Building consent changes for small standalone dwellings (granny flats)

The Government is making it easier to build granny flats, improving affordable housing options and ensuring Kiwis have safe, healthy and durable homes to live in.

Proposed building consent exemption

Work is underway to enable small standalone dwellings to be built without a building consent, expected to be in force by early 2026.

The proposed building consent exemption will allow small standalone dwellings up to 70 square metres in size, commonly known as granny flats, to be built without a building consent if:

• it has a simple design and meets the Building Code
• building work is carried out or supervised by licensed building professionals
• homeowners notify their local council before they start building and once it is completed.

Current building consent rules

The law has not yet been changed to enable small standalone dwellings to be built without a building consent and the proposed building consent exemption will only apply to small standalone dwellings built after the exemption is in force. 

If you start building a small standalone dwelling before the law changes you need to get a building consent.

If you are unsure whether your building work needs a building consent or not, check with your local council.  

More information on changes to small standalone dwelling (granny flat) building consent rules

Super-sized granny flats coming to backyards – beehive.govt.nz