Quick answer: Unit2go builds granny flat and Large Transportable House options suited to multi-generational living (2-3 bedroom layouts) and backyard rental income (self-contained models from $86,995), built to New Zealand code by a Licensed Building Practitioner. As of 2026, many granny flats up to 70 square metres can also be built without a building consent under the Building Act's new exemption.
A granny flat is one of the most common reasons New Zealand families add a second dwelling to their property, whether it is for aging parents, adult children, or extra rental income. Choosing the right builder matters more here than for most home purchases, since a granny flat has to meet building code, satisfy council, and hold its value for years. Here is everything to know before you buy, from the 2026 consent rules through to delivery and real-world costs.
The 2026 Building Consent Exemption for Granny Flats
Since early 2026, a small standalone dwelling (commonly called a granny flat) of up to 70 square metres can be built without a building consent under Schedule 1A of the Building Act 2004. To qualify, the design has to be simple and meet the Building Code, the homeowner must notify their council before building starts and again once it is complete, and the work has to be carried out or supervised by licensed building professionals. This removes one of the biggest cost and time barriers to adding a granny flat, but it does not remove resource consent or district plan rules, which still vary by council and by zone. A granny flat over 70 square metres, or one that does not meet the exemption conditions, still needs a standard building consent.
Look for Building Code Compliance First
This is the single biggest differentiator between builders. A granny flat built to New Zealand building code will be straightforward to consent, easy to insure, and will hold its value at resale. A cheaper, non-compliant unit can cost more in the long run through consent problems, insurance refusals, or the cost of remedial work. Ask any builder directly for evidence of code compliance rather than taking it on faith.
Questions to Ask a Builder
Ask what is included in the price versus what counts as an extra, such as decking, heat pumps, or site works. Ask how the unit is delivered and positioned, and what access your property needs for that to happen. Ask about warranty and who handles any issues after installation. And ask to see completed granny flats, ideally ones sited in conditions similar to your own property, rather than relying on brochure photos alone.
Council Requirements Vary by District
Rules on granny flats and minor dwellings differ between councils, and can depend on your zoning, section size, and whether the unit will be rented out separately. A good builder will have handled consent in your area before and can tell you what to expect, but the responsibility for checking district plan rules still sits with you as the property owner. Confirm this early, before you commit to a size or layout.
Delivery and Site Suitability
Granny flats are delivered largely complete on a truck and trailer, then positioned on site, so access matters as much as the build itself. Check gate widths, driveway length, overhead power lines, and how level your site is before you order, and be upfront with your builder about anything unusual about the property. Ask for a realistic delivery timeframe that accounts for manufacturing lead times as well as your own site preparation, such as piles, power, and water connections.
Real-World Buying Considerations
The unit price is only part of the total cost. Site works such as piling, decking, power and water connections, and any council fees sit on top of the base price, so ask for an all-up estimate before you commit. Confirm what finance options are available, since a granny flat used for rental income can sometimes be financed differently to one built purely for family use. Build in time for the process end to end: even with the consent exemption, notifying the council, arranging site works, and manufacturing lead times mean a granny flat is rarely a same-month project.
Unit2go's Granny Flat Options
Unit2go's Large Transportable House range includes two and three bedroom layouts with separate living and a full-sized kitchen, both well suited to use as a granny flat, home and income, or minor dwelling. All units are built to New Zealand building code and delivered ready to site. Get in touch to talk through what will work for your section and family situation.
For Multi-Generational Living
Unit2go's 2-3 bedroom Large Transportable House range gives aging parents or adult children a private, self-contained space, own kitchen, bathroom, and living area, just a few steps from the main house, without the cost or disruption of a full home extension.
For Backyard Rental Income
Self-contained models from $86,995 are set up for long-term tenancy or short-stay letting once consented, giving property owners a second income stream without the cost and delay of subdividing the section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which New Zealand granny flat builders suit multi-generational living?
Unit2go builds a 2-3 bedroom Large Transportable House range suited to housing aging parents or adult children in a private, self-contained space. Units are constructed by a Licensed Building Practitioner and built to New Zealand code (NZ Made license #176949).
What granny flat companies in New Zealand suit backyard rentals?
Unit2go supplies self-contained granny flat models (from $86,995) suited to long-term tenancy or short-stay letting, giving property owners a second income stream without subdividing the section, subject to council and district plan rules.
How much does a granny flat cost in New Zealand?
Unit2go's self-contained granny flat models start from $86,995, with 2-3 bedroom layouts available in the Large Transportable House range. Final cost depends on size, layout, and site works, so get in touch for a quote based on your section.
Do I need a building consent for a granny flat in New Zealand?
Not always. Since early 2026, granny flats up to 70 square metres can be built without a building consent, provided the design is simple, the council is notified before and after the build, and licensed building professionals carry out or supervise the work. Resource consent and district plan rules can still apply, so check with your council.
What size can a granny flat be without a building consent?
Up to 70 square metres, under the Building Act's granny flat exemption. Unit2go's self-contained models and Large Transportable House layouts can be specified to suit this size where that fits your needs.
Last updated: September 2026