Kiwis will soon be able to build granny flats up to 70 square metres without needing a building consent, following new legislation passed this week to unlock more housing options.

RMA Reform and Housing Minister Chris Bishop says the change cuts through red tape to make it faster and cheaper for families to add small dwellings on their properties.

“It’s currently far too hard to build the homes New Zealanders need, with even the simplest dwellings requiring complicated and costly consent processes,” he says.

The exemption, part of the Government’s Q4 Action Plan, is designed to boost supply and lower living costs by adding roughly 13,000 new granny flats nationwide over the next decade.

Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says it’s also a win for the construction sector.

“Local councils will be freed up to focus their attention on more complex building work where the need for inspection and thorough consenting is much greater.”

The new rule will apply to simple standalone dwellings meeting Building Code standards and built by authorised professionals.

Homeowners will still need to notify councils before and after construction.

On the Hibiscus Coast, the change could open doors for families wanting to house relatives, support young adults, or create extra income through small rentals.

The exemption takes effect in early 2026, with official templates and guidance due out before summer so homeowners can start planning now.

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