Big changes are coming for Kiwi homeowners, and they’re all good news. With the government’s new granny-flat laws arriving in 2026, you’ll soon be able to build a self-contained dwelling on your property without the usual mountain of paperwork.
That means less red tape, faster builds, and more ways to make your land work for you, whether that’s housing whānau, earning rental income, or boosting property value.
What’s Changing — and Why It Matters
The Building and Construction (Small Stand-Alone Dwellings) Amendment Bill makes it easier for New Zealanders to build small homes, up to 70 m² without needing a full building consent, as long as specific conditions are met.
This reform recognises what homeowners already know: space is tight, families are growing, and flexible housing is key to the future. It’s designed to:
Ease housing shortages
Encourage smarter, higher-density living
Give property owners like you control over your land
If you’ve ever thought about adding a secondary dwelling, now’s your moment to plan it right.
What You’ll Be Able to Build
Under the new exemption (expected early 2026), you’ll be able to build a single-storey standalone home up to 70 m², without full consent — provided you meet these straightforward criteria:
✅ Licensed professionals complete or supervise the work
✅ The design complies with the Building Code
✅ Lightweight construction (no heavy brick or stone)
✅ 2m minimum boundary/setback distance
✅ Safe drainage, plumbing and utilities
✅ You notify council before and after construction
In short, simple, smart, and secure.
Why a Granny Flat Is a Smart Investment
A granny flat isn’t just a backyard add-on, it’s a game-changer for homeowners and investors alike.
🏠 Multi-Generational Living: Give aging parents independence while keeping them close.
💰 Rental/Airbnb Income: Generate passive income, many clients recoup costs within just a few years.
📈 Property Value: A quality granny flat adds significant market appeal.
💡 Flexibility: Use it as a studio, guest retreat, Airbnb, or home office.
With South Base Homes, your build is fully compliant, architecturally designed and designed to perform as an asset from day one.
Why Choose South Base Homes
At South Base Homes, we’ve positioned ourselves at the forefront of the 2026 law change. As an award winning, building code certified, small home builder with models such as The Abel (48 m²) and The Sophia (36 m²), we already meet the new exemption requirements.
We build homes that are:
Law-Ready 2026: Fully compliant with the new 70 m² consent-free limit
Designed for You: Modern layouts, premium finishes, energy-efficient materials
Backed by Trust: Licensed professionals and award-winning workmanship
Delivered Anywhere: Nelson, Tasman, Christchurch, the West coast & across the North and South Island
Whether you want to house family members or create a steady income stream, we’ll help you get there - faster, easier, and smarter.
Ready to Start?
Book Your Free Site Consultation – We’ll assess your property and show how a granny flat fits.
Explore Designs – Choose from our variety of models and floor plans, or tailor your own custom design within 70 m².
Lock in 2026-Compliance. Be ahead of the curve; build with confidence and peace of mind.
👉 Book Now for a Free Consultation today.
Let’s turn your property potential into real value before everyone else catches on.
