The government has officially passed legislation to make it easier for homeowners to build small, self-contained dwellings—commonly known as granny flats—on their properties.
The Building and Construction (Small Standalone Dwellings) Bill, passed in Parliament on 23 October 2025, delivers on a key part of the Coalition Government’s action plan to boost housing supply and reduce costs for New Zealanders.
From early 2026, once the supporting regulations are in place, homeowners will be able to build granny flats up to 70 square metres without needing a building consent. Resource consent requirements for this type of build will also be removed by the end of 2025.
This move is designed to simplify the process, reduce red tape, and make it faster and more affordable to add small homes on existing properties. The changes are also expected to help ease housing shortages, lower living costs, and boost productivity across the construction sector.
To qualify for the exemption, granny flats must be:
They must also:
Homeowners who are considering building a granny flat should start planning now. Over the summer is an ideal time to think about design ideas and connect with qualified professionals.
While the consent exemption won’t take effect until early 2026, getting prepared early means you’ll be ready to move quickly once the regulations are confirmed.