\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tUpdated:<\/p>
30.10.2025<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
Share on:<\/h4><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>W<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\ne\u2019ve seen first hand, a rise in homeowner interest for \u2018granny flats\u2019, and the government has announced they intend to make building one easier.<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>Known variously as granny flats, secondary dwellings, or minor residential units, these versatile structures aren\u2019t just reserved for elderly relatives. They\u2019re also a sure-fire way to extend family living, add rental income, downsize, and provide affordable housing solutions.<\/span><\/p>\nBut how much really goes into planning a granny flat?<\/p>\n
With the government’s announcement expected to make things easier, check out our quick and easy guide to get you started.<\/p>\n<\/div>
<\/i><\/div>In this article, we\u2019ll cover:<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\n\n- Types of granny flats<\/span><\/li>\n
- Planning your granny flat<\/span><\/li>\n
- Consents for granny flats<\/li>\n
- Zoning laws around granny flats<\/li>\n
- Setback and boundaries for granny flats<\/li>\n
- Trade professionals that can build granny flats<\/li>\n
- Size and layout of granny flats<\/li>\n
- Budgeting for a granny flat<\/li>\n
- Expert insight on granny flats<\/li>\n
- Granny flats vs. other options: the pros and cons. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
![](\"https:\/\/builderscrack.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Granny_Flats_1200x80012.jpg\" "\\"Granny_Flats_(1200×800)12\\"")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Government proposes to make building granny flats under 70 square metres easier.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>
\n<\/strong>Timeline of changes to granny flat consents<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>Live updates of the government’s policy change proposal:<\/p>\n<\/div>
\nOctober 2025 <\/b>– <\/span>Government has passed the legislation enabling granny flats to be built without a building consent. Read the MBIE update<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\nMay 2025 <\/b>– <\/span>The Bill and regulatory changes continued progressing through Parliament, with expectations that the new rules would pass by the end of 2025 and come into effect in early 2026. (Building Performance<\/a>). Note, this is still only a proposal.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\nApril 2025 <\/b>– <\/span>The government formally announced proposals to make it easier to build granny flats, following last year\u2019s public consultation. <\/span>Plans were confirmed to increase the maximum size of granny flats exempt from building consent from 60m\u00b2 to 70m\u00b2, provided certain conditions are met.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\nJanuary 2025 <\/b>– <\/span>The Building and Construction (Small Standalone Dwellings) Bill <\/span>passed its first reading in Parliament, <\/span>aiming to exempt granny flats up to 70m\u00b2 from needing building consent.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\nAugust 2024<\/b> – The government announced details of a Bill and a new National Environmental Standard (NES) for Minor Residential Units (granny flats), as part of broader Resource Management Act (RMA) reforms.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>June 2024<\/b> – The government proposed amending the Building Act and the Resource Management Act (RMA) to allow property owners to build \u2018granny flats\u2019, tiny homes and other small structures up to 60m\u00b2 without a consent.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/strong><\/p>\nSummary of what that means for you<\/strong><\/p><\/h3><\/div>The proposed building consent exemption will allow small standalone dwellings up to 70 square metres in size, commonly known as granny flats, to be built without a building consent if:<\/p>\n
\n- It has a simple design and meets the Building Code<\/li>\n
- Building work is carried out or supervised by licensed building professionals<\/li>\n
- Homeowners notify their local council before they commence building and once it is completed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The changes will look to manage the risk of building failure, ensure consumers are protected, fairly assign liability and avoid environmental risks, for example from natural hazards (Building Performance<\/a>).<\/p>\nAny granny flats built before the new rules come into effect will not be exempt, so it is important to time your renovation correctly.<\/span><\/p>\nWhile you can’t start building a 70<\/span>m\u00b2 without consent, you can start planning. <\/span>We\u2019ve provided some advice below to get the ball rolling.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>![](\"https:\/\/builderscrack.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Granny_Flats_1200x80016.jpg\" "\\"Granny_Flats_(1200×800)16\\"")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Granny flats are a great way to keep relatives close by.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>Types of granny flats<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>\u2018Granny flat\u2019 is a common term that describes a small, self-contained house, which may also be referred to as:<\/p>\n<\/div>
- <\/i><\/span>\n
Secondary or ancillary dwellings<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>\n
Family flats<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>\n
Minor dwellings<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>\n
Self-contained small dwellings<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>\n
Minor residential units.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul>
There are a few types of granny flats that you\u2019ll find in New Zealand, but the most common are:<\/p>\n<\/div>
- <\/i><\/span>\n
Built on site<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>\n
Prefabricated e.g. a cabin – like the one used to Make a Wish come true<\/a>. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>- <\/i><\/span>\n
Conversion e.g. garage<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Post a job<\/span><\/a>Get granny flat planning, today.<\/h2>\nTell us about your job, and we\u2019ll connect you with the right tradespeople.<\/p>\n<\/div>
<\/div>Post a job<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>![](\"https:\/\/builderscrack.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Granny_Flats_1200x8005.jpg\" "\\"Granny_Flats_(1200×800)5\\"")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Planning a granny flat starts with consulting your local council. You can find them here<\/a>.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>Consents for granny flats<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>When planning to build a granny flat in New Zealand, it\u2019s always important to understand and comply with local regulations, even with policy changes.<\/p>\n
We\u2019ll take you through a general overview of building and resource consents, zoning laws, setbacks and boundaries, and layouts and sizing.<\/p>\n
Planning your granny flat<\/b><\/p>\n
The government\u2019s plan to liberalise \u2018granny flat\u2019 rules aim to save people time and money when they want to add a new liveable space (other than an extension) to their home. A standard consent can cost anywhere from $2,000 – $5,000.<\/p>\n
If the exemption is finalised, building a granny flat up to 70 square metres could no longer need a building or resource consent, as long as it meets a certain criteria.<\/p>\n<\/div>
