Making it easier to build a Granny Flat: What you need to know

Great news!  The government is relaxing the consenting requirements required for small-standalone structures, like granny flats from 2026. 

A stylish, well-built granny flat can add significant value to a home if it's thoughtfully done.

It can provide either an additional income stream plus the benefit of intergenerational family living.

The change will allow small standalone dwellings up to 70 square metres in size, commonly known as

granny flats, to be built without a building consent.

The design must be simple, meet the Building Code and the building work must be carried out or supervised by licensed building professionals like central Auckland builders, Warren Adolph Homes.

Homeowners will still need to notify their local council before they start a build and once it is completed. 

The team at Warren Adolph Homes think it's a sensible move by the government.

"For too long, Councils have wrapped up minor builds in red tape adding costs to homeowners and a back log to the consenting process," says Director Warren Adolph.

"Council-caused project delays impact tradies like us and depress the economy in general. We need to fast-track smaller, more affordable homes, especially in the expensive Auckland housing market.”

Warren sees little risk in shonky small homes popping up across New Zealand, as a result of the changes.

"All new building work must still comply with the Building Code, even if it is exempt from a building consent”, he says.

The company encourages owners to take a considered and design-driven approach to building a granny flat to ensure the new addition is made from quality materials and complements the existing dwelling.

Consumer protections for residential building work under the Building Act 2004 will still apply to small standalone dwellings. This includes a 12-month defect repair period, a 10-year implied warranty period

and written contracts for building work over $30,000.

Until the law changes in 2026, small standalone dwellings will still need a building consent.

In another government announcement, homeowners will soon be able to build small garden sheds, sleepouts and garages closer to their property boundaries without requiring a building consent.

The minimum distance required will be one metre from the boundary for buildings of between 10 and 30 square metres. Previously, these structures needed to be set back from boundaries by at least their own height unless a building consent was obtained. These changes are expected to take effect later this year.

If you are unsure whether your project needs a building consent from Auckland Council , check with them first or book a free onsite consultation for an Auckland granny flat build with either Andrew and Warren, both Directors of Warren Adolph Homes.

They have extensive experience is building new minor dwellings and high-performance passive homes. Check out their new Auckland house builds here

Source: https://www.building.govt.nz/getting-started/building-system-reforms/granny-flats