The Latest on the 70sqm Granny Flat Rules

The Latest on the 70sqm Granny Flat Rules

  •  Law passed: Homeowners can build granny flats up to 70 sqm without consent from 2026.
  • Conditions apply: Simple design, built by professionals, compliant with the Building Code.
  • Council notification required: Before starting and after completion.
  • Resource consents for these granny flats to be removed: Updates to the RMA underway.
  • Nationwide impact: Estimated 13,000 new units in the next 10 years.

In a major step toward improving housing affordability and flexibility, the New Zealand Government has officially passed legislation allowing homeowners to build granny flats of up to 70 square metres without a building consent.

This long-discussed change, first proposed in late 2023, has now been signed into law and will come into effect in the first quarter of 2026. This update provides a clear look at what’s changing, who can benefit, and what’s next for builders and families across the country.

What’s New, and Now Official

Under the new regulations, Kiwi homeowners can build a standalone dwelling up to 70 sqm on their property without requiring building consent.

To qualify for the exemption:

  • The granny flat must be simple in design.
  • It must meet the New Zealand Building Code.
  • Construction must be carried out by professional builders.
  • Homeowners must notify their local council before work begins and again once it’s completed.

This legislative change removes one of the biggest barriers for smaller, secondary dwellings, which is the time and cost of the consenting process. It’s expected to open the door to thousands of new small homes, especially for families looking to accommodate relatives, adult children, or extended family.

Why the Change Was Introduced

  The exemption was included as part of the National–New Zealand First coalition agreement and is designed to help address both the housing shortage and the rising cost of living. RMA Minister Chris Bishop said the reform would “make it easier and cheaper for families to provide more housing options.” He noted that granny flats could provide practical housing for grandparents, people with disabilities, young adults, and workers in the rural sector. To further streamline the process, the Government is also updating national direction under the Resource Management Act (RMA) to remove the need for resource consents for these dwellings. That update is expected by the end of 2025, ensuring the new law is ready for implementation in 2026.

What This Means for Homeowners

This is one of the most significant shifts in residential building in decades. For homeowners, the benefits are clear:

  • Faster builds – No need for lengthy building consent processes for compliant designs.
  • Lower costs – Reduced fees and fewer administrative delays.
  • Greater flexibility – Use a granny flat for family, rental income, or staff accommodation.
  • Increased property value – Adding a self-contained secondary dwelling can boost long-term resale potential.

What It Means for Builders and Councils

Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says the change could result in around 13,000 new granny flats nationwide over the next decade. “We’ll see more work for builders in the pipeline without local councils managing unnecessary consenting burdens for simple building work,” Penk said. By removing routine approval processes for simple structures, local councils can focus on complex projects, freeing up resources for developments that truly require detailed review. The Government has also confirmed it’s developing new templates, forms, and guidance materials to help both homeowners and builders adapt to the new rules.

The Bigger Picture: A Step Toward Smarter Housing

Associate Finance Minister Shane Jones highlighted how the reform supports extended family living and small community accommodation, particularly for employers in regional New Zealand who provide staff housing. This aligns with a wider shift toward smarter, more flexible housing solutions. The 70 sqm exemption encourages Kiwis to make the most of their land while maintaining high building standards and safety.

Final Thoughts

The passing of the 70 sqm granny flat exemption marks an exciting moment for New Zealand housing. For many families, it means more freedom, affordability, and choice when it comes to multigenerational living or income opportunities.

If you’re considering adding a secondary dwelling, now’s the time to start planning, so your project is ready to go when the new law takes effect in 2026!

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How to Add Value to Your House

How to Add Value to Your House

Are you thinking of selling, or thinking how you can future proof your most valuable asset, your house? There are numerous ways to increase the value of your home through renovation and decoration. We will share with you the best ways to improve your home.


Upgrade the Kitchen


The kitchen really is the heart of your home, with kitchen islands being where food is prepared, drinks are poured and laughs are shared. Small and pokie kitchens are a thing of the past, with open and spacious kitchens now being the modern and desired approach. Benchtops can give the wow-factor with materials such as engineered stone, granite, quartz or marble. Cabinets are the other key component to the kitchen. Simple black or white cabinets, or a natural timber look are proving elegant and timeless.


Renovate the Bathroom



Nothing feels better than stepping into a new, sleek and modern bathroom. It’s common for older bathrooms to have plastic lined showers and vanities sitting on outdated tiles. There are many options for how to tile your bathroom, from fully tiled floors and walls, to tiled floor and only wall tiles in the shower area, with the remainder of walls being finished with a tile skirting. There are so many styles of tiles on offer that can create any desired feel. From luxurious marble patterns to modern natural stone looks or eye-catching coloured splash backs, from large 1200 x 600mm tiles to kitkat shaped tiles, the list goes on. Vanities with stone tops and new fixtures and fittings can add that finishing touch. Another large contributor to increasing your home’s value is the number of bathrooms. If you do not have the space to add a bathroom, a trick is to separate the toilet into its own room, with a small wash basin and have the larger vanity and shower in a room of its own also. This means that there will be no one knocking on the door wanting to use the toilet when you’re in the shower.


