The new Granny Flat Rules could make it easier to build a Granny Flat on your property. There are both pros and cons to utilising the new rules (National Environmental Standard for Domestic Minor Residential Units (NES-DMRU)).
Pros
No building or resource consent needed if all NES-DMRU criteria / standards are met.
Approximate cost savings of $5–6k due to no consent-related fees.
Faster project timelines because the consent process is removed.
Provides more flexible housing options for property owners.
Compliance with the NZ Building Code and completion by a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) is required.
Cons / Limitations
Applies only to simple designs: complex, multi-storey, or difficult sites still require full consent.
Floor must be a maximum height of one metre above ground level and the roof cannot be four metres above the finished floor level.
Tiled showers not allowed.
Maximum size limit of 70 square metres.
Building Code compliance still required, which may add cost, time, and technical complexity (e.g., drainage, insulation, fire, structural requirements).
Not all sites or designs qualify—must strictly meet NES-DMRU and Building Act criteria.
Resource consent may still be required for sites within flood zones, heritage overlays, and infrastructure constraints.
Work must still be completed by a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP).
Council's still require post-build documentation such as records of work, compliance confirmations, and property file updates.
Note: NES-DMRU exemptions apply only when all criteria / standards are met. Building Code compliance remains mandatory regardless of whether consent is required.
Note: You MUST get a Project Information Memorandum (PIM) from the council before building works start. When the build is finished, you must tell the council by providing documents like final plans, records of work and certificates of compliance.
