Upcoming Law Reform on Granny Flats in New Zealand: What You Need to Know
Exciting changes are on the horizon for New Zealand homeowners interested in adding granny flats or accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to their properties. With new legislation being introduced, the process of building and living in a granny flat is expected to become much simpler and more accessible. Here's what you need to know about the upcoming reforms and how they may impact you.
What are Granny Flats?
Granny flats, also known as secondary dwellings or ADUs, are self-contained living spaces located on the same property as a primary home. These units can provide additional housing options for elderly family members, grown children, or even be used as rental properties. With the housing shortage in New Zealand, granny flats are becoming a popular solution to add more housing without expanding land use.
The Current Law
Under current regulations, building a granny flat often involves navigating a complex web of local council rules. The requirements vary from one region to another, but they generally involve strict limitations on:
Size: Many councils have size restrictions on granny flats, with a common maximum of 60 square meters.
Zoning: Property zoning can determine whether you're allowed to build a granny flat, and in some cases, zoning laws prohibit secondary dwellings altogether.
Building Consents: To build a granny flat, homeowners usually need to apply for resource and building consents, a process that can be costly and time-consuming.
What the New Law Reform Proposes
The New Zealand government has recognized the need for more flexible housing solutions, especially in urban areas, and is working on reforms to make it easier to build granny flats. The upcoming changes include:
Standardized Nationwide Rules: The new law proposes to create uniform regulations across the country, eliminating the discrepancies between local councils. This would simplify the process for homeowners and developers.
Increased Size Limits: One of the most significant changes is the potential increase in size limits for granny flats, allowing homeowners to build larger, more livable spaces.
Reduced Consent Requirements: The reform aims to reduce or even eliminate the need for resource consents in some areas, streamlining the approval process. This would make it quicker and less expensive to get started on building your granny flat.
Encouraging Urban Development: By loosening restrictions, the government hopes to encourage more infill housing options in urban areas, helping to alleviate the housing crisis while maintaining urban density.
How This Benefits You
For homeowners, this law reform could provide several key benefits:
Increased Property Value: A well-designed granny flat can significantly boost your property’s value by adding extra living space, either for family use or as a rental unit.
More Housing Flexibility: Whether you want to accommodate aging parents, provide a space for adult children, or generate rental income, granny flats offer flexible housing options without the need for large land expansions.
Easier and Faster Construction: With fewer barriers like building consents and zoning restrictions, you can start your project sooner and with less hassle.
How Trendset Build Can Help
At Trendset Build, we specialize in modular construction and granny flats that meet current and future regulations. Our customizable designs are perfect for homeowners looking to make the most of the upcoming law reforms. We offer expert advice and turnkey solutions, handling everything from design to build, ensuring that your granny flat complies with the latest regulations.
Conclusion
The upcoming law reform on granny flats in New Zealand presents a fantastic opportunity for homeowners to increase property value and provide additional housing. As the changes come into effect, now is the perfect time to start planning your project. Contact Trendset Build today to learn how we can help you take advantage of these new regulations and build the perfect granny flat for your property.
Contact us today at www.trendsetbuild.com for more information on how we can help you create a modern, compliant granny flat that fits your needs.
Why we moved to offsite construction
Off-site construction is an innovative solution that addresses many of the challenges faced in traditional home building. This means that the building process can occur at the same time as site works (earthworks) shortening the overall timeline, and as the saying goes ‘time is money.’
See below for the reasons we are excited to offer this method to eager home owners.
Faster Project Completion
By streamlining the construction process and minimising on-site work, off-site construction significantly accelerates project timelines, allowing for quicker occupancy and reduced time to market.
Controlled Environment
Manufacturing components in a controlled factory environment ensures consistent quality and precision, leading to higher standards of craftsmanship and fewer defects.
Reduced Site Disruption.
With the majority of construction activities happening off-site, there is less noise, dust, and disturbance at the construction site, making it more convenient for nearby residents and businesses.
Predictability in Budgeting
By minimising delays and unexpected costs associated with weather or labour issues, off-site construction can lead to more accurate budgeting. This predictability is increasingly important in a market with limited tolerance for budget over-runs.
Enhanced Safety
Factory-based construction reduces the risks associated with on-site building activities, leading to a safer working environment and fewer accidents during the construction phase.
Minimal Disruption
If you love where you live but want a new house, off-site construction allows you to stay put for longer, meaning no rental costs while building.