Build a Granny Flat and Kickstart Your New Side Hustle

Ever thought about turning a bit of extra space on your property into something that could bring in extra cash? A granny flat, sleepout, or cottage isn’t just a great addition to your lifestyle, it’s also the perfect foundation for a new side hustle. From short-term rentals to a home-based business, here’s how building a granny flat could be your ticket to a little financial freedom.

Your Cottage, Their Perfect Getaway

With tourism bouncing back and Kiwis loving a good local getaway, short-term rentals are a no-brainer. A well-designed granny flat or sleepout can bring in a steady stream of guests.

Why It Works:

• Travelers love unique, cosy stays.
• It’s easy to manage with Airbnb, Bach Care or Bookabach’s platforms doing the heavy lifting.
• A self-contained cottage offers privacy for both you and your guests.

Long-term rental

If you’d rather skip the constant turnaround of short-term stays, consider a long-term tenant. A granny flat is ideal for students, professionals, or retirees looking for a simple, private living arrangement.

Why It Works:

• Reliable monthly income.
• Less management compared to short-term rentals.
• The chance to help someone find a great place to live.

Home-based office

Turn your granny flat into the ultimate workspace for a side hustle. Whether it’s an art studio, consultancy space, or workshop, having a dedicated area can take your business to the next level.

Ideas for Use:

• A private studio for yoga or Pilates classes.
• A creative space for crafts, sewing, or woodworking.
• A professional office for remote work or meeting clients.

Run as a niche venue

If your property has the space and charm, think outside the box. Could your granny flat or cottage become a tiny event space?

• Host intimate workshops or small group retreats.
• Offer it as a writer’s or artist’s retreat.
• Create a charming space for elopements or photo shoots.

The Kiwi lifestyle vibe is a huge draw, especially for international visitors looking for something different.

Use to pay itself off later

Using your granny flat for family now doesn’t mean you can’t monetize it later. Let a parent, teenager, or guest use the space for now, knowing you have a ready-to-go rental when circumstances change.

Future-Proof Perks:

• Gives your family flexibility without sacrificing potential income.
• Adds value to your property when it’s time to sell.

Cottages have huge benefits

Not only does a well-designed sleepout or granny flat give you all these opportunities, but it also:

• Boosts your property’s value.
• Is quicker and more affordable to build than a full extension.
• Offers versatility – whether it’s for income, family, or personal use.

With Canterbury Cottages, you can design a space that’s tailored to your needs and future plans. From cosy retreats to fully self-contained rentals, we specialize in creating granny flats, sleepouts, and cottages that look great and work hard.

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Ready to Get Started?

Your next side hustle could be just a few weeks away. Whether it’s hosting on Airbnb, running a home business, or creating a long-term rental, a granny flat is an investment in your future.

Let’s chat about how Canterbury Cottages can help bring your ideas to life. With our experience building stylish, functional spaces across Canterbury, we’ll get your project sorted from start to finish.