Building a granny flat? Here’s what you need to know

Homeowners can now build a granny flat on their property without a building consent if specific conditions are met.

A new building consent exemption aims to remove barriers to building small dwellings while ensuring the homes are safe, durable, and compliant.

The exemption allows small, standalone dwellings of up to 70 square metres (commonly known as granny flats) to be built without a building consent, provided all exemption conditions are followed. It’s important to note:

• The exemption cannot be used before 15 January 2026.
• It applies only to standalone dwellings, not extensions or additions.
• All building work must still meet the Building Code.
• The exemption doesn’t remove responsibility. Instead, it provides a more streamlined pathway for compliant builds.

Who is the exemption for?

This exemption may suit homeowners who:

• want to build a granny flat for family members
• are looking to add a small dwelling to their property
• plan to use qualified building professionals
• are willing to follow a clearly defined process from start to finish.

But before lifting a hammer, property owners must first understand the steps involved. To support homeowners, councils, and building professionals, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has produced step-by-step guidance explaining exactly how the exemption works.

The guidance:

• explains what qualifies as a granny flat
• sets out the conditions that must be met to use the exemption
• breaks the process into clear stages, from planning to completion
• clarifies the roles and responsibilities of homeowners, licensed building professionals, and councils
• includes practical checklists, templates, and helpful resources.

The guide helps property owners interpret complex rules and walks them through exactly what needs to happen and when. This is important because even without a building consent, the responsibility for compliance sits with those involved in the build. Following the step-by-step guide helps ensure that:

• the design meets exemption criteria
• the right professionals are engaged
• Building Code requirements are met
• records and documentation are properly completed
• the build proceeds smoothly from start to finish.

If you’re considering building a granny flat, the FNDC Granny flats exemption webpage will also give you an overview of the exemption and the eligibility criteria. You can also find links to the full step-by-step guidance and supporting resources to help you plan your build.

You can also explore the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment guidance and resources for a broader national perspective on how the exemption works. Please note that enforcement action can be taken if the exemption criteria are not followed. Feel free to contact the council building team if you have any questions: BuildingCompliance@fndc.govt.nz

For more details, refer to the legislation.