Keen to Build a Granny Flat? It’s About to Get a Whole Lot Easier
Good news, homeowners — the Government’s making it simpler (and cheaper) to build small standalone homes, often called granny flats. These changes are all about giving Kiwis more affordable housing options and helping families make the most of the land they already own.
What’s Changing?
From early 2026, you’ll be able to build a granny flat — up to 70 square meters — without needing a building consent. Yep, no red tape (as long as you stick to the rules).
What You’ll Need to Do
To qualify for the new exemption:
- Your granny flat must be 70m² or smaller
- The design needs to be simple and meet the Building Code
- It must be built (or supervised) by a licensed building professional
- You’ll need to let the council know before you start and once you’re done
So while you won’t need a full consent, the build still has to be safe, solid and up to code — no shortcuts.
What About Right Now?
Don’t grab the hammer just yet — until the law officially changes, you still need a building consent for any granny flat. Even if it ticks all the future boxes, it still needs approval today.
Development Charges Still Apply
Even under the new rules, your local council can still charge infrastructure fees (also called development contributions). These help pay for things like water, roads, and parks — and will be handled through the Project Information Memorandum (PIM) process.
Why the Change?
Kiwis are looking for smarter housing options — whether it’s helping out the kids, housing Nan and Pop, or just making the most of your backyard. This change is all about:
- More housing choices for different budgets and lifestyles
- Helping families stay connected on shared land
- Making building more straightforward and affordable
The Government’s also tightening up rules for builders to make sure the work’s done right the first time — so you can feel confident in who you’re hiring.
Bottom Line
Come 2026, building a granny flat will be easier, faster and (hopefully) cheaper. But until then, the usual building rules still apply — so always check with your local council before picking up the tools.
