New Rules Make Building Granny Flats Up to 70sqm Easier Than Ever
Property owners and families across New Zealand are set to benefit from sweeping new rules that will make it significantly easier to build granny flats-also known as minor residential units or standalone sleepouts-on their properties. The Government has announced that, starting in 2025, granny flats up to 70 square meters can be built without the need for building or resource consents, provided certain conditions are met.
Under the current system, even small standalone dwellings typically require lengthy and costly building and resource consent processes. The new rules will cut through this red tape, allowing more Kiwis to add a compact, self-contained home to their property faster and with less hassle. This is a significant increase from the previous consent-free limit of 60sqm.
Key Features of the New Rules:
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Applies to minor residential dwellings up to 70sqm, including granny flats and standalone sleepouts.
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No building or resource consent required if:
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The design is simple and meets Building Code requirements.
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The build is carried out or supervised by authorised professionals, such as Licensed Building Practitioners.
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Homeowners notify their local council before construction begins and after it is completed.
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Infrastructure charges will still apply to support local services and amenities.
Timeline and Implementation
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Legislation to amend the Building Act is expected to pass by the end of 2025.
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A new National Environmental Standard (NES) will be introduced, requiring all councils to permit granny flats up to 70sqm in rural and residential zones, without the need for resource consent.
What Property Owners Need to Know
While the new rules will make it easier to build, there are still important requirements to ensure safety and quality:
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The design must be simple and compliant with the Building Code.
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Only authorised professionals can undertake or supervise the work.
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Councils must be notified before and after the build.
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Some district plan rules, such as setbacks and site coverage, may still apply, and infrastructure charges will continue through the Project Information Memorandum process.
Looking Ahead
These changes are expected to reduce project timelines by up to half, making it quicker and more affordable to add a granny flat to your property. With the legislation and NES set to be in place by the end of 2025, property owners should start planning now to take advantage of the new opportunities for flexible, multi-generational, and affordable housing.