New rules make it easier to build a 70m² secondary dwelling
There’s great news for Kiwis wanting to add a secondary dwelling to their property. New legislation is now in effect that allows stand-alone, self-contained dwellings up to 70m² to be built without a building or resource consent, provided specific criteria are met.
This change removes a major barrier for homeowners and makes adding a high-quality secondary home simpler, faster, and more cost-effective.
What does this mean for you?
If you’ve been thinking about adding a:
Granny flat for extended family
Self-contained home for a young adult or elderly parent
Airbnb or short-term rental for extra income
Compact bach or rural retreat as a secondary dwelling
Stand-alone downsizer home on a property with an existing dwelling
…these new rules can significantly reduce time, complexity, and upfront costs, making it much easier to move forward with confidence.
Why Elevate Homes is perfectly placed
We’ve already designed and delivered a range of premium homes that align beautifully with the new 70m² exemption.
Our Elevate 70 range includes four thoughtfully designed options:
1-bedroom and 2-bedroom layouts
Options with or without a covered deck
Internal floor area of 70m² or less, meeting the exemption criteria
Architecturally designed, prefabricated, and transportable across the North Island
Premium finishes throughout, including full kitchens, designer bathrooms with integrated laundry, generous storage, and strong indoor–outdoor flow
Important to note:
For the purposes of the exemption, the 70m² limit applies to the internal floor area of the home only. Covered outdoor areas such as decks are not included in this measurement. This means our Elevate 70 homes with a covered deck still meet the size requirements, while offering extra sheltered outdoor living space.
What's changed under the new law?
Under the new rules, you may not need a building or resource consent for a secondary dwelling up to 70m², as long as:
The home is single-storey and stand-alone
It is designed and built to fully comply with the New Zealand Building Code
All restricted work is carried out or supervised by licensed professionals
Council is notified before construction begins and after it is completed
This streamlined pathway is designed to speed things up, while still ensuring homes are safe, durable, and well built.
What will still be required?
Even with these changes, there are still some important boxes to tick:
You must notify your local council before and after the build and pay any applicable development contributions
All plumbing, electrical and structural work must be completed or overseen by licensed professionals, with the appropriate documentation provided
The dwelling must comply with the NZ Building Code for safety, moisture control, durability, and energy efficiency
Local planning rules still apply, including site coverage, boundary setbacks, height limits, and any hazard overlays
We help our clients navigate all of this, so there are no surprises along the way.
The bottom line
If you’re planning a 70m² or smaller secondary dwelling, the new legislation makes it significantly easier to get started.
You may be able to avoid full building and resource consents, while still building a high-quality, fully compliant home that adds real value and flexibility to your property.
How Elevate Homes makes it simple
At Elevate Homes, we’re already delivering premium secondary dwellings under this new framework. With architectural design expertise, a proven prefabrication process, and extensive experience working with councils across the North Island, we take the stress out of the journey.
Whether you’re planning for family, income, or future flexibility, we’ll help you understand what’s possible and guide you through the process from start to finish.
Explore our Elevate 70 range or get in touch to chat about your property and options.