\n\u201cRegardless of whether building work is exempt from a building consent or not, all building work must comply with the New Zealand Building Code” – MBIE.<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>It\u2019s important to consider that new dwellings may still need consent if the council requires proof of adequate infrastructure such as drainage, water and waste.<\/p>\n
Granny flats also fall under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) and will need to meet the Healthy Homes Standards<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Zoning laws for granny flats<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>Zoning in New Zealand determines what you can build on your property. These laws vary by region and are outlined in district plans managed by local councils. <\/p>\n
A national environmental standard (NES) is in discussion to permit a granny flat on site in rural and residential zones without resource consent. <\/p>\n
Here\u2019s a breakdown of different zone types in New Zealand:<\/p>\n<\/div>
W<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n e\u2019ve seen first hand, a rise in homeowner interest for \u2018granny flats\u2019, and the government has announced they intend to make building one easier.<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div> Known variously as granny flats, secondary dwellings, or minor residential units, these versatile structures aren\u2019t just reserved for elderly relatives. They\u2019re also a sure-fire way to extend family living, add rental income, downsize, and provide affordable housing solutions.<\/span><\/p>\n But how much really goes into planning a granny flat?<\/p>\n With the government’s announcement expected to make things easier, check out our quick and easy guide to get you started.<\/p>\n<\/div> Government proposes to make building granny flats under 70 square metres easier.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div> Live updates of the government’s policy change proposal:<\/p>\n<\/div> October 2025 <\/b>– <\/span>Government has passed the legislation enabling granny flats to be built without a building consent. Read the MBIE update<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div> May 2025 <\/b>– <\/span>The Bill and regulatory changes continued progressing through Parliament, with expectations that the new rules would pass by the end of 2025 and come into effect in early 2026. (Building Performance<\/a>). Note, this is still only a proposal.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div> April 2025 <\/b>– <\/span>The government formally announced proposals to make it easier to build granny flats, following last year\u2019s public consultation. <\/span>Plans were confirmed to increase the maximum size of granny flats exempt from building consent from 60m\u00b2 to 70m\u00b2, provided certain conditions are met.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div> January 2025 <\/b>– <\/span>The Building and Construction (Small Standalone Dwellings) Bill <\/span>passed its first reading in Parliament, <\/span>aiming to exempt granny flats up to 70m\u00b2 from needing building consent.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div> August 2024<\/b> – The government announced details of a Bill and a new National Environmental Standard (NES) for Minor Residential Units (granny flats), as part of broader Resource Management Act (RMA) reforms.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div> Summary of what that means for you<\/strong><\/p><\/h3><\/div> The proposed building consent exemption will allow small standalone dwellings up to 70 square metres in size, commonly known as granny flats, to be built without a building consent if:<\/p>\n The changes will look to manage the risk of building failure, ensure consumers are protected, fairly assign liability and avoid environmental risks, for example from natural hazards (Building Performance<\/a>).<\/p>\n Any granny flats built before the new rules come into effect will not be exempt, so it is important to time your renovation correctly.<\/span><\/p>\n While you can’t start building a 70<\/span>m\u00b2 without consent, you can start planning. <\/span>We\u2019ve provided some advice below to get the ball rolling.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> Granny flats are a great way to keep relatives close by.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div> \u2018Granny flat\u2019 is a common term that describes a small, self-contained house, which may also be referred to as:<\/p>\n<\/div> Secondary or ancillary dwellings<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li> Family flats<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li> Minor dwellings<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li> Self-contained small dwellings<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li> Minor residential units.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul> There are a few types of granny flats that you\u2019ll find in New Zealand, but the most common are:<\/p>\n<\/div> Built on site<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li> Prefabricated e.g. a cabin – like the one used to Make a Wish come true<\/a>. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/li> Conversion e.g. garage<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div> Tell us about your job, and we\u2019ll connect you with the right tradespeople.<\/p>\n<\/div> Planning a granny flat starts with consulting your local council. You can find them here<\/a>.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div> When planning to build a granny flat in New Zealand, it\u2019s always important to understand and comply with local regulations, even with policy changes.<\/p>\n We\u2019ll take you through a general overview of building and resource consents, zoning laws, setbacks and boundaries, and layouts and sizing.<\/p>\n Planning your granny flat<\/b><\/p>\n The government\u2019s plan to liberalise \u2018granny flat\u2019 rules aim to save people time and money when they want to add a new liveable space (other than an extension) to their home. A standard consent can cost anywhere from $2,000 – $5,000.<\/p>\n If the exemption is finalised, building a granny flat up to 70 square metres could no longer need a building or resource consent, as long as it meets a certain criteria.<\/p>\n<\/div> \u201cRegardless of whether building work is exempt from a building consent or not, all building work must comply with the New Zealand Building Code” – MBIE.<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div> It\u2019s important to consider that new dwellings may still need consent if the council requires proof of adequate infrastructure such as drainage, water and waste.<\/p>\n Granny flats also fall under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) and will need to meet the Healthy Homes Standards<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> Zoning in New Zealand determines what you can build on your property. These laws vary by region and are outlined in district plans managed by local councils. <\/p>\n A national environmental standard (NES) is in discussion to permit a granny flat on site in rural and residential zones without resource consent. <\/p>\n Here\u2019s a breakdown of different zone types in New Zealand:<\/p>\n<\/div>In this article, we\u2019ll cover:<\/h2><\/div>
\n
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\n<\/strong>Timeline of changes to granny flat consents<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>
<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Types of granny flats<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>
Get granny flat planning, today.<\/h2>
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Consents for granny flats<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>
Zoning laws for granny flats<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>