Can I Build A Granny Flat On My Property?

Under the New Zealand Government’s updated regulations, you can construct a standalone minor dwelling of up to 70 square metres without needing a building consent or a resource consent, provided your project meets a set of strict criteria.

If your design falls outside these specific conditions, you can still build, but you will need to go through the standard council consenting process.

The Consent-Exempt Pathway (Up to 70m²)

To build a granny flat without standard consents under the nationwide rules, your project must strictly comply with the following criteria:

Size and Structure: The unit must be a single-storey, standalone structure with a gross floor area of 70 square metres or less.
Boundary Setbacks: The unit must be placed at least 2 metres away from all property boundaries and 2 metres away from the main house.
Materials: It must be constructed using lightweight timber or steel framing, and lightweight roofing materials.
No DIY Allowed: All construction and design work must be executed or supervised by a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP), registered plumber, and authorised sparky.
Building Code: The dwelling must fully comply with the New Zealand Building Code (covering structural integrity, insulation, and fire safety).
Utilities: It must connect to the public stormwater and wastewater networks, or utilise a compliant, fully functional on-site drainage system.

When You Will Still Need a Full Consent

The standard consent-exempt rule will not apply if your property has specific restrictions. You must apply for standard building or resource consents if:

The land is subject to natural hazards (like flooding, slippage, or geothermal activity).
The property sits inside a heritage zone or is governed by restrictive private land covenants.
Your design requires a Building Code waiver or incorporates features like a level-entry wet-area shower that requires a waterproof membrane.

Financial Considerations

While bypassing the consent process saves thousands in upfront regulatory fees and weeks of delays, building a self-contained unit is still a significant investment. In major centres like Auckland, fully completed 70m² minor dwellings generally range from $280,000 to over $560,000 depending on site conditions, utility connections, and whether you choose a prefab/transportable unit or a custom architectural build. Councils also reserve the right to charge infrastructure development contributions upon completion.

To understand the practical site assessments, hidden infrastructure traps, and financial realities of adding a secondary dwelling, please consult the local council.

Prepare to Impress

If you would like to know more about the benefits and how it could apply to your home, We’re happy to take your call and provide more insights.

Can I Build A Granny Flat On My Property?