Granny Flats

Fast, cost-effective granny flats built to suit your site, your needs, and your lifestyle

Why choose a PanelLock factory-built home?

PanelLock minor dwellings are designed to make the process simple, efficient, and stress-free.

  • Faster build times with minimal weather delays
  • Greater cost certainty from the outset
  • Minimal disruption on site
  • Fully customisable designs to suit your needs
  • End-to-end project management available
  • Built using high-quality materials and finishes
  • No council inspections required when built under an approved PIM
  • Bridging finance options available

Adding a granny flat to your property is a smart, flexible way to make better use of your space, whether it’s for family, income, or lifestyle.

Why build a granny flat?

  • Create extra space for extended family or guests
  • Add value to your property
  • Generate rental income
  • Set up a home office or private workspace

A Simpler Approach to Small Dwellings

Recent changes to New Zealand’s building regulations have made it easier to deliver small, self-contained homes such as granny flats and minor dwellings.

These dwellings are intended to sit alongside an existing primary residence and cannot be developed as standalone housing on a vacant site.

Certain standalone dwellings up to 70m² may now be eligible for a building consent exemption, provided all required conditions are met. This approach reduces timeframes and costs while maintaining full compliance with the New Zealand Building Code.

When a Building Consent May Not Be Required

A building consent may not be required where the proposed dwelling:

  • Is a standalone, single-storey dwelling for one household
  • Has a total floor area of 70m² or less
  • Has a floor level no more than 1 metre above ground
  • Does not exceed 4 metres in height from floor level
  • Is positioned at least 2 metres from any boundary or other dwelling
  • Complies fully with the New Zealand Building Code
  • Is constructed or supervised by Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs)

Projects meeting all of the above may be eligible to proceed under the consent exemption pathway.

When a Standard Building Consent Is Required

A full building consent, and in some cases a resource consent, will still be required where projects fall outside the exemption criteria or involve additional complexity.

This includes:

  • Larger dwellings or more complex design requirements
  • Sloping sites or technically challenging ground conditions
  • Flood-prone, coastal, or hazard-affected locations
  • Sites with more restrictive planning or zoning controls
  • Any design that does not meet exemption thresholds

A Practical Approach to Compliance

In many cases, proceeding with a standard building consent can provide greater certainty and reduce project risk, particularly for more complex builds.

Not sure where your project sits?

Talk to the Panellock team for guidance on the best pathway forward.

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CUSTOM SOLUTIONS

Don’t see your perfect plan? We’ll design it.

Start with any PanelLock plan or brief us for a bespoke, transportable home, tailored to your site, budget, and lifestyle.

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