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Buyer Guides6 min readBy New Chapter Homes

Granny Flats Dublin: Garden Dwellings & Multi-Generational Living in Dublin (2026 Guide)

Complete guide to granny flats and garden dwellings in Dublin — the Class 3A planning exemption, costs, sizes, and multi-generational living solutions across Dublin city and county. From €65,000.

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Granny Flats Dublin: Garden Dwellings & Multi-Generational Living in Dublin (2026 Guide) — Buyer Guides article by New Chapter Homes Ireland

Looking for the full picture? Read our guide to granny flats in Ireland.

Granny Flats & Garden Dwellings in Dublin

Multi-generational living is on the rise across Dublin — and garden dwellings (commonly called granny flats) are one of the most popular solutions for families who want to keep loved ones close while maintaining independence. New Chapter Homes builds modular granny flats across Dublin — designed to achieve an A2 BER standard, fully fitted, and installed in weeks.

The Class 3A Exemption for Dublin (from July 2026)

From 27 July 2026, the new Class 3A exemption allows permanent detached modular homes of 32–45m² in the rear garden of your principal Dublin residence without full planning permission, subject to conditions:

  • Floor area between 32m² and 45m².
  • Must be for a family member, not for rent.
  • Connected to the main house's services (water, electricity, wastewater).
  • Height limit of 4m.
  • Boundary setback of 0.6m.
  • Not visible from the road.

This exemption makes it easier than ever to add a granny flat to your Dublin property.

Granny Flat Costs in Dublin

| Type | Size | From | |---|---|---| | Chapter Two Pod | 27–38m² | €65,000 | | Premium Garden Dwelling | 45m² | €65,000 | | Custom Multi-Gen Unit | 45m²+ | €70,000+ |

All include kitchen, bathroom, living space, and bedroom — fully fitted and ready to move into.

Why Choose a Modular Granny Flat in Dublin?

  • Fast installation — weeks, not the months a traditional Dublin extension would take.
  • Designed to achieve an A2 BER standard — low running costs for your relative.
  • Fixed price — no budget overruns.
  • Factory-built quality — consistent, premium finishes.
  • Minimal site disruption — installed in 1–2 days, ideal in Dublin's dense suburbs.
  • Planning exempt — many garden dwellings up to 45m² now qualify under Class 3A.

Designing for an Older Relative in Dublin

Our Dublin granny flats can be designed with age-friendly features:

  • Level-access showers and wide doorways.
  • Low-threshold entrances.
  • Easy-to-use fittings and switches.
  • Comfortable, accessible layouts.
  • Optional smart-home monitoring for peace of mind.

Dublin Areas We Serve

We install granny flats and garden dwellings across all of Dublin:

South Dublin: Rathfarnham, Dundrum, Stillorgan, Blackrock, Dun Laoghaire, Cabinteely, Sandyford, Rathmines, Ranelagh, Ballsbridge, Sandymount, Templeogue.

North Dublin: Swords, Malahide, Howth, Castleknock, Clontarf, Phibsborough, Drumcondra, Glasnevin, Portmarnock, Sutton, Baldoyle.

West Dublin: Lucan, Blanchardstown, Clondalkin, Tallaght, Palmerstown, Chapelizod.

Multi-Generational Living in Dublin

Dublin's housing pressures have made multi-generational living more common — adult children staying at home longer, aging parents moving in, and families pooling resources. A modular garden dwelling gives your family member independence with proximity — their own front door, their own space, but close enough for support, meals, and connection.

Get a Free Dublin Granny Flat Quote

Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote, or explore our finance options to see how affordable a Dublin granny flat can be.

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