Hive Homes is excited to introduce our new 60m² minor dwellings, perfect for those looking to add extra space without the need for a building consent. These homes are ideal for creating additional living areas for family, generating extra rental income, or helping address New Zealand’s housing shortage. Designed for efficiency and comfort, these minor dwellings offer a smart solution for maximising your property’s potential. Whether you’re expanding for family or creating a hassle-free