Complete Guide to NZ's 2026 Granny Flat Laws: Everything You Need to Know
The Game-Changer: What's Actually Happening in 2026? Big news for Kiwi families: Parliament passed legislation in October 2025 that removes building consent requirements for granny flats up to 70m². This isn't a proposal or a maybe—it's law, coming into effect Q1 2026 (January-March 2026). Here's what this means in real terms: Previously, building a granny flat meant: 8-12 weeks waiting for building consent $5,000-$15,000 in council fees Mountains of paperwork Uncertain timelines and...