Over the past few years, granny flats have become more and more popular in many countries. So much so that they can even be seen as a solution for housing shortages and for easing the pressure on apartment living. Granny flats are essentially stand-alone structures that may either be connected to your property or located nearby, with their own entrance and usually a fair amount of land around them.

Granny flats come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny little buildings which only offer the most necessary sleeping arrangements to large two story home additions that boast plenty of additional features such as garages and luxurious kitchens complete with fancy appliances.

If money is not an issue, you can choose whichever type you like! But what about people who don’t want to break the bank? Are there ways to find a great granny flat with a suitable price tag that will not require taking out a second mortgage on your house?

The answer is, most definitely, yes. And just as you would do when buying any other kind of property, you need to take several things into consideration. So here are some tips:

Tip 1: Make A Budget 

Before anything else, sit down and bring up a list of all possible granny flats for sale in the area; these can be found online or by asking around among friends and family who might already know such companies. Then narrow it down according to quality and price range – remember that you do need funds to maintain the building as well as proper living arrangements.

After you have your shortlist, it’s time to look into each of the buildings in more detail. You can do so by visiting them yourself or checking out their websites for pictures and floor plans – remember that if you are selling your house, maximizing the space is key since this will impact it’s value.

You need to pay attention to what kind of appliances come with the flat, how much land there is around it and whether there are any extra facilities such as garages, garden areas or even trees on the property.

Of course, just because a granny flat ‘looks’ great does not necessarily mean it really suits all your needs. You should also check whether the company offers any additional benefits such as transfer costs being completely covered or a free initial consultation. If the company does not mention anything about that, you should inquire with them.

And while doing so, do not be afraid to negotiate on prices and extras! Many companies understand the importance of being able to sell your house quickly these days and will accommodate your requests if they get you as a future renter.

Tip 2: Get In Touch With The Company

Once you have done this, it’s time to contact each of the granny flat companies on your list and arrange meetings with them in person – if possible during working hours so you can see how their staff works at a certain time of day. You also want to see whether they are easily reachable by phone or email – remember that sometimes urgent problems arise and you would like to be able to get in touch with them quickly and easily.

A great way to organize meetings is by setting up a schedule – this way the company will know exactly when they need to clear their schedule for you and can prepare accordingly. This will help tremendously when it comes time for negotiations since both parties will know what’s on the table.

However, don’t worry if all of the companies are unable to accommodate your requests; simply set up several meetings in different days or even weeks – remember that this whole process takes some time!

Tip 3: See How The Company Works 

When meeting each granny flat company, pay attention to how they behave during the talks – do they seem rude? Are they not listening to you? Do they have an attitude towards customers or are they trying to please everyone? If you notice any red flags, it might be a good idea not to continue the talks.

Instead, look for companies that are polite and helpful at all times – after all, this is their job! Plus, chances are high of them being able to provide the granny flat that suits your lifestyle best if they listen carefully during negotiations and always try to accommodate your requests.

During these meetings, make sure you ask plenty of questions about the property itself as well as how maintenance is handled; this information will help you determine whether it’s important for you to settle on certain extras such as interior design services or appliances – remember that some flats come with a complete set of furniture while others do not.

Also keep in mind that some granny flats will require a deposit, a rental amount or both – it’s best to check this with the company before you sign anything!