GRANNY FLATS AUCKLAND
The housing market in New Zealand has always been a contentious issue, with discussions frequently focusing on availability and cost. Recently, the emphasis has switched to building or sitting pre-built granny flats, which is gaining popularity.
Whatever good things we build end up building us.
Table of Contents
What is the new law on building Standalone granny flats?
Granny flats (non-consented standalone dwellings) building consent exemption came into effect on 15 January 2026.
The granny flats building consent exemption allows small standalone dwellings up to 70 square metres in size to be built without a building consent if the following conditions are met:
- The build is a new, standalone and is single-storey – no mezzanine.
- The bulid has a maximum building height of 4 metres above floor level.
- The build has a floor area of 70m2 or less, including internal garages.
- The build uses lightweight steel or timber framing and lightweight roof cladding.
- The build does not include a level-entry or wet floor shower that needs a waterproof membrane.
- licensed building professionals (LBPs) carry out or supervise the work.
- The build is two metres or more away from other buildings or boundaries
- The build has connections to the public stormwater and wastewater network, or should have a compliant on-site water and drainage system.
- The build has an independent electricity supply.
- The build has an independent gas supply (if applicable).
- The land is not affected by natural hazards.
- The building design does not include waivers or modifications of the Building Code.
- You meet all other exemption conditions
What type of Granny flats can i build?
When it comes to adding a granny flat to your house, you have a few alternatives;
NEW STANDALONE DWELLING:
A small standalone dwelling up to 70m2 in size.
NEW PRE-BUILT HOUSES:
While minor dwellings/granny flats can be constructed traditionally (timber framed), many of them are also excellent candidates for prefabrication, commonly known as off-site manufactured buildings or pre-built houses. Depending on access, they can either be trucked in and deposited whole or constructed in modules and erected on site.
EXISTING ROOM CONVERSIONS:
You can make unused big bedrooms, rumpus rooms, or basement spaces self-contained. Building consent will undoubtedly be needed for these changes.
EXTENSIONS TO THE PROPERTY:
If you don’t have enough room within your house to turn an existing space into a granny flat, you can add an independent room to the existing house by extending outside (house extension). Once more, you will need building consent and ensure that entry and parking are taken care of.
GARAGE CONVERSIONS:
These (garage conversions) might be an affordable method to add extra space if you don’t need the garage for your cars. It will be less expensive than starting from scratch with the existing building structure, but adjustments will still need to be made. Separate access and building consent are needed to make the conversion self-contained.
STANDALONE Granny flats - planning
Apply for and receive a project information memorandum (PIM). You must apply for and receive a PIM from the council before building work starts. The current Auckland council base fees for issuing a PIM is $520.
For project management, consider whether to manage the build yourself or engage a project manager to coordinate trades.
Engage licensed building professionals to complete the build. Only Licensed Building Practitioners LBP(s), registered architects, or CPEng engineers can design, and only licensed building professionals can build the dwelling.
All work must comply fully with the Building Code. You are legally responsible for compliance with the Building Code and exemption conditions under the Building Act 2004.
Councils do not inspect or approve exempt work. However, they will issue a PIM and store records in your property file.
Collect build documentation. Obtain final design plans, Certificates of Work, Records of Work from all LBPs and records and certificates from plumbers, drainlayers, electricians, and gasfitters.
Notify the council by submitting all required documentation within 20 working days of completion. Your LBP(s) are required to provide the Record(s) of Work to both you and the council. Documentation will be stored on the property file and included in future Land Information Memoranda (LIMs).
Pay development contributions – if required, to the council within 20 working days of completion.
STANDALONE Granny flats build costs
Building a minor dwelling/granny flat costs roughly $3,000 to $5,000 per square metre. To build a 70m2 granny flat, a cost of around $210,000 to $350,000 would be a good starting point.
You should keep in mind other expenses that aren’t directly related to the construction of the granny flat. Costs associated with excavation, roadways, landscaping, fences, power and water supplies, and drainage are a few examples. We advise adding a contingency of 10–15% to your budget to account for unanticipated expenses.
