How the 60sqm Granny Flat Exemption Streamlines Home Expansion in NZ
We are all well aware of the increasing demand for affordable housing solutions with rising costs and limited supply here in NZ. Amidst the various government reforms, the government is now proposing the introduction of the 60sqm granny flat exemption, a policy aimed at simplifying the construction of smaller, self-contained minor homes on existing residential properties. Let’s check out how this policy is going to affect the prevalent housing demand.
Addressing the Housing Crisis
As mentioned above, New Zealand’s housing market has long faced challenges, including high construction costs, lengthy approval processes, and a shortage of affordable homes. The government has responded with several reforms to solve these issues, including changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) and amendments to the Building Act. The new policy regarding granny flats is a part of this huge effort to increase the housing supply and make homeownership more achievable.
This policy change allows the construction of a single, detached granny flat of up to 60 square meters on residential properties, under the same owner without needing resource or building consent. It aims to ease the process, reduce costs, and facilitate quicker construction times, thereby making it easier for homeowners to expand their living space without facing excessive bureaucracy.
What Should You Know About the 60sqm Granny Flat Exemption?
The 60sqm granny flat regulation in NZ is designed with several key criteria and standards in mind to ensure safety while simplifying the building process. These include:
Size and Scope:
The exemption applies to flats of up to 60 square meters. This is enough to accommodate a compact yet comfortable living space for a couple with necessary amenities like a kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom.
Building Requirements:
Although no formal consent is needed, the flats must still comply with the NZ Building Code, ensuring that safety standards are met. This includes interconnected smoke alarms and certain distance requirements from property boundaries to prevent fire spread.
Professional Oversight:
The construction or supervision of these units must be handled by licensed building practitioners, ensuring that the work meets professional standards even without the direct oversight of traditional council inspections or engineers. However, it is mentioned that once the building is completed, you need to notify the local council to ensure that it’s recorded for infrastructure planning and property valuation.
What’s the Benefit?
Cost Savings and Faster Builds
One of the primary advantages of the new granny flat regulation is the potential for significant cost savings for NZ homeowners. Lots of us Kiwis have large backyards that could be used better. Traditionally, the process of obtaining building and resource consents for residential units could be costly, adding up to $6,500 or more. By removing the need for these consents, the government aims to make it easier for Kiwis to add a granny flat on their property without the financial burden.
Additionally, the policy eliminates the time-consuming approval process. Previously, obtaining building consent could delay construction by several months. Now, with this proposed system, you can quickly move from the planning stage to construction, making it easier to adapt your living spaces to changing needs, like accommodating elderly parents or generating rental income.
Versatility of Granny Flats for Modern Families
Granny flats have become an increasingly popular option for many New Zealand families. They offer a versatile solution that can adapt to various living situations, such as:
Accommodating Your Elderly Relatives:
Granny flats provide a comfortable space for ageing parents who wish to live close to their families while maintaining independence. This is especially valuable in our society where intergenerational living is becoming more common.
Space for Young Adults:
With rising housing costs, many young adults find it difficult to afford independent housing. A granny flat offers a middle ground, allowing them to live at home while enjoying greater privacy.
Generating Rental Income:
Homeowners looking to manage mortgage costs can use a modular dwelling as a rental property, providing an additional income source. This can make homeownership more financially viable, particularly in high-demand areas like Auckland, Hawke’s Bay, Manawatu and Bay of Plenty.
How Does the Policy Impact the Housing Market?
By making it easier to build smaller, self-contained dwellings, the government aims to remove some of the pressure on the housing market. This policy could contribute to increased housing stock in both urban and rural areas, offering an alternative to the more complex and expensive construction of larger, multi-story developments. It provides an opportunity to use existing property space more efficiently, creating new living options that are more accessible and affordable.
How Can We Help You at ModuleMade?
As a company that specialises in providing prefabricated modular homes to the NZ market, this new policy opens up a range of opportunities to provide innovative solutions that align with the changing housing landscape. Prefabricated modular homes are uniquely suited to meet the demand for efficient, high-quality construction that the policy encourages. By delivering homes that are built to precise specifications off-site, we ensure faster installation and reduced disruption to homeowners. Moreover, the flexibility of modular construction allows for customised designs that can meet the specific needs of clients, from fully self-contained units for elderly relatives to compact rental properties, while meeting the building standards, of course! This adaptability, combined with the benefits of prefabrication, makes our modular homes an ideal option for you under NZ’s new 60sqm granny flat regulation. Want to know more about how you can make the most of your property with the new regulation? Reach out to us!
