Is a granny flat necessarily an (own) residential unit?

Hi,

we are still keeping an eye out for new construction opportunities and have now set our sights on a new development area where there are relatively many available plots. According to telephone information, some reservations will probably become available again as financings fall through – one person’s misfortune is another’s gain, as they say.

Now, in the new development plan created specifically for this area, it is noted that one residential unit is permitted for every full x m2, with up to two residential units per residential building; semi-detached houses count as one building unit, so one residential unit is allowed per semi-detached house.

Does this now mean that no granny flat is permitted? The m2 limits are basically set to match the plots; only one residential unit fits on each plot, so according to this, semi-detached houses always require two plots.

Is there a regulation that makes a small (clearly subordinate) granny flat (especially for later care in old age) necessarily allowed or at least something that can be ‘argued for,’ or is the dream already dashed on a second look (of at least 42)?

This concerns Schleswig-Holstein, in case that is relevant.

Thanks for your opinions!

Is there a regulation according to which a small (clearly subordinate) granny flat (specifically for later care in old age) is mandatorily permitted or at least can be 'argued for', or is the dream already busted at second glance (from at least 42)?

There is also no such thing as "a little bit pregnant." Either there are two residential units or not. Your question and this thread can be ended very briefly. Sorry.

Now, the new development plan specifically created for this area states that one residential unit is permitted per full x m², up to two residential units per residential building. This means they count as one building unit, so one residential unit is permitted per semi-detached house.

Does that now mean that no granny flat is permitted either? The m² limits are basically set to fit the plots; only one residential unit fits on each plot, according to this, semi-detached houses always require two plots.

What does that mean concretely?

Idea: A lockable room with an en suite shower/bathroom and kitchenette with at least 20 - 30m² size fulfills your wish and probably wouldn’t be a living unit if it isn’t independently accessible from the outside. However, I wouldn’t have a kitchenette drawn on the floor plan.

[A LOCKABLE ROOM with en suite shower bath/toilet and kitchenette with at least 20 - 30m² size fulfills your wish and would probably not be a residential unit if it is not independently accessible from the outside.] But then it is also not financeable as a second residential unit with KfW loans etc.

Idea: A lockable room with an en suite shower/bathroom and kitchenette of at least 20 - 30 m² meets your wish

Then you can also build directly accordingly and plan a future bedroom with bathroom on the ground floor. Apart from that, I find such an idea a waste of money (unless the original poster is already in their late 50s). It's not just the space for the caregiver. The bathroom must also be planned accordingly + door widths for the wheelchair + corridor width + maneuvering space etc. I am building a house today for my current needs and don't throw away unnecessary money to maybe have a suitable house in 35 years. I would rather sell then and move into a bungalow - care and multi-story buildings are always a pain.

But then it cannot be financed as a second residential unit with KfW loans etc. either.

The question never said that anyway. But it is an important note, yes.

Then you can also just build accordingly from the start and plan a future bedroom with a bathroom on the ground floor.

Exactly, that’s what I meant too.

Apart from that, I find such an idea a waste of money (except if the OP is already close to the late 50s). It’s not just the space for the caregiver. The bathroom must be planned accordingly + door widths for the wheelchair + corridor widths + movement areas etc. I build a house today for my current needs and don’t throw away unnecessary money to maybe have a suitable house in 35 years. Then I’d rather sell and move into a bungalow – care and multi-storey living are always a mess.

I see it similarly, but I can also understand that many see it differently (“You only build once” etc.) and experience shows that especially in old age people are no longer so mentally flexible (age-related stubbornness) and simply no longer want to leave “their” life’s work (neophobia = fear of the unknown). At least that seems to be true for a large proportion of people.
If moving out, then horizontally right away or because one is no longer mentally present anyway, the children take care of it.

And another point: You first have to be able to afford this personal caregiver in the house. I suspect for most it looks more like the house has to be sold to finance the care.