Payment of development contributions for your new granny flat may be required, even though building and resource consents are no longer required under the new rules. This is a one-time payment to support infrastructure when more homes are added, increasing demand. To get an idea of what these will be, use the following online calculator provided by Auckland Council.
SUMMING UP
For many Auckland homeowners, minor dwellings/granny flats are a perfect answer. They have a wide range of applications and can significantly raise the functioning and market value of your home.
The new building consent exemption for granny flats came into effect on 15 January 2026.
Granny flats building and resource consent exemptions work together, and whether you can use them depends on your site’s circumstances – some builds qualify for both exemptions, while others may still need a building and/ or a resource consent.
Style Plus Renovations can assist you in preparing to take advantage of the changes by designing and constructing an additional housing unit for your property.
GRANNY FLATS FAQS
- What is a 'Sleepout'When these buildings are used as sleeping accommodation they are referred to as 'sleepouts' — the concept being that the occupant would use the kitchen, laundry, and bathroom facilities in the existing dwelling on the same property as none of those are allowed in the sleepout. This means that the person in the sleepout would normally be part of, or connected to, the household occupying the associated dwelling to be able to have that level of access.
- Do I need consent to build a standalone minor dwelling/granny flat?As of 15 January 2026, you do not need a building consent or resource consent to build a minor dwelling/granny flat if it meets specific conditions.
- What are the 'setbacks' for standalone granny flats?
In residential zones, Front boundary setback: Minimum 2 metres from the front boundary. Side and rear boundary setbacks: Minimum 2 metres from side and rear boundaries. Distance from the principal dwelling: Minimum 2 metres between the granny flat and the main house.
- Can I place a standalone minor dwelling/granny flat on my property in NZ?Yes, you can build a minor house or granny flat on your property in New Zealand, and new legislation will allow the construction of single-story, detached, or standalone homes up to 70m2 without building concent beginning in early 2026.
OTHER USEFUL LINKS
How To Add Value With A House Extension
In some cases the only option to add more room by adding a house extension. Some homes require a renovation due to a growing family or the home is ready to be rejuvenated or given a refresh.
Garage Conversions
Get ready to unlock the true potential of your garage and maximise the functionality and value of your property with Style Plus Renovations. Whether you’re looking for a modern home office, a stylish guest suite, an inviting entertainment area, or a well-equipped personal gym, our expertise in garage conversions will bring your vision to life.
Advice On Garage Conversion Into A Habitable Room (NZ)
Learn why “Free quotes” for your renovation project may not be as trustworthy as they seem. Discover the hidden risks associated with these types of offers.
At Style Plus Renovations, we understand that the custom renovation or new home build can be long and involved, but with the right design & build builder, it can become a rewarding and enjoyable experience. At Style Plus Renovations, we prioritise listening to your goals and placing your needs at the forefront.
Whether you have specific design preferences, or unique requirements, or simply want to explore the possibilities of building a custom granny flat or new minor dwelling build, we are here to guide you. Our goal is to create a home that reflects your individual style, meets your functional needs, and provides a space where you can thrive.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We look forward to hearing from you and discussing how we can bring your dream home to reality.
Whilst all information is considered to be true and correct at the date of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact the accuracy of the information.
The information may change without notice and Style Plus Renovations is not in any way liable for the accuracy of any information printed and stored or in any way interpreted and used by a user.
Get started with a Free
Architects Renovation Feasibility Report
LET'S START
YOUR RENOVATION PROJECT
Tel us about your renovation project and we’ll call you back for a no-obligation chat about your ideas.
Alternatively, if you prefer, we can initially set up a meeting using Microsoft Teams or Zoom (and other meeting apps) for a no-obligation chat about your ideas.
We look forward to hearing from you to discuss your project and get you started on your renovation journey.
If you would like to know more about our renovation process, check it out here.
