The truth about Granny Flats
- The Mobi Mansions Team
- Jul 23
- 2 min read
The NZ government has released the outline of the proposed law changes to allow private individuals to build a "Granny Flat" on their property. The new rules are supposedly being introduced early 2026.
According to information available at this stage, a second, small dwelling might be built without a building consent, but there are conditions to this concession.....
It is unclear if a Resource Consent will still be needed and under what circumstances this might not be required
The dwelling must be a simple design
Built and / or oversee by a Licensed Building Practitioner and to Code
Rules still apply with regards to connecting to services
Council still needs to be notified when the process starts and ends
There will be increased ongoing costs to the landowner
and a few more....have a read of the full proposed changes here.
This is great news to many kiwis, but there are a large proportion of kiwis for whom this is still NO SOLUTION, because you are renting, or
can't afford the exorbitant cost of a standard construction build, or require flexibility of not fixing more capital to the land (and thus increasing the intrinsic value of your property to levels the market probably can't give you if you had to sell), or if a family member or friend need accommodation, but don't want to invest permanently in your property, this proposed law change offers NO SOLUTION at all!
A road-legal tiny home is still your most affordable, flexible option for which you do not need a building consent, even under the current legislation! Whether you own the property or just renting, it doesn't matter! With the option to move or sell the Mobi Mansion Tiny Home separately if need be, you keep maximum flexibility.
Explore our range of designs, ranging from Studio Retreats to three bedroom Manuka Manor - all road-legal and guaranteed for 10 years.