Granny flat rules are changing: What it means for Kiwi homeowners

Home / Granny flat rules are changing: What it means for Kiwi homeowners

Thinking of adding a granny flat or secondary dwelling to your property? With new legislation set to take effect in early 2026, now is a smart time to start planning.

Here’s what you need to know about the new rules, what they mean for you, and how Ezyline Homes can help bring your plans to life.

What’s Has Changed?

In October 2025, the New Zealand Government passed the Building and Construction (Small Stand-Alone Dwellings) Amendment Bill to make it easier and more affordable to build a granny flat on your property.

Removing much of the red tape around resource consent, these legislative changes have been designed to simplify the approval process – especially for homeowners with underutilised land.

What Can You Build Without Consent?

Once the changes come into effect in 2026, homeowners will be able to build a new, standalone granny flat of up to 70m² without needing a full resource consent, as long as key conditions are met:

Maximum 70m² floor area
Single-storey only
Must be a new, standalone building
Constructed using lightweight materials (e.g. timber framing, steel roofing)
Built on compliant foundation systems (timber or screw piles)
Plumbing, electrical, and gas work must be done by licensed tradespeople
Built or supervised by a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP)
Smoke alarms, heating, and utilities required
Must meet all New Zealand Building Code requirements
Set back at least 2 metres from any boundary or existing structure

These rules make it significantly easier to build a granny flat, sleepout, or minor dwelling to accommodate extended family, generate rental income, or create flexible living arrangements.

When Do the New Rules Take Effect?

The legislation has passed but won’t come into force until early 2026. Until then, the existing regulations still apply – including the need for building consent and council approvals. If you’re planning to build before then, you’ll need to follow the current process.

Council Notifications Still Required

Even under the new rules, there are still some important administrative steps:

Before construction begins, you’ll need to apply for a Project Information Memorandum (PIM) from your local council.
After the build is completed, you’ll need to notify the council again.
Development contributions may still apply in some areas, so it’s worth checking with your local council for site-specific requirements.

What’s Not Included

The new rules do not allow:

Multiple units on a single site under this exemption
Subdivision of land
Multi-storey builds
DIY builds without a Licensed Building Practitioner involved

If you’re unsure whether your project qualifies, it’s best to seek professional advice early.

Strategic Opportunities for Homeowners

The new regulations open up exciting possibilities for many Kiwi homeowners. Whether you’re thinking about:

Creating a home for adult children or ageing parents
Adding a source of rental income
Increasing the value of your property

…a compliant, transportable granny flat could be a smart, long-term investment. Just make sure to check your property’s zoning and boundaries to ensure eligibility under the new rules.

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Why Choose Ezyline Homes?

Ezyline Homes has over 19 years’ experience building high-quality, transportable homes across the North and South Islands.

We’re already prepared for the upcoming changes with a range of pre-designed granny flats in 50m², 60m², and 70m² configurations that meet current and future regulations.

Here’s what makes our homes the smart choice:

✅ Lightweight timber construction
✅ Lightweight steel roofing
✅ Simple, compliant design
✅ Built to meet (and exceed) NZ Building Code
✅ Built or supervised by Licensed Building Practitioners (LBP)
✅ Ideal for narrow sites and tight-access areas

Whether you’re building for family, income, or flexibility, we make the process easy from start to finish.

Explore our granny flat plans, then contact our team to chat about your build.

Get Expert Help Today

The granny flat rules are changing, and the opportunity for Kiwi homeowners is clear. With less red tape and more freedom to build, now’s the time to explore your options and secure your future with a transportable home that fits your lifestyle.

Contact us today to explore your options and secure a design that’s perfect for your property – now and into the future, and check out our range of granny flats at the link below.

Granny Flats

Summary:

New zoning and housing rules are making it easier for homeowners to build granny flats. This blog breaks down what’s changing, how it affects property owners, and why it could be a smart move for extended family living or extra income.