Granny Flats and Minor Dwellings in New Zealand

The maximum size under the consent-free rules is 70m² measured from the internal wall linings.

Because measurement is internal, the external footprint may be slightly larger depending on framing thickness.

You can build smaller if preferred — 40m² to 65m² designs are common.

If you want to exceed 70m², we can design and manage a full building consent process for you.

Yes — provided it forms part of the 70m² total.

For example:

30m² garage + 40m² living space = 70m² total
We design layouts to maximise usable space while remaining compliant.

Carports may also be possible depending on site constraints and council planning rules, which we confirm during the planning stage.

To qualify as consent-free:

• Maximum height is 4 metres
• Floor level must not exceed 1 metre above ground
• It must be single storey
• It cannot be attached to the existing dwelling
• It must be at least 2 metres from boundaries and other buildings

That 2-metre separation removes the need for fire-rating requirements and simplifies compliance.

You can personalise your interior with:

• Standard residential kitchens
• Custom joinery or flat-pack options
• Acrylic shower units
• Standard plumbing fixtures

However:

• Tiled showers are not permitted under the consent-free pathway.
• Heating must be electric or gas only.
• Installing a wood burner triggers the need for building consent.

We design layouts that accommodate standard kitchen and bathroom fittings while ensuring compliance.

One of the biggest unknowns for clients is service connections for wastewater, stormwater and water supply.

Through the Project Information Memorandum (PIM) process, council will confirm:

• Whether you can connect to existing wastewater and stormwater
• Whether stormwater engineering is required
• Whether septic systems need upgrading
• Any site-specific conditions

For rural properties, septic and stormwater capacity must be assessed carefully.

We manage this process and coordinate with planners and engineers where required, so you are not left navigating council requirements alone.

Most residential zones now allow up to 50% site coverage, but this varies between councils.

Under the consent-free pathway, you are typically permitted one minor dwelling per site.

If you have a large rural property or special zoning (such as papakāinga housing), we assess those circumstances individually during the design stage.

As a realistic guide:

• A fully completed 70m² granny flat generally starts from around $200,000, depending on specification and site works.
• Planning and PIM management costs vary by council.
• Site works, service connections, and septic upgrades are site-specific.

We provide transparent pricing and staged progress payments. Be cautious of unusually low estimates that may exclude essential compliance or site costs.

We have been designing and supplying buildings for over 20 years. Our experience includes:

• Shed homes
• Custom-designed minor dwellings
• Garages and workshops
• Commercial buildings
• Rural structures

We understand:

• NZ wind zones
• Concrete pad requirements
• Rural service challenges
• Council processes across the country

We are here for the long term, and we stand behind every project we supply.