The new "Granny Flat" legislation effective early 2026!
- office632652
- Nov 20, 2025
- 3 min read
If you're thinking of adding a second building to your property then the latest news regarding "Granny Flats" will have you feeling hopeful. In October 2025 the New Zealand government passed new legislation allowing secondary dwellings to be exempt from traditional Building Consent requirements. This legislation will come into effect in the first quarter of 2026. There has been a lot of excitement around this new piece of legislation and now that we have some more information on it, let's dive in to the finer details. Rest assured, if this all sounds too complicated or overwhelming then Cocoon Tiny Homes can help you through it all (just as we do for our Code of Compliance builds).
These new dwellings must be:
a new and stand alone permanent dwelling
be built to the NZ Building Code
built on a residential property with an existing dwelling with a Code of Compliance Certificate (consent/CCC)
2m or more from any existing property or boundary
built or supervised by Licensed Building Professionals (LBPs)
built using the approved roofing, cladding and framing products
no more than 70msq in total (internal floor size)
simple in design - single story, no lofts or mezzanine levels, no wood burners
intended for a single, couple or one family to occupy
PIMs & your local Council
Your local council must be notified before any building work begins. This is done via a Project Information Memorandum (PIM) form and work must commence within two years of your council issuing/accepting your PIM.
Then once the build has been completed, you must submit to the council (within 20 working days), a set of plans showing the building, plumbing & drainage, records and certificates of work/compliance from the LBPs, and electrical and gas safety certificates.
Financial Contributions still apply
Your build will still be subject to financial contributions, and these are also to be paid within the 20 working days after the build has finished.
If your "Granny Flat" doesn't meet all the Building Consent exemption criteria, then you'll be required to get a Building Consent. Resource Consents may also still be required in some cases.
All in all, there isn't a huge financial benefit to choosing to go down the exemption route vs. the full CCC route. Or even a 'paperwork' benefit as there seems to still be a lot of this to do. But every dollar and minute saved is another that can be invested elsewhere!
The biggest benefit is being able to build these new secondary dwellings quickly, as firstly the PIM should be issued within 10 working days from when you submit it (way quicker than traditional consent time frames); and secondly, no inspections need to be booked, cancelled, rescheduled etc.
If this run down on the new legislation has left you feeling a tad underwhelmed and less hopeful than you had initially felt, then you're not alone. A number of leaders within the Tiny Home industry were definitely hoping that this exemption would help Tiny Homes (especially on wheels) have a more clearer place within legislation.
The good news it that all of our builds here at Cocoon Tiny Homes can be built to fit within this exemption legislation. All our builds are fully customisable meaning we can design a home that works with your land and your lifestyle. We have an in-house LBP builder, we work with engineers & architects, and we use local qualified plumbers, gas fitters and electricians, and we have contacts within the council. Cocoon Tiny Homes are confident in what we do, and will ensure the build of your minor secondary dwelling is smooth, stylish and compliant.
We are here to help you, so drop us a message or call us today on 021 320109 for a no-obligation chat about your site and what’s possible.
Places to get more information regarding the legislation as well as Tiny Homes:
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