Granny flat guide · 2026 law change
Build a granny flat without a building consent
From 15 January 2026, New Zealand law lets you add a self-contained granny flat of up to 70m² without a building consent — provided it is a simple design that meets the Building Code, is built or supervised by licensed professionals, and your council is notified before and after. Here is what the change means for you.
What has changed
Under the Building and Construction (Small Stand-alone Dwellings) Amendment Act 2025 — Schedule 1A of the Building Act 2004 — a compliant granny flat no longer needs a building consent. That removes one of the biggest cost and time barriers to adding a second dwelling. The home still has to meet the Building Code, and a few other rules still apply.
What qualifies
To use the exemption, your granny flat needs to tick all of these.
Up to 70m²
One self-contained dwelling, up to 70 square metres of floor area.
Simple design
A straightforward single-storey home that meets the New Zealand Building Code.
2m from boundaries
Set at least 2 metres from boundaries and from any other building.
Max 4m high
No taller than 4 metres from ground level.
Licensed professionals
Designed, built or supervised by licensed building practitioners, with registered plumbers, drainlayers and electricians.
Notify your council
Tell your council before you start and once it is finished — a PIM and records of work are part of the process.
What still applies
No building consent does not mean no rules. These still need to be checked for your property.
- Your district plan and Resource Management Act rules — a national standard to remove resource consent for compliant minor dwellings is being rolled out.
- Natural hazard rules, such as flood or land-stability overlays.
- Development contributions payable to your council.
- Any covenants or restrictions registered on your property title.
- Residential tenancy law, if you rent the granny flat out.
Designed around the new rules
Our 70 Ready™ range is purpose-built for the 70m² pathway — simple, Code-compliant designs, built and signed off by licensed professionals, with the council notifications handled for you.
This page is a general overview, not legal advice. Exemption conditions and timing are set by central and local government and can change — confirm the details for your property with your local council and the official guidance at building.govt.nz.