Minor Dwellings or Granny Flats

A perfect addition to provide multi-generational living or for those wanting to utilise their land to create additional income through rental, Air BnB or a home office.

Recent changes to “Granny Flat” regulations in NZ took effect in January 2026, making it easier and more affordable for property owners to add a secondary dwelling without the usual consent hurdles.

As architectural designers, we will help you understand how to make use of these changes and can prepare the PIM (Property Information Memorandum) required before any work commences. We have existing designs that can be adapted to suit your needs.

Below is a summary of the main requirements that need to be met to avoid Building Consent:

• Max. size: 70m² (internal floor area; excl. external walls)

• Setbacks

  • Urban sites: min. 2m from any boundary

  • Rural sites: min. 10m from street boundary + 5m from rear & side boundaries

  • Min. 2m from other buildings

  • Not across boundaries between allotments

• Other

  • Single storey (<4m high); no mezzanine floor; no level-entry shower requiring waterproof membrane

  • Lightweight construction (timber or steel)

  • Lightweight roofing and cladding

  • Not >1m above natural GL (from lowest point on elevation within footprint)

  • Max. site coverage rules applicable to site’s zone must be met

  • Connect to all major services (e.g. water, wastewater, stormwater, electricity) or have on-site systems (no pumped system within dwelling)

  • Protect against Natural Hazards (e.g. erosion, falling debris, subsidence, slippage, inundation)

  • No new or altered vehicle crossing

For a more complete understanding, please refer to: Granny Flats Exemption Guidance