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 potential delays

From Q1 2026, granny flats meeting six simple requirements can be built without formal building consent. You just notify council before and after. That's it.

This is the biggest change to New Zealand's building regulations in decades, and it's designed specifically to help families like yours keep aging parents close, generate rental income, or provide housing for adult kids returning home.

The Six Requirements for Consent-Free Building

Let's get straight to what matters. To qualify for consent-free building, your granny flat must meet all six of these requirements:

1. Maximum 70m² Total Floor Area

This includes everything under the roof—bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen, living areas, and even internal garage space if you have one. 70m² is roughly 7.5m x 9.3m, which is plenty of space for a comfortable one or two-bedroom granny flat.

What this looks like in practice:

• One-bedroom layout: 45-50m² (bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living)

• Two-bedroom layout: 60-70m² (two bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen, living)

• Even a compact three-bedroom at 70m² is possible if designed efficiently

  
  

2. Single-Storey Only

No two-storey structures under this scheme. Your granny flat must be built on one level. This actually makes sense for elderly parents anyway—no stairs to navigate, easier mobility, safer access.

3. Must Meet Building Code

Here's the thing: "no consent" doesn't mean "no rules." Your granny flat still needs to meet all Building Code requirements:

• Proper insulation (minimum R2.9 walls, R3.3 ceiling)

• Double glazing

• Weatherproofing and moisture management

• Electrical safety (electrical certificate required)

• Plumbing compliance

• Fire safety (smoke alarms, egress windows)

The difference? You're not waiting 12 weeks for council to check—you're working with licensed builders who ensure compliance from day one, then council does a quick verification after.

4. Built by Licensed Building Practitioners

You can't DIY this one. The work must be done by Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs). This protects you—it ensures quality work, gives you recourse if something goes wrong, and maintains property value.

At Freedom Cabins, all our builders are LBPs. We've completed 200+ builds and we handle compliance as part of our service.

5. Simple Design Following Schedule 1A

Your granny flat needs to follow "Schedule 1A" specifications. This is a standardized design framework that covers:

• Standard roof pitches and framing

• Typical foundation types

• Standard window and door sizes

• Normal wall construction methods

Think of it like building to a proven template—not cookie-cutter, but proven to work. Most granny flats already follow these standards anyway, so this requirement won't limit your design options.

6. Council Notification Required

You still notify council—but it's notification, not application. Here's how it works:

Before construction:

• Submit a simple notification form to council

• Provide basic plans showing size, location, setbacks

• Confirm you're using licensed builders

• Wait for council acknowledgment (typically 1-2 weeks)

After construction:

• Submit completion notification

• Council may do a quick site visit to verify compliance

• You receive confirmation

Total council involvement: 2-3 weeks vs. the old 12-16 weeks.

How Much Money Does This Actually Save You?

Let's talk numbers, because this is where the 2026 legislation really shines:

Old Process (Pre-2026):

• Building consent fees: $5,000-$15,000

• Consent processing time: 8-12 weeks (no construction during this time)

• Engineers and designers for consent: $2,000-$5,000

• Multiple council inspections: Time and potential delays

• Total extra cost: $7,000-$20,000

• Total timeline: 20-28 weeks

  
  

New Process (2026 Onwards):

• Council notification: $0-$500 (minimal admin fee if any)

• Notification processing: 1-2 weeks

• Licensed builders ensure compliance: Included in build cost

• Final verification visit: Quick and straightforward

• Total extra cost: $0-$1,000

• Total timeline: 10-14 weeks

You're saving $7,000-$20,000 and 8-12 weeks of waiting time. That's a massive difference, especially if you need housing urgently for aging parents.

Will Your Property Qualify? The Reality Check

The consent-free scheme is nationwide, but there are some property-specific considerations:

You'll Likely Qualify If:

✓ Standard urban or suburban section✓ No heritage overlays or special zones✓ Adequate boundary setbacks (typically 1.5m minimum)✓ Not in a high-risk natural hazard zone✓ Utilities accessible (power, water, wastewater)

You May Need Extra Steps If:

⚠️ Heritage area: May need additional consent⚠️ Special character zone: May need resource consent⚠️ Hazard zone: Flood, earthquake, or landslide areas may require geotech reports⚠️ Coastal property: May need additional approvals⚠️ Lifestyle block with on-site wastewater: May need wastewater consent

The good news? 70-80% of residential properties in New Zealand qualify without extra steps. Council planning departments are helpful—call them, give them your address, and ask "Does my property have any overlays or restrictions for a minor dwelling?"

