Guernsey is such a wonderful place to live. The quality of life that we have has led to a population increase and therefore rise in property prices. Many of the younger generation are now struggling to afford a house of their own. This coupled with the elderly getting older and looking to their adult children for care has resulted in a new housing dynamic – multiple generations living under one roof.
We are seeing this trend with clients from ‘Gen X & Z’ eras interested in seeking permission to extend theirs, or their parents’ home, to allow muti-generational living. A dower unit, also known as a Granny Wing, or annex, can provide opportunities for the younger generation to get on the housing ladder and can allow for the elderly to stay close to their children for extra assistance.
Given the current cost-of-living crisis, dower units can offer a more affordable housing option for young people. They provide an opportunity for multi-generational living arrangements so housing expenses and resources can be shared, making home ownership more feasible.
Some parents rent out a unit to their own children to give them their own space while they save to live independently. This extra income can help them cover mortgage payments or save for future investments, thereby easing the financial burden of home ownership. The sale of one property to finance the extension of another could also free up the housing stock.
If the older relative is comfortable in the home they’ve lived in for decades but is finding it a bit too big to manage on their own, the opportunity to age in their home amongst family is surely the answer. Nowhere in Guernsey is far, but to have family as close as possible, particularly during the latter years of life, is a win-win for most.
Recently we have applied for planning permission for a dower unit where our client is looking to have their father join them and their two-year-old daughter at home, in an extension.
The benefits of this arrangement are:
- Having family close
- Improvement of quality of living – a brand new extension
- Childcare on tap!
- Help with maintenance/chores around the house
The type of application typically associated with this scope of work, is an application for a dower unit. The key component to this is to make sure that the extended space is dependent upon the main dwelling, which therefore provides restrictions upon the facilities within the dower unit.
Generally speaking, a dower unit would allow the creation of the following spaces:
- Bedroom
- Bathroom/en suite
- Living space
- Kitchenette*
*Appliances within a Kitchenette would typically be limited to include a sink and a fridge on the premise that the kitchen within the main dwelling would host main (hot) meals. Laundry whitegoods would also be shared with the main dwelling, all so that the dower may not become independent from the main dwelling. Proposals to provide a separate, independent unit of accommodation would fall under a different planning policy.
Within an application for a dower unit, answers to the following questions will be required, amongst others.
What is the physical relationship between the dower unit and the main dwelling? A dower unit doesn’t have to be physically attached to the main dwelling, however, its relationship to and the terrain for access to the dower unit, will be a key consideration.
Will the unit have independent access? When the dower unit is attached to the main dwelling, the existing principal entrance to the main dwelling would typically be the means of access to the dower. However, it is possible to provide certain types of doors to the dower unit to allow internal and external environments to be linked. For example, patio doors can be provided to a dower unit that would lead out onto the amenity space of the main dwelling.
In recent years, JGA has obtained planning permissions for dower units in varying shapes and forms. If you’d like to explore the feasibility of providing an extension or conversion to your home, to allow multi-generational living, please get in touch. We’d love to help bring you and your family together!