Granny Flats and Co Living
My husband and I had the pleasure of working with Nathan Fradley and his team for our financial planning, and I cannot recommend him highly enough. When we first engaged Nathan, he was happy to provide general information that would help us better understand our changing circumstances before bringing us on as full clients.
From our first meeting, it was clear that he is not only incredibly knowledgeable but also extremely easy to work with. Every question we had, including around areas that we had found difficult to navigate in the past like Centrelink, he was able to answer in a way that was easy to understand. He also provided us with additional resources such as videos and tutorials to watch that were very useful and helpful when making decisions.
What truly sets Nathan apart is his genuine understanding of individual preferences and needs. He took the time to listen to our goals and concerns, tailoring his advice to fit our unique situation – nothing ever felt like he was giving us cookie-cutter advice that could have applied to anyone. We have had some previous experience with financial advisers through our super fund, but we found this much more restrictive and basic.
After working with Nathan, we both feel more secure and confident about our financial future and could not recommend him more strongly.
Deb
Granny Flat and Retirement
With the rising cost of housing, the needs of ageing parents, and the challenges facing younger generations, many families are turning to co-living and granny flat arrangements as practical, values-based solutions. But while these setups can strengthen family connections, they also introduce complex financial, legal and emotional considerations.
I offer expertise in managing these complexities, ensuring that financial decisions are made with both immediate and long-term implications in mind — from cash flow and tax outcomes to Centrelink impacts and estate planning flow-on effects.
What is a Granny Flat Arrangement?
A granny flat is not only the traditional idea of placing a small unit on the back of a child s property. It is an arrangement that typically involves an older person exchanging assets (often their home or a lump sum) for the right to live in a relative’s property.
While it can provide safety, connection, and care, it’s important to ensure the arrangement is properly structured and documented.
When to get me involved
If this is something you are considering, you should reach out as soon as possible to ensure all avenues and options are still available and considered.
While granny flats can be great for the right people, they should always be considered alongside alternatives such as co-ownership, shared equity, or the sale and purchase of new property. Independent financial advice is essential to understand the risks and benefits for everyone involved.
I can help by:
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Modelling financial outcomes: comparing granny flat, co-ownership, and downsizing options.
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Assessing Centrelink impacts: including gifting rules, deprivation periods, and the “granny flat interest” exemption.
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Planning for future change: ensuring flexibility if care needs or family relationships evolve.
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Coordinating with your lawyer: to ensure agreements are compliant and reflect your intentions.
It’s about balancing family care, financial security, and fairness — so everyone involved feels supported, not strained.
Get in touch
Read
My Blog "Introduction to Granny Flats"
Learn More
Listen
To my podcast
"Weaving Gold"
where we cover topics like Granny Flats twice weekly.
Watch
My episode of RetireRight with Glen James, where we discuss Granny Flats at length