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.