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So, what’s actually changing?

• Fewer consents, same rules: You won’t need a full building consent if your flat meets the conditions: single-storey, self-contained, at least 2 metres from your house or boundary, and built by licensed professionals.

• Council notifications still apply: Don’t go rogue - council needs a heads-up before you start and a check-in when you’re done. Think of it as waving politely before entering the playground.

• Size and setup matter: Keep it under 70m², maximum floor level 1 metre above ground, max height 4 metres, and stick to the detached dwelling rules. Lightweight materials, licensed builders, and proper plumbing and electrical connections are still a must.

• Infrastructure matters: Water, sewage, and stormwater connections still need council approval. So if your street is already bursting at the pipes, your “streamlined” build might hit a hard pause.

Why this actually matters

• Faster builds = less stress: No more twiddling thumbs waiting for consent approvals.

• More options for family or cash flow: Keep grandma close, house a grown-up kid, or generate extra rental income.

• Boost for builders: Licensed trades get more work, which is nice if you like happy tradespeople and faster timelines.

A few things to keep in mind

• You still need to play by boundary and hazard rules. No cutting corners.

• Development contributions still apply. Sorry, councils aren’t completely giving up their take.

• Work must be done or supervised by licensed pros. DIY dreams are mostly out the window.

In short: build smart, follow the rules, and your backyard could go from “just a patch of grass” to “mini home empire” before you know it. Just check your council, measure twice, and maybe keep a cup of tea handy - because even a simpler system still likes a bit of attention.