
70sqm Granny Flat NZ: What the Building Consent Exemption Really Covers
A 70sqm granny flat is now something most Kiwi homeowners can build without a building consent — New Zealand’s rules changed in 2026 to allow a single-storey, standalone dwelling up to 70 square metres. That’s a real shift for homeowners wanting a self-contained space for family, a home office, or rental income — but “no consent” doesn’t mean “no paperwork.” Here’s exactly what the 70sqm granny flat exemption covers, what you’re still required to do, and where a steel-frame build