The Government has announced changes that will make it easier to build small standalone homes, commonly known as granny flats.
Following public consultation last year, the Government has confirmed that from early 2026, building consent will no longer be required for self-contained dwellings up to 70 square metres—an increase from the originally proposed 60 square metres.
This move aims to support more affordable housing options and provide practical living solutions for extended family, aging relatives, or rental opportunities.
Under the new rules, you’ll be able to build a small standalone home without needing building consent if it meets the exemption conditions:
To help fund essential infrastructure in growing areas, councils will still be able to charge development contributions. These charges will be applied through the Project Information Memorandum (PIM) process.
Read the full exemption conditions here
Until the exemption officially comes into effect, a building consent is still required for any small standalone dwelling. A resource consent may also be required depending on your local District Plan.
If you’ve already built or plan to build before the law changes, you must still get consent—even if your home would qualify under the new rules.
We understand that navigating building rules and exemptions can be confusing—especially when the rules are changing. Our team are here to help guide you through the process. We’ve been doing this for decades, so we know what’s required and how to keep things running smoothly. Whether you’re planning a granny flat or a larger project, talk to our experienced team to get started.