Under the new regulations, which come into effect in the first quarter of 2026, homeowners will be able to build small, standalone dwellings in their backyards — so long as they are simple in design, meet the Building Code, and are constructed by qualified, professional builders. Homeowners must also notify their local council before starting work and again once the build is complete. The change, part of the National / New Zealand First coalition agreement, aims to make housing more accessible, more flexible, and more affordable for families and communities.

A Practical Step Toward Easing the Housing Challenge

RMA Minister Chris Bishop says the new regulations will help ease the cost of living by providing families with more housing options. “This will be great for grandparents, people with disabilities, young adults, and workers in the rural sector,” Bishop said. The Government will also update national direction under the Resource Management Act to remove the need for separate resource consents for these small dwellings — expected by the end of this year. Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk said the initiative could deliver around 13,000 new granny flats nationwide over the next decade. “We’ll see more work for builders in the pipeline without local councils managing unnecessary consenting burdens for simple building work,” Penk said.

Enhanced Renovations Welcomes the Change — With Caution

At Enhanced Renovations, we see this as a smart, practical reform that will speed up the build process, reduce costs, and help Kiwis make better use of their land, and add value to their property.

But we also caution homeowners: consent-free doesn’t mean compliance-free. Every new dwelling must still meet the full requirements of the New Zealand Building Code, including structural integrity, weather-tightness, drainage, insulation, and fire safety standards.

“The legislation allows you to build faster, but not looser,” says Justin Carter, owner of Enhanced Renovations.

Attempting to fast-track construction without proper planning or professional oversight can lead to costly rework, code breaches, or future resale issues.

Not Just for ‘Grannies’

Despite the nickname, these compact dwellings open up a wide range of modern uses:

• Independent accommodation for family members or elderly parents
• Home offices or creative studios
• Teenage or young-adult living spaces
• Customised dwelling for those with disabilities
• Rental or Airbnb opportunities
• Staff housing in rural or small-community settings

Whatever your purpose, the key is to get it right the first time — with professional planning, qualified tradespeople, and code-compliant execution.

Planning Your Build? Talk to Enhanced Renovations

If you’re considering a secondary dwelling for your property, Enhanced Renovations can help you:

• Assess whether your site qualifies under the new exemption
• Develop smart, compliant design options
• Manage required council notifications
• Oversee the process to ensure quality and compliance

In Summary

This law change is a positive step forward — reducing red tape, supporting housing supply, and empowering homeowners. But while you no longer need a consent, you still need to build safely, legally, and professionally.

So before you pick up the hammer or sign a quote, talk to Enhanced Renovations. We’ll help you plan it right, build it right, and enjoy peace of mind knowing your project meets every standard that matters.

Enhanced Renovations – Transforming spaces. Enhancing lives.
Contact us today, email admin@enhancedrenovations.co.nz