70m² Granny Flats in Hawke’s Bay – Napier, Hastings & Clive
Building a 70m² granny flat is one of the fastest ways to add a self-contained dwelling to your property in Hawke’s Bay — often without needing a full building consent, if strict conditions are met.
At Buildmac, we work with homeowners across Napier, Hastings, Clive and the wider Hawke’s Bay region to design and build compliant, high-quality granny flats that meet the New Zealand Building Code.
Whether you’re planning for family, rental income, or future flexibility, we take a clear, practical approach — no guesswork, no shortcuts, and no surprises later.
What Is the 70m² Granny Flat Building Consent Exemption?
The 70m² granny flat exemption allows homeowners to build a new, standalone, single-storey dwelling up to 70 square metres without applying for a building consent — provided every exemption condition is met.
Even though a building consent may not be required:
The granny flat must still comply with the NZ Building Code
All restricted building work must be designed and built (or supervised) by licensed building professionals
A Project Information Memorandum (PIM) is still required from council before work begins
This pathway can save time and reduce complexity, but it only works when the design, planning, and build are done correctly from the start.
60m2 2 bedroom granny flat - Oxford design
Who the 70m² Exemption Is (and Isn’t) For
This option is well suited to:
Housing family members on the same property
Creating a long-term rental or Airbnb
Downsizing while keeping the main home
Adding value without subdivision
It may not be suitable if:
You want a two-storey dwelling
The design exceeds 70m² or uses heavy construction systems
You’re planning major changes during the build
You’re assuming “no consent” means “no rules”
Buildmac helps you assess early whether the exemption pathway is realistic for your site — before you commit time or money.
Key Rules You Must Meet
To qualify for the 70m² exemption, the granny flat must:
Be new, standalone and single-storey
Be no larger than 70m² (this includes internal garages)
Meet minimum separation distances from boundaries and other dwellings
Use lightweight timber or steel framing and lightweight roof and wall claddings
Connect to approved services or compliant on-site systems
Be completed within two years of the PIM being issued
Be designed and built (or supervised) by licensed building professionals
If any of these conditions are not met, a full building consent is required.
Do You Still Need Council Involvement in Hawke’s Bay?
Yes — just not in the traditional consent sense.
For granny flats in Napier, Hastings, Clive and Hawke’s Bay, homeowners must still:
Apply for and receive a PIM before building starts
Confirm whether development contributions apply
Ensure all required documentation is provided after completion
Submit Records of Work and certificates to council within required timeframes
Council records the completed granny flat on the property file, which is important for future sale, insurance, and lending.
What Does a 70m² Granny Flat Typically Cost?
Costs vary depending on site conditions, design, services, and finishes, but generally include:
Design and documentation
PIM application and council fees
Construction and labour
Plumbing, drainage and electrical work
Site works and service connections
Development contributions (if applicable)
Buildmac focuses on realistic cost ranges and clear scopes, not headline prices that fall apart later.
Can These Granny Flats Be Built Elsewhere and Transported?
Yes — transportable 70m² granny flats are possible, and Buildmac can design and build with transportation in mind.
That said, transportability depends on:
Final design and dimensions
Access to and from the build location
Transport routes and site constraints
Crane or placement requirements
At this stage, transport is treated as an option, not an assumption. Once a suitable build location and site are confirmed, we can advise whether transport is practical and cost-effective.
Common Mistakes Homeowners Make
We’re often called in after things have gone wrong. The most common issues we see are:
Starting work before a PIM is issued
Assuming any small dwelling qualifies for the exemption
Making design changes mid-build without checking compliance
Missing Records of Work or trade certificates
Discovering problems when selling or refinancing later
Good planning avoids all of this.
Why Work With a Licensed Builder for a 70m² Granny Flat?
Even without a building consent, the responsibility for compliance is real.
Working with licensed professionals means:
Building Code compliance is properly managed
Records of Work are issued and lodged correctly
The granny flat stands up to future scrutiny
You protect your property value and resale options
Buildmac builds granny flats the right way, so they remain assets — not liabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a building consent for a 70m² granny flat?
A building consent is not required if the granny flat meets all conditions of the 70m² building consent exemption. The dwelling must be new, standalone, single-storey, no larger than 70m², and fully compliant with the New Zealand Building Code. If any condition is not met, a building consent is required.
Can I rent out a 70m² granny flat?
Yes. A 70m² granny flat can be rented out provided it complies with the Building Code, the exemption conditions, and any applicable planning rules. They must also meet healthy homes rules. All Buildmac Granny Flats meet healthy homes rules. Rental use does not remove the requirement for proper documentation.
How long do I have to complete the build?
The granny flat must be completed within two years of the PIM issue date. If delays occur, an extension must be requested from council before the two-year period expires.
Who is responsible for compliance if there is no building consent?
The homeowner is responsible for ensuring the granny flat meets the exemption conditions and the Building Code. Licensed building professionals are responsible for carrying out or supervising restricted building work and providing the required Records of Work and certificates.
Do I still need a PIM from council?
Yes. A Project Information Memorandum (PIM) is required before building starts, even when using the exemption. The PIM confirms site information, services, hazards, and whether development contributions may apply.
Does the 70m² include decks or outdoor areas?
The 70m² limit applies to the internal floor area of the dwelling. External decks or patios may be allowed but must still comply with Building Code and local planning requirements.
Can a 70m² granny flat be transportable?
Yes, transportable 70m² granny flats are possible. Transportability depends on the final design, access, transport routes, and site constraints, and should be confirmed once a suitable site and build location are known.