Australia's housing costs keep climbing.
The median Sydney home crossed $1.6 million in late 2025, and renters in Brisbane are paying 40% more than they were three years ago. So it's no wonder that when Bunnings launched flat-pack studio pods in February 2026 in partnership with Elsewhere Pods, the phones started running hot. If you've been wondering whether a Bunnings pod is the right move for your backyard, this guide walks you through everything you need to know: sizes, prices, what's in the box, how to put it together, and how to pay for it.
What Is a Bunnings Pod?
The Bunnings pod is a flat-pack modular studio from Elsewhere Pods — a Melbourne-founded company that has been designing prefab eco pods since the early 2020s. Elsewhere Pods was started by Matt Decarne after his mother lost her family home in the 2020 NSW floods. What began as a search for better, faster, more resilient housing grew into one of Australia's most talked-about housing startups and since February 2026, their pods are available at the biggest hardware chain in the country.
The Bunnings range features two flat-pack models designed for DIY assembly:
- 2.7m × 2.4m studio — $26,100, assembled in approximately 48 hours
- 4m × 2.4m studio — $42,900, assembled in approximately 48 hours
Both are designed for backyard use with endless possibilities. They can be purchased online through bunnings.com.au or through the Special Orders desk in-store. Bunnings includes free delivery across Australia.
Need something larger?
Elsewhere Pods sells extended models up to 12 metres in length directly through their website, with a range of financing options available through Commonwealth Bank and Great Escape Finance.
Which Size Is Right for You?
Your choice comes down to intended use, your block's dimensions, and your budget. Here's a quick comparison:
| Model | Dimensions | Approx. Internal Area | Price (AUD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.7m Studio | 2.7m × 2.4m | ~5.8m² | $26,100 | Home office, creative studio, garden retreat |
| 4m Studio | 4m × 2.4m | ~8.8m² | $42,900 | Guest room, teenage hangout, compact granny flat |
| 12m Tiny Home | 12m (custom) | ~25m²+ | Contact Elsewhere | Full tiny home, income-generating granny flat, eco stay |
Council and Planning Rules
Before you buy, check your local council requirements; they vary significantly by state and even by suburb.
In New South Wales, a secondary dwelling (granny flat) can be built up to 60m² on a minimum 450m² lot under complying development, and both Bunnings models sit comfortably within this envelope. In Queensland, occupancy restrictions on secondary dwellings were removed statewide in 2022, giving property owners considerably more flexibility. In Victoria, self-contained dwellings up to 60m² don't require a planning permit in most residential zones.
*Still it is recommended to always check with local councils before making final decisions.
What's Actually in the Box?
Elsewhere Pods are engineered to a noticeably higher spec than typical flat-pack garden sheds. Both Bunnings models include:
- Double-glazed 8mm glass with Low-e treatment for strong thermal performance year-round
- Thermally broken framing to prevent condensation and heat transfer through the structure
- High soundproofing performance: ideal for offices, studios, and accommodations
- Structural steel chassis designed for longevity
- Pre-finished exterior cladding in matte black
What's not included: electrical connections, plumbing (if required), internal fit-out, and foundation. You'll need a licensed electrician to connect power, and potentially a plumber depending on your use case. Foundation costs vary but typically run $2,000–$5,000 for a simple concrete pad or footings. Budget for this separately.
Visualise Before You Buy
A handy recent addition: Elsewhere Pods studios are now available in Augmented Reality (AR) on the Bunnings app. Open the app, find the Elsewhere Pods range, and use your phone camera to place a life-size version of the pod exactly where you're planning to put it on your property; at true-to-life scale. It's a surprisingly revealing exercise. Many buyers are taken aback by how the footprint looks in their actual backyard before they commit. If you're weighing up the 2.7m versus the 4m, try both in AR before ordering.
How to Buy, Deliver and Assemble
Purchasing is straightforward. Order online at bunnings.com.au or visit the Special Orders desk at your nearest Bunnings store. Both pods ship Australia-wide at no charge for delivery.
Assembly: What to Expect
The 2.7m and 4m studios are designed for a confident DIY build. With two or three people and a clear weekend, most buyers have the structure weather-tight by Sunday afternoon. Here's a rough timeline to plan around:
- Before delivery — Site prep, foundation or pad installation, order confirmation
- Day 1 — Delivery acceptance, frame and floor assembly, wall panel installation
- Day 2 — Roof installation, glazing fit-out, final weatherproofing check
- Day 2+ — Licensed electrician for power connection; optional plumber, internal lining, or fit-out work
Elsewhere Pods provides detailed assembly documentation and can connect you with a recommended local installer network if you'd prefer a fully managed build.
Is a Bunnings Pod the Right Fit for Your Property?
An Elsewhere Pods studio from Bunnings makes strong practical sense when:
- Your backyard is reasonably flat with at least 3m of clearance from the fence or dwelling
- You want to add usable, permanent space without a full home renovation
- You need a flexible structure you could sell, relocate, or repurpose down the track
- You want to house a family member, create a rental income stream, or build a dedicated home office.
It may be less suitable if your lot is steeply sloped (extra foundation costs can mount quickly), if your council requires a DA for any secondary structure, or if you need a fully self-contained tiny home with a kitchen and bathroom right away — in which case, the Elsewhere Pods 12m range is worth a direct conversation with the team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Bunnings pod as a granny flat?
The 4m studio can serve as basic granny flat accommodation, especially for an adult family member who needs their own private space. For a fully self-contained dwelling with kitchen and bathroom, the Elsewhere Pods 12m tiny home is the better fit. Always confirm habitable dwelling requirements with your local council before purchasing, as rules vary by state.
Do I need council approval to put up a Bunnings pod?
For non-habitable use (office, studio, gym, storage), most councils don't require approval for structures below a certain floor area — often 10m² to 20m², depending on the state. The 2.7m studio at approximately 5.8m² internal is frequently exempt. In NSW, the complying development pathway makes approval for habitable secondary dwellings considerably faster than a standard DA.
How long does delivery take from Bunnings?
Delivery times vary by location but typically run 2–6 weeks from the order date. Bunnings offers free delivery on both studio models across Australia.
Can I run a Bunnings pod off-grid?
Yes, both models are designed to accept solar and battery connections. A standard 3kW solar system with battery storage comfortably runs a studio pod year-round for office or accommodation use, making them a popular choice on rural properties and for eco tourism stays.
What's the difference between the Bunnings range and Elsewhere Pods' main range?
The Bunnings range — the 2.7m and 4m models — is purpose-built for flat-pack DIY assembly at an accessible price point. Elsewhere Pods' direct range extends up to 12m, with more customisation, larger footprints, and configurations suited to full-time living, eco-tourism accommodation, and income-generating granny flats.
Ready to see which Elsewhere Pods model is right for your block? Browse the 2.7m and 4m studios on Bunnings.com.au, try the AR visualiser on the Bunnings app, or visit elsewherepods.com to explore the full range from compact studios to 12m tiny homes. Have questions? Book a call with the Elsewhere Pods team and we'll help you find the right fit for your property, your budget, and your council requirements.