rental income, home offices, or even downsizing while staying on the same block.
“Homeowners want features that work for them, not just look good,” says Moumdjian.
“A pool might add lifestyle appeal, but a granny flat adds livable space, rental potential, and long-term flexibility.”
Mark Moumdjian: The Face Behind Mark The Builder’s Trusted Process
At the forefront of this movement is Mark Moumdjian, the Director of Mark The Builder, a company that has rapidly become a household name for high-quality, full-service granny flat construction.
With over 20 years in the building industry, Moumdjian brings unmatched experience to the table and offers something few others can: direct access.
“I’m not just the owner. I’m the licensed builder, the supervisor, and your point of contact throughout the journey,” he explains.
Since its founding in 2019, Mark The Builder has grown quickly by delivering on a promise: to make the granny flat process smooth, compliant, and stress-free.
The 3 C’s: Concept. Council. Construction.
What sets Mark The Builder apart is its end-to-end approach. They call it the 3 C’s:
- Concept – Thoughtfully crafted designs to match every budget and lifestyle
- Council – Seamless navigation through local approval processes
- Construction – Reliable, on-time building with quality finishes and full handover
Clients can choose from standard designs or opt for custom solutions, depending on their needs.
“Whether you’re housing elderly parents, planning a rental unit, or just needing more space, we make it happen, without the red tape,” says Moumdjian.
Expanding Across Greater Sydney and Beyond
Mark The Builder services an extensive footprint across Sydney Metro, Penrith, Hawkesbury, Central Coast, Newcastle, Wollongong. From concept to completion, Mark The Builder has become the go-to choice for homeowners looking to future-proof their properties with stylish, functional granny flats.
Here are relevant pieces of data about search trends in Australia for “granny flats” and “pools”, showing an increasing demand for granny flats over pools.
| Source | Time Period / Reference | What was measured/What increased |
| Domain: “Granny flats lead housing searches this spring” | around Spring 2025 | Granny flat is now among the top searched terms in cities like Sydney, surpassing “waterfront,” etc. Australian Broker News |
| Domain / Property News: What home buyers are looking for this spring | ~2025 | “Granny flat” searches surged — specific % increases in some cities. Also “dual living” rose sharply. MPA Magazine |
| Realestate.com.au & PropTrack: Most searched real estate terms 2024 | 2024 vs 2023 | Searches related to “granny flat” and “unit” increased by ~50‑plus per cent compared to previous year. “Pool” remains one of the top keywords for property features. Real Estate Australia+1 |
| “Pool” vs “Granny flat” searches in some cities | recent months (2025) | In Perth, “pool” is the top feature searched, “granny flat” is second. In Sydney, “granny flat” has become the most searched term, displacing lifestyle keywords. Hotspotting+2Australian Broker News+2 |
| Growth rates | ~past 12 months | “Granny flat” searches up ~18% in some regions; “dual living” up more (some places much more) Real Estate Australia+2MPA Magazine+2 |
Once seen as the ultimate status symbol, swimming pools are now increasingly viewed as costly luxuries—expensive to build, maintain, and insure. In contrast, Granny Flats Australia offers homeowners practical value, providing rental income, multi-functional spaces like guest suites, home offices, and teenage retreats, while adding long-term appeal to any property.
Granny Flats Australia are not just trending; they are completely transforming the way Australians live. As housing affordability continues to pressure traditional homeownership dreams, more buyers and investors are choosing smart, flexible solutions over high-maintenance luxuries.
Leading this transformation is Mark Moumdjian and Mark The Builder, the trusted name behind Granny Flats Australia, known for quality craftsmanship, transparency, and peace of mind.
“We take care of it all,” says Moumdjian.
“From design to approval to handover, we’ve got your back.”