Bigger Granny Flats Without the Paperwork? It’s (Almost) Happening

Written By Jesse Built

Good news if you're thinking about adding a granny flat to your property soon, you might be able to build one without needing building consent.

The Government is gearing up to change the rules around small standalone dwellings (aka granny flats). The proposed exemption will let you build up to 70 square meters - that's about the size of a decent one - or two-bedroom flat - without going through the usual building consent process. That’s right, less paperwork, fewer delays, and more flexibility.

What’s Changing?

Previously, the proposed exemption covered flats up to 60m², but they’ve now bumped that up to 70m². The new rules are expected to roll out mid-2025, and here’s what they’ll allow:

  • You can build without a building consent, as long as the design is straightforward and meets the Building Code.

  • The build must be done or supervised by a licensed building pro (like us!).

  • You still need to let your local council know when you're starting and finishing the build.

This is a big win for homeowners looking to add a little extra space. Whether it’s for extended family, a rental, or just a private retreat in the backyard.

What’s the Catch?

Even though you won’t need full building consent, council infrastructure charges still apply. These are handled through the Project Information Memorandum (PIM) process. The council’s way of making sure services like water, sewage, and power can handle the extra demand.

Also worth noting: the law hasn’t changed yet. If you’re planning to build soon, you’ll still need to go through the consent process unless you hold off until the new rules are officially in place. And the exemption won’t apply to builds already underway, it’s not retroactive.

Why It Matters

This is part of a bigger push to make housing more accessible and flexible, especially in cities like Auckland, where space is tight and demand is high. The Government estimates this could lead to 13,000 more granny flats popping up over the next 10 years. That’s a lot of extra homes without needing new subdivisions or major developments.

At Jesse Built, we’re all about smart, future-focused builds, so we’re watching these changes closely and are ready to help you take advantage of them when the time comes.

Thinking About a Granny Flat?
Let’s chat! Whether you want to get started now or plan for the new rules, we’re here to help you build it right. Contact us to book a free consultation.

Jesse Built