Step-by-Step: How to Build Your Consent-Free Granny Flat

Here's the exact process from deciding "Yes, we're doing this" to moving Mum in:

Step 1: Confirm Your Property Qualifies (Week 1)

• Check with your local council for any overlays or restrictions

• Confirm setback requirements (typically 1.5-3m from boundaries)

• Ensure utilities are accessible

  
  

Step 2: Choose Your Design and Builder (Week 1-2)

• Select a design under 70m² that meets your needs

• Work with licensed builders (like Freedom Cabins!)

• Confirm all Building Code compliance is included

• Get fixed-price quote

  
  

Step 3: Submit Council Notification (Week 2-3)

• Builder prepares notification paperwork

• Submit to council with basic plans

• Wait 1-2 weeks for acknowledgment

• Deposit secures your build slot

  
  

Step 4: Site Preparation (Week 3-5)

While waiting for council acknowledgment:

• Clear and level the site

• Prepare foundation (concrete slab typically 4-6 weeks)

• Arrange utility connection points

  
  

Step 5: Construction Phase (Week 6-11)

• Licensed builders construct your granny flat (4-6 weeks for pre-built cabins)

• All work done to Building Code standards

• Regular progress updates

  
  

Step 6: Delivery and Installation (Week 11-13)

• Pre-built cabin delivered to your property

• Professional installation on prepared foundation

• Utility connections (power, water, wastewater)

• Final testing of all systems

  
  

Step 7: Final Council Notification (Week 13-14)

• Submit completion notification to council

• Council may do quick site visit

• Receive final confirmation

• Move in!

Total timeline: 10-14 weeks from decision to move-in, compared to 20-28 weeks under the old system.

The Freedom Cabins Advantage: We Handle the 2026 Process for You

Here's what makes Freedom Cabins different—we're not just building your granny flat, we're handling the entire 2026 compliance process:

✅ Our Granny Flat Builds Meet 2026 Requirements — Every design is engineered to comply with Schedule 1A and Building Code

✅ Licensed Builders on Every Job — We have LBP builders onsite at all times to oversee workmanship ensuring quality on every build

✅ We Prepare Council Notifications — We can handle the paperwork

✅ Timber-Framed Construction — Unlike cheap EPS panel competitors, we build like real NZ homes

✅ 10-Year Structural Warranty — We stand behind our work

✅ Fixed Pricing — No surprises, no hidden costs

Pre-order now for Q1 2026 delivery: Lock in 2025 pricing and guarantee your spot. $10,000 refundable deposit secures your build slot.

Common Questions About the 2026 Legislation

Q: When exactly does this start?A: Q1 2026 (January-March 2026). The law is passed; we're just waiting for the official commencement date. Pre-ordering now means you're ready the day it takes effect.

Q: Can I build on a rural property?

A: Yes, the legislation is nationwide. Rural properties qualify, though you may need additional consent for wastewater if you're on a septic system.

Q: What if my council says no?

A: Councils can't refuse a consent-free build if you meet the six requirements. They can only flag property-specific issues like heritage overlays. If there's a genuine issue, we help you navigate the solution.

Q: Can I use this for an Airbnb?

A: Legally, yes—the building code doesn't restrict use. However, check with your council about short-term rental rules in your zone. Most residential zones allow Airbnb.

Don't Wait: Pre-Order Spots Are Filling Up Fast

Here's the reality: every family in New Zealand is hearing about this 2026 legislation. Builders' order books are filling up fast.

Why pre-order with Freedom Cabins now:

🔥 Lock in 2025 pricing 

🔥 Guaranteed Q1 2026 delivery 

🔥 Free site consultation 

🔥 Free council notification service 

🔥 Priority manufacturing 

$2,000 refundable deposit. If your property doesn't qualify, you get your money back—simple.

Ready to Keep Your Family Together?

The 2026 granny flat legislation is your opportunity to:

• Keep aging parents close without moving them to a rest home

• Generate $15,000-$23,000/year in rental income

• Provide housing for adult kids starting out

• Add a home office that pays for itself

• Increase your property value by $100,000-$150,000

  
  

It's time to act. Call Drew and Jodie at Freedom Cabins: 027 711 8710

Or visit us online: www.freedomcabinsnz.com

📍 Based in Tauranga, delivering nationwide from Northland to Southland✉️ info@freedomcabinsnz.com

About Freedom Cabins NZ

Family-owned and operated since 2019, Freedom Cabins has completed 200+ builds across New Zealand. Unlike mass-produced EPS panel competitors, we use traditional timber-framed construction—built like a real NZ home. Our cabins are designed for intergenerational living, combining quality craftsmanship with the authentic Kiwi values of family-first, straight-talking service.