Improve First Impressions



First impressions matter! Real estate agents will tell you, “if someone falls in love with a house, they will do whatever to own it.” Tidying up your garden, adding new plants that create a particular atmosphere, such as tropical or contemporary. Repainting the exterior of your house, adding a modern timber screen near your entrance way to create privacy while enhancing the appeal of your home’s exterior. Add modern downlights to your soffit, add wall lights to highlight the house or spotlights on the ground to light up trees and features in your garden. This is the first thing people will see, make it count.


Add useable area to your property



Making the most of your property by converting a basement into an extra living space, such as a self-contained unit or splitting one large bedroom into two individual bedrooms can significantly improve the value of your house. If your property is on a slope and the land feels relatively unusable, a great way to utilise the land is to build a deck for an outdoor entertaining area.


Update Flooring



The floor is typically the first thing someone will notice when they enter your home. If you have carpet, upgrading to a new and modern style can immediately make an older home feel more modern. If you have timber floors, they may be marked and scratched from years of foot traffic. Sanding these back and getting them resealed can bring them back to life. There are numerous new flooring options available now from luxury vinyl plank and durable and modern laminate flooring to lush new carpet styles. Upgrading and updating your flooring can make a large difference to the value of your home.


Conclusion



We have delved into our top recommendations on how to add value to your house. Upgrading your kitchen & bathroom, improving first impressions from the roadside, adding usable area on your property and updating & upgrading your flooring.

At Villaworx, we can help these value-adding recommendations come to life. We’re here to help you to get the most out of your house and property. Give us a call today and see how we can help you. 

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Modern Ideas for House Renovations

Modern Ideas for House Renovations

Are you considering renovating your home? Modernising your house can breathe new life into your space, enhancing functionality, style, and comfort. In this guide, we’ll explore some innovative ideas to inspire your house renovation project and bring contemporary charm to your abode.


Open Concept Living:


Embrace the trend of open-plan living by removing unnecessary walls to create spacious, interconnected areas. Merge your kitchen, dining, and living spaces to foster a sense of flow and unity, perfect for modern family living.


Minimalist Design:


Simplify your interiors with minimalist design principles. Opt for clean lines, neutral colour palettes, and clutter-free spaces to create a serene and inviting atmosphere. Incorporate sleek, streamlined furniture and integrated storage solutions to maximise space and functionality. Natural timber as cladding and/or interior sarking is a good way to keep a minimalist design. Cedar is a great material to use to achieve this.


Natural Light Enhancement:


Maximise natural light by installing larger windows, skylights, or glass doors to flood your home with sunlight. Embrace bi-fold or sliding doors to blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living areas, creating a seamless transition and enhancing your connection to nature.


Luxurious Bathrooms:


Transform your bathrooms into spa-like retreats with luxurious fixtures, premium materials, and thoughtful design details. Consider features such as freestanding tubs, walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads, and elegant vanity units to elevate the comfort and style of your home. An effective modern design idea, uses a sleek and elegant primary tile for floor and walls, and then a beautiful feature tile as a splashback. Tile skirtings outside of the shower, is a cost effective way to carry the design and colour throughout the bathroom.


Outdoor Living Spaces:


Extend your living space outdoors with thoughtfully designed outdoor areas. Create inviting alfresco entertaining areas with outdoor kitchens, dining zones, and comfortable seating areas. Incorporate landscaping, water features, and mood lighting to enhance the ambiance and create a resort-like oasis in your backyard. Choose what sort of style of garden you want, whether it be tropical, mediterranean or formal gardens. This sets the tone and feel of your space and can whisk you away to somewhere far away or create a homely atmosphere. 


Statement Features:


Make a bold statement with unique architectural features or design elements. Consider adding a statement staircase, feature wall, or striking lighting fixture to add personality and visual interest to your home. Creating a screen that doubles as a balustrade for internal stairs could go from floor to ceiling, made from nice natural timber such as cedar, oak or native rimu. 


By incorporating these modern ideas into your house renovation project, you can create a stylish, functional, and inviting living environment that reflects your lifestyle and enhances the value of your property. Whether you’re updating a villa, bungalow or modernising a traditional home, embracing contemporary design trends can transform your space into a modern masterpiece. Contact us to find out more about how we can help with your house renovation in Auckland.

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