New Law Makes Building Granny Flats Easier
Big news for homeowners in early 2026!
A major housing reform passed in Parliament on 24 October 2025, making it simpler for New Zealanders to build small homes on their existing properties. From early 2026, standalone granny flats up to 70m² will be able to be built without requiring full building consent. A granny flat, also known as a minor dwelling, is a small self-contained home built on a property that already has a main residence. It shares the same land title and ownership as the primary house. These dwellings cannot be sold separately from the main home and don’t have their own title or rates. The goal of this legislation is to make it quicker and more affordable to create multi-generational living spaces, self-contained accommodation, or rental income opportunities — right in your backyard.
✅ What the New Law Allows You’ll be able to build a granny flat if it meets all of the following: - Single-storey and up to 70m² in size - Permanently fixed to the land on compliant foundations (timber, concrete, or screw piles) - Constructed from lightweight, Code-compliant materials (e.g. timber, steel framing, or SIP panels) - Fully plumbed and drained using rigid connections (no macerator pumps or holding tanks) - Built and signed off by Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs) - Supported by a Project Information Memorandum (PIM) before construction begins - All homes must still meet the New Zealand Building Code for safety, durability, and performance.
🚫 What’s Not Covered by the New Rules The legislation does not apply to: - Tiny homes on wheels or trailers - Container homes or imported expandable units without NZ engineering approvals - Two-storey homes or complex designs - Flat-pack or foldable structures without official certification - To qualify, your home must be permanently installed, built to Code, and able to receive a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC).
🏡 Homeowner Responsibilities Even without full building consent, there are still requirements you must follow: - Confirm your property’s zoning and boundary setback rules - Apply for a PIM (Project Information Memorandum) before building - Use licensed professionals and tradespeople - Build to NZ Building Code standards - Submit all final documents after construction (Records of Work, Certificates, etc.)
💡 Why This Law Matters This change is designed to make granny flat builds: - Faster and simpler — no long consent delays - More affordable — less red tape, lower upfront costs - Flexible — ideal for extended family, independent living, or rental income - Smarter land use — maximise your section without subdivision
🏠 How Russley Portables Fits In All Russley Portables homes are: - Built to meet or exceed the NZ Building Code - Installed on permanent foundations - Delivered with a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) That means our homes already comply with the new legislation — so you can move forward confidently and be ready to build as soon as the law takes effect in early 2026. Get in touch today to find out more about the new legislation or to see what we have available and how we can help you! 📍 656 Wairakei Road, Burnside, Christchurch 📞 027 931 2884 ✉️ info@russleyportables.co.nz