More Peninsula families are choosing to live together under one roof, or across two connected dwellings on a single block. A well-designed multigenerational home in Dromana lets grandparents, parents and adult children share a property while keeping the privacy and independence each generation needs.
Why multigenerational living suits Dromana
Dromana’s mix of larger established blocks, sloping sites near Arthurs Seat and its relaxed coastal lifestyle make it a natural fit for extended families. Being close to Rosebud Hospital, local schools and the foreshore means older parents can stay near care and amenities while younger family members enjoy bay access and space for kids.
The financial logic is compelling too. Pooling resources across generations can help families build a higher-quality home than any single household could manage alone, and shared care of children or ageing parents becomes far simpler when everyone is on the one title.
Common layouts for shared living
There is no single “right” way to house several generations. The best approach depends on your block, your budget and how much separation each household wants.
- Dual living under one roof: A single home with two distinct wings, separate entries, and a shared central kitchen or living zone. This suits families who want togetherness with quiet retreats.
- Attached secondary dwelling: A self-contained unit joined to the main home, often with its own kitchenette, bathroom and living area. Good for a semi-independent parent or an adult child.
- Detached dependent person’s unit (granny flat): A separate small dwelling elsewhere on the block, offering the most privacy while keeping family close.
- Two-storey solutions: On tighter or sloping Dromana blocks, stacking living zones can preserve garden space and capture Port Phillip Bay glimpses from upper levels.
Planning and permit considerations
Before you settle on a design, it pays to understand what Mornington Peninsula Shire Council allows on your land. A secondary or dependent person’s unit may need a planning permit as well as a building permit, and rules differ depending on your zone, overlays and lot size.
Many Dromana blocks also carry a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating, particularly closer to Arthurs Seat and the treed hinterland. Higher BAL ratings influence cladding, window glazing, decking and screening, so factor them in early. Coastal sites near Safety Beach or the foreshore may bring salt-air corrosion and wind exposure into the mix, which affects material choices for both dwellings.
Every home built in Victoria must meet the National Construction Code, including the current 7-star NatHERS energy standard. For a multigenerational build that runs two kitchens and extra bathrooms, good passive design, insulation and orientation genuinely reduce the running costs your whole family will share.
Designing for privacy and independence
The success of shared living rests on thoughtful zoning. Small design decisions make the difference between a home that feels harmonious and one that feels crowded.
Practical features worth planning
- Separate entrances so each household comes and goes without disturbing the other.
- Acoustic separation between sleeping zones, using double-stud walls or considered floor plans.
- Accessible design for ageing parents: step-free thresholds, wider doorways, a hobless shower and reinforced walls for future grab rails.
- Sub-metering or clear utility zones so costs can be tracked fairly.
- A shared outdoor space, such as a north-facing courtyard, that brings everyone together by choice rather than necessity.
Ageing-in-place features are far cheaper to build in now than to retrofit later, so raise them with your designer from the first sketch.
Choosing the right builder
Multigenerational projects are more complex than a standard single dwelling, so the credentials of your builder matter. In Victoria, your builder should be registered with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) as a registered building practitioner, provide a written domestic building contract, and arrange domestic building insurance for the work.
Look for a builder who understands local conditions and can manage the extra coordination these homes demand, from council liaison to sequencing two connected structures. As a local home builder in Dromana, DARC Building Group works with families to plan homes that genuinely suit how they live day to day. It helps to review a builder’s completed projects and understand the full scope of their services before you commit.
Cost varies widely with size, site slope, finishes and how self-contained the second dwelling is. As a rough guide, expect a multigenerational build to sit above a comparable single home because of the extra kitchen, bathroom and separation work, though sharing land and services across two households often improves the overall value.
Getting started locally
Every family and every block is different, so the first step is an honest conversation about who will live in the home, how independent each household needs to be, and what your Dromana site can accommodate. From there, a considered design and a clear contract keep the project on track.
If you are weighing up a multigenerational build, we would love to help you shape a home that works for everyone. Get in touch to talk through your ideas, or explore what building a new home in Dromana could look like for your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a planning permit for a granny flat or secondary dwelling in Dromana?
Often yes. A dependent person’s unit or secondary dwelling may require a planning permit as well as a building permit, depending on your zone, overlays and lot size. Mornington Peninsula Shire Council assesses these case by case, so it is best to confirm requirements for your specific block early. A registered builder or town planner can guide you through the process.
How do you keep privacy between generations in a shared home?
Privacy comes from good zoning. Separate entrances, acoustic wall and floor separation between sleeping areas, and distinct living zones let each household feel independent. Many families also include a self-contained kitchenette and bathroom in the secondary space, plus a shared outdoor area that brings everyone together by choice rather than by layout.
Can a multigenerational home be built on a sloping Dromana block?
Yes. Sloping sites near Arthurs Seat are common on the Peninsula and can be turned into an advantage. Split-level or two-storey designs suit these blocks, often capturing bay glimpses from upper levels while preserving garden space. Site costs such as retaining and drainage do increase, so a proper site assessment early helps set a realistic budget.
What should I check before hiring a builder for a multigenerational project?
Confirm the builder is registered with the Victorian Building Authority as a registered building practitioner. Ensure they provide a written domestic building contract and arrange domestic building insurance for the work. It also helps to choose a builder experienced with local conditions like BAL bushfire ratings, coastal salt air and council permits, since these homes involve more coordination than a standard build.