Thinking of a Granny Flat? Major Consent Changes Coming Soon in NZ!

Good news for homeowners looking to add extra living space! Big changes are on the horizon that could make building a granny flat in New Zealand significantly easier and faster. From early 2026, you might be able to skip the building consent process for granny flats up to 70 square metres, provided certain conditions are met.

Our latest update breaks down these exciting developments and what they mean for you:

• Bye-Bye Building Consent (Potentially!): Discover the key criteria that could exempt your granny flat project from needing building consent, including simple designs and licensed builders.
• Bigger is Better: 70sqm Limit: Learn how the Government listened to feedback and increased the proposed size limit for consent-exempt granny flats.
• Why This Matters: Understand the Government's reasoning behind these changes – increasing housing options and lowering living costs for communities.
• Current Consent Landscape: Get clarity on the building and resource consents currently required and how the new rules will change things.
• The Power of the NES: Find out how a new National Environmental Standard will require councils to permit granny flats in most residential and rural zones without resource consent.
• Mark Your Calendar: Early 2026: Stay informed on the expected timeline for when these game-changing regulations will come into effect.
• The New Checklist: See the essential requirements you'll still need to meet, even without a building consent.
• Granny Flats & the Tenancy Tribunal: Understand that granny flats are covered by the Residential Tenancies Act, highlighting the importance of fulfilling landlord obligations. (Plus, a link to a relevant Tenancy Tribunal case!)
• Your Burning Questions Answered: Get quick answers to common queries about the timing of the changes and the notification requirements.

Don't get started without knowing the upcoming rules! These changes promise to streamline the process of adding a granny flat to your property.

Read the full update here: Do I Need a Building Consent to Build a Granny Flat in New Zealand?