Update on building consent for small standalone dwellings
Work is underway to enable small standalone dwellings to be built without a building consent. This is targeted to take effect in 2026.
These changes will improve affordable housing options and provide safe, healthy and durable homes for New Zealanders to live in. The proposed changes are estimated to lead to almost 13,000 additional dwellings being built over the next decade.
The proposed building consent exemption will allow small standalone dwellings up to 70 square metres in size, to be built without a building consent if:
- it has a simple design and meets the Building Code
- work is carried out or supervised by the relevant licensed trades-person
- homeowners notify their local council before they commence building and once it is completed.
Current building consent rules for small standalone dwellings
Until the law changes in 2026, all small standalone dwellings still need a building consent.
If you are unsure whether your building work needs a building consent or not, check with your local council.
Super-sized granny flats coming to backyards(external link) - Beehive.govt.nz