Can I Build a Granny Flat Without Consent
Granny flats and small secondary homes are becoming increasingly popular across New Zealand. Many homeowners are looking for ways to add extra space for family, create rental income, or increase the value of their property.
A common question we hear is:
Can you build a granny flat without building consent in New Zealand?
The answer is sometimes but only under certain conditions.
Recent government proposals aim to make it easier for homeowners to build small secondary dwellings, but there are still important rules to understand before starting a project.
If you’re considering adding a secondary home to your property, you can read our full guide on building granny flats in Hawke’s Bay, including design options and what to expect during the process.
Quick Answer: Can You Build a Granny Flat Without Consent in NZ?
In some cases, yes but only under specific conditions.
The New Zealand Government has proposed rules allowing granny flats up to 70m² to be built without building consent if they meet certain requirements.
These generally include:
• The dwelling must be 70m² or smaller
• It must meet New Zealand Building Code standards
• It must be built by qualified building professionals
• The property must still comply with local council planning rules
Even if building consent is not required, the building must still be constructed to full Building Code standards and comply with council zoning regulations.
Because of this, it’s important to confirm the rules that apply to your property before building.
The Proposed 70m² Granny Flat Rule
The New Zealand Government has proposed new rules designed to increase housing supply and make it easier to build small homes.
Under the proposal, granny flats up to 70 square metres could potentially be built without building consent if certain conditions are met.
The intention is to simplify the process for homeowners while still ensuring buildings meet safety and quality standards.
However, this does not mean all granny flats can be built without approval.
The exemption would typically apply to simple standalone dwellings built by qualified professionals that fully comply with the Building Code.
Council Rules Still Apply
Even if building consent is not required under future rules, local council regulations still apply.
Councils control how land can be used through district plans and zoning rules
This means a granny flat project may still need to comply with requirements such as:
• Boundary setbacks
• Maximum site coverage
• Infrastructure and services connections
• Vehicle access and parking
• Limits on the number of dwellings allowed on a property
Depending on the site, resource consent may still be required.
Granny Flat Rules in Hawke’s Bay (Napier & Hastings)
If you are planning to build granny flats in Hawke’s Bay, local council rules will still apply.
Napier City Council and Hastings District Council regulate how additional homes can be built on residential sections.
Depending on zoning and site conditions, a granny flat may be considered a:
• Minor dwelling
• Secondary dwelling
• Relocatable or transportable home
Common requirements for minor dwellings in Napier and Hastings can include:
• Minimum boundary setbacks
• Limits on site coverage
• Vehicle access and parking requirements
• Adequate stormwater and wastewater connections
• Compliance with district plan zoning rules
Because every section is different, it’s important to check the rules that apply to your specific property.
If you’re exploring this option, you can read our full guide on building granny flats in Hawke’s Bay, including design options and what to expect during the process.
What Is Considered a Granny Flat?
In New Zealand, granny flats are often referred to as minor dwellings or secondary dwellings.
These smaller homes are typically used for:
• Accommodation for extended family
• Housing ageing parents
• Rental income opportunities
• Flexible living arrangements
Many modern granny flats can be built onsite or delivered as transportable homes, depending on the design and site access.
You can explore some modern compact home designs on our Clever Living homes page, which offers small homes that can work well as secondary dwellings.
Do Granny Flats Increase Property Value?
Adding a granny flat can increase the value and functionality of a property.
Benefits may include:
• Additional rental income potential
• Increased property value
• Flexible living space for family members
• Better use of larger residential sections
In areas such as Napier, Hastings, Taradale and Havelock North, secondary dwellings are becoming increasingly popular as housing demand grows.
Building a Granny Flat in Hawke’s Bay
If you are considering building a granny flat in Hawke’s Bay, it is important to consider several factors early in the process.
These may include:
• Property zoning
• Site access and layout
• Services connections
• Building consent requirements
• Council planning regulations
Working with a local builder familiar with Napier and Hastings council rules can help ensure the process runs smoothly.
You can learn more about the process and options on our Granny Flats page, which explains design considerations, costs and common questions.
Clever Living Homes as Granny Flats
Many homeowners are now choosing modern small homes as granny flats.
Clever Living homes offer compact, efficient designs that can work well as:
• Minor dwellings
• Secondary homes
• Independent accommodation for family members
These homes can be built onsite or transported to the property depending on site conditions.
Because they are designed to maximise space, many layouts work well within the 70m² size often discussed in granny flat rules.
Key Things to Check Before Building
Before building a granny flat, it is important to confirm:
✔ Council zoning rules
✔ Site layout and access
✔ Infrastructure and services
✔ Setback requirements
✔ Whether building or resource consent is required
Getting advice early can help avoid delays and ensure the project meets council requirements.
Thinking About Building a Granny Flat?
Granny flats are becoming one of the most practical ways to increase property value and create flexible living space.
Whether you’re building for family, rental income, or future flexibility, understanding the rules is the first step.
If you are considering a granny flat project in Hawke’s Bay, you can explore our granny flats guideor view Clever Living small home designs that may suit your property.
Frequently asked Questions about Granny Flat without Consent in Hawkes Bay:
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The government has proposed rules that may allow granny flats up to 70m² to be built without building consent in some cases. However, buildings must still meet Building Code standards and council planning rules.
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Possibly. Even if building consent is not required, local council planning rules still apply and some sites may require resource consent.
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Under the proposed rules, granny flats up to 70 square metres may qualify for an exemption if certain conditions are met.
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Yes. Transportable homes can often be used as granny flats or minor dwellings as long as they comply with Building Code and council planning rules.
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In some cases they do. Even if building consent is not required, a granny flat must still comply with local council planning rules. If the property does not meet zoning requirements such as setbacks, site coverage, or infrastructure connections, resource consent may still be required.
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Some properties in Hawke’s Bay allow a second dwelling or minor dwelling depending on zoning and council regulations. Napier City Council and Hastings District Council both regulate the number of dwellings allowed on a site, as well as requirements for access, parking and services.