Building Granny Flats Just Got Easier

As of 15 January 2026, New Zealand Government changed the rules for building granny flats (otherwise known as secondary dwellings), meaning you no longer need a building consent if your project ticks all the boxes. That saves you time, potentially saves you thousands of dollars, and cuts out a fair bit of stress.

But before you light your first cigarette and start swinging a hammer, your granny flat must be:

• A standalone dwelling — it can’t be an extension or attached to the house

• Single storey only (no mezzanines)

• Up to 70 m² of internal floor area

• Designed simply and compliant with the New Zealand Building Code

Also, work must be carried out or supervised by licensed professionals. JAM Group have a bunch of qualified Licensed Building Practitioners, so we can make sure we’ve ticked all the boxes to keep your granny safe.

What are the other requirements still in place?

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1. Apply for a PIM First

You must apply for a Project Information Memorandum (PIM) before you start any work. This tells you what your site actually requires (hazards, utilities, drainage, etc.).

2. Licensed Pros Only

It’s important to remember that the exemption doesn’t let you DIY the whole thing. All restricted work (design, structural, plumbing, drainage, electrical etc.) must be done or supervised by a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP). This is to make sure your flat actually meets the Building Code even if there’s no formal consent.

3. Council Still Wants Records

Once you’re finished, you must provide final plans, Records of Work from your LBPs, and certificates for plumbing, drainage, gas, and electrical work. These go on your Council file, for future buyers.

4. Resource Consent Still Matters

Heads up: the exemption is for building consent only, not necessarily resource consent. That means your granny flat still has to satisfy setbacks, coverage, and environmental standards. Some properties (due to natural hazards, overlays or protected land) may still require resource consent.

To see if any of these things apply to your property, check the district plan or talk to your Council planner. It could save you a hassle later on.

Tips to make your granny flat build run smoothly:

Get a PIM from Council before you get started. It will help you understand what needs to be done during your build, to work with your property specifically.

Get professionals in early. Designers and LBPs can help you avoid costly redesigns later.Check what utility connections and drainage you have existing, and what you will need. You will still need safe water, waste, and power.Understand your timeframe. Ask you builder to give you a timeframe for your project, and make sure that is done within the allowed timeframe by Council.

TLDR:

New building rules by NZ Govt removes one specific hurdle of requiring a building consent, yet you still need to:

✔ follow the Building Code

✔ use licensed folks

✔ comply with resource rules

✔ and document the work properly.

Do it right, and you’ve got a smooth, cost-effective path to more space, more options, and more functionality from your property.

JAM Group 2026