Granny Flats in New Zealand 2026:What the New Rules Really Mean (Fact Check, Myths & Real Opportunities)

There’s been a lot of noise lately.

“Granny flats are consent-free now.”
“Just build one — councils can’t stop you.”
“Anyone can put a second house on their land.”

Some of this is partly true.
Much of it is over-simplified.
And some of it is simply wrong.

So let’s slow things down for a moment.

This article is Ruru’s practical, real-world interpretation of the new granny flat regulations coming into effect in January 2026. It’s written to help everyday people and potential clients of ours to understand what’s actually possible — without hype, fear, or legal jargon.

👉 Important note: This is not legal advice and not a substitute for council, planning, or legal guidance. It’s our professional interpretation as builders and consultants who work with councils, planners, engineers, and clients every day.

The Big Picture: What Has Actually Changed?

From 15 January 2026, the Government has introduced two major, connected changes:

1. A Building Consent Exemption

Some small, standalone dwellings (commonly called “granny flats”) may not need a building consent, if very specific conditions are met.

2. A National Planning Rule (NES-DMRU)

In many zones, a detached minor dwelling may not need resource consent, if it complies with set standards.

This is about reducing friction, not removing responsibility.

Myth #1: “Granny flats are consent-free now”

❌ Myth
✅ Reality

Some granny flats may be building-consent exempt
Some may be resource-consent exempt
Very few are “no-rules, no-paperwork, no-checks”.

Even under the new rules:

• The Building Code applies

• Councils must be notified

• Licensed professionals are required

• Site rules still matter

• Documentation still matters (especially for insurance and resale)

This is not a “just do it and hope for the best” scenario.

What Size Are We Talking About?

The key number you’ll hear everywhere is:

Up to 70m²

That’s the maximum size for:

• the building consent exemption, and

• the new national planning standard.

But size alone doesn’t qualify a granny flat.

Myth #2: “If it’s under 70m², it’s automatically allowed”

❌ Myth
✅ Reality

The exemption only applies if all conditions are met, including:

• Simple, compliant design

• Building Code compliance (structure, fire safety, moisture, durability, etc.)

• Licensed Building Practitioners involved

• Council notification before and after the build

• Compliance with planning standards (height, setbacks, site coverage, services)

If any one of these fails → normal consenting applies.

A Very Important Reality Check: Height & Double-Storey Designs

This is one of the biggest misunderstandings we’re seeing.

Double-storey tiny homes and granny flats

Under the new rules:

• The maximum height is tightly constrained due to transportability on the road

• On road-transported buildings, height is effectively limited to around 5 metres

• Building Code requirements for:

  • stairs

  • head height of the second story

  • fall protection

  • and other elements

    
    —> make most double-storey designs incompatible with the exemption for granny flats.

⚠️ Important: This does NOT mean double-storey tiny homes are impossible

It simply means:

• they won’t sit neatly inside the exemption, and

• they need a different compliance pathway

👉 If you want:

• a double-storey tiny home

• on wheels or off wheels

• as a granny flat solution

There ARE solutions.

They just require proper planning and the right approach — which we are very happy to talk through with you. Lucky you, Ruru does this every day, anyway, nationwide!

Myth #3: “Councils don’t care anymore”

❌ Myth
✅ Reality

Councils still matter — just differently.

Under the exemption:

• Councils do not inspect during construction

• Councils do not issue a Code Compliance Certificate

• Councils still receive documentation

• Councils can investigate complaints

• Councils still apply planning rules

This shifts responsibility onto the builder, designers, and owner.

That’s not a bad thing — but only if you work with people who know what they’re doing.

Let’s be crystal clear.

✅ Ruru can build to the new regulations — no problem.

We:

• design within Building Code requirements

• work with licensed professionals

• understand the documentation trail

• design for resale, insurance, and longevity

• already build to a standard higher than minimum compliance

• have strong and long lasting relationships to planners, Councils and engineers nationwide

• have in-house resource consent consulting

Whether your project:

• uses the exemption, or

• goes through full consenting, if needed (many already have pre-existing allowances!)

We’re comfortable with both.

Planning & Resource Consent: Where People Get Stuck

Even with the new national standard:

• Some sites will still need resource consent

• Some sites already have zoning or consent allowance

• Some zones have overlays, hazards, or constraints

• Services (wastewater, stormwater, access) still matter

This is where many people get caught out — often after spending money. Talk to us FIRST.

How Ruru Helps (Before You Commit)

For Ruru clients

We provide:

• Free resource-consent checks

• Honest, plain-English explanations

• Early identification of red flags

• Clear options (exempt vs consented pathways)

For non-Ruru clients or landowners

We also offer:

• Paid site and planning reviews (fixed price, no bad surprises)

• Council rule interpretation

• Practical advice on what will and won’t work

Because good decisions are made before you order a build.

Myth #4: “This makes granny flats cheap and easy”

❌ Myth
✅ Reality

The changes reduce time and friction, not complexity.

You still need to budget for:

• professional design

• engineering

• compliant construction

• services and infrastructure

• transport (if applicable)

• site works

• documentation

What you gain is:

• more predictability

• fewer delays

• clearer national rules

• less duplication

That’s valuable — but it’s not magic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I just buy a tiny home online and put it on my land?

Don’t ever just buy something and put it on your land. Always get consultation first. It will depend on

• the tiny home

• the Council District

• the property

• the intended use

Is a tiny home on wheels treated differently?

Planning rules still apply.
Wheels don’t magically remove compliance obligations. Again, always get a consultation first.

What about rentals or AirBnbs?

Use matters.
Local rules and overlays still apply — always check.

Is this good news overall?

Yes — if people understand it properly.

The Opportunity (Without the Hype)

These changes are a positive step for:

• intergenerational living

• housing flexibility

• downsizing

• supporting family

• thoughtful density

But they reward:

• good design

• honest advice

• realistic expectations

Not shortcuts.

Our Advice, Honestly

If you’re thinking about a granny flat:

1. Don’t rush

2. Don’t rely on social media soundbites

3. Don’t assume exemptions apply to you

4. Do get your site checked early

5. Do work with people who understand councils, not fight them

At Ruru, we’re not here to sell you a fantasy —
we’re here to help you build something that actually works.

Want to Talk It Through?

If you’re exploring:

• a granny flat

• a tiny home solution

• a double-storey design

• or just want clarity before taking the next step

👉 Get in touch.

We’re very happy to help — honestly, practically, and without pressure.

Speak to you soon!

Fran