In response, the South Australian state government has taken proactive steps to address housing availability and affordability.

One significant initiative is focused on clarifying the rules governing the rental of granny flats to individuals outside immediate family members. The government has engaged in collaboration with the State Planning Commission to advocate for necessary amendments preventing local councils from imposing restrictions on granny flat rentals. Simultaneously, they are also advocating for an amendment to the Residential Tenancies Act to clearly state granny flats can be rented to non-family members.

While current planning rules do not explicitly prohibit leasing granny flats to non-family tenants, several local councils have chosen to add such restrictions to their development approvals. Consequently, many backyard flats have remained underutilised. The proposed changes represent an opportunity to address the pressing issue of housing affordability and availability.

Additionally, the government has proposed streamlining the approval process for ancillary accommodations, including redefining these dwellings to enable them to function as self-contained units. This revision could potentially enhance their appeal to prospective renters.

It's crucial to recognise that while these initiatives are a significant step forward, they won't single-handedly resolve the housing crisis. Instead, they are one facet of a broader strategy aimed at addressing this complex issue.

Nonetheless, there is an optimistic outlook that these proposed changes will encourage property owners to consider adding granny flats to their properties. Such actions can significantly contribute to expanding the housing supply. This collective effort represents a promising path towards a more accessible and affordable housing market in Adelaide.