Granny Flat Rules Are Changing: What It Means for Kiwi Homeowners

Thinking of adding a granny flat or secondary dwelling to your property? Now might be the perfect time to start planning. The New Zealand Government is proposing exciting changes to make it easier and faster to build a granny flat – with new legislation expected to take effect in early 2026.

These proposed updates could dramatically simplify the process of building a small prefab home or granny flat in NZ, especially for homeowners with underutilised land. But there’s a catch: the rules haven’t passed yet, and the final details may still change.

Here’s what you need to know – and how Ezyline Homes can help you get started.

What’s Being Proposed?

Under the draft changes, you could soon be able to:

✅ Build a secondary dwelling up to 70m² on your property
✅ Do it without needing a building consent
✅ Skip the need for site consent as well

These updates would reduce costs and red tape for many homeowners looking to build granny flats, sleepouts, or extra accommodation – great news for families, retirees, or anyone needing affordable housing solutions.

Key Rules to Keep in Mind

Even with the proposed changes, some important conditions will still apply to any secondary dwelling built without consent:

• The structure must be simple in design, using lightweight timber or steel framing and lightweight steel roofing.
• It must comply with the New Zealand Building Code.
• Plumbing and drainage must follow accepted Building Code solutions.
• The dwelling must be built at least 2 metres away from any boundary or existing structure.
• It must be constructed or supervised by a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP).
• Smoke alarms, heating, and connections to water/sewerage systems are required.
• You must notify your local council when the project begins and ends.
• Council contributions may still apply under a Project Information Memoranda (PIM).

For full details, check out the official government update on granny flat proposals.

Planning to Build Now? Stick With Current Rules

While the proposed legislation opens exciting possibilities for the future of granny flats in NZ, it’s important to note that none of the changes are law yet. If you’re planning to build now, you’ll need to follow current consent and compliance processes.

Why Choose Ezyline Homes?

At Ezyline Homes, we’re already geared up for this shift. We offer pre-designed, transportable granny flats in 50m², 60m², and 70m² sizes that meet current regulations and are future-ready should the changes go through.

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 planning a granny flat for family, a rental opportunity, or just a low-maintenance, standalone home, Ezyline makes it easy.

Get Expert Help Today

Navigating new building regulations can be tricky — but you don’t have to do it alone. Ezyline Homes has the expertise and ready-to-go home plans to help you stay ahead of the curve.

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.

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