Feature article
Granny flat regulations: New rules make it cheaper and easier to build
Keeping Nana in the neighbourhood
28 January 2026
AI summary
New regulations make building a granny flat easier by removing consent requirements for standalone units up to 70sqm. This can save homeowners up to $5,650 and speed up construction by 14 weeks.
To qualify for the exemption, the build must use lightweight materials and all work must be supervised by Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs). While consents are gone, a Project Information Memorandum (PIM) is still mandatory before starting, and councils can still charge significant Development Contributions for infrastructure.
What are the new granny flat rules?
What qualifies as an exempt ‘granny flat’?
How much can you save?
How to get started?
Kitset and design-build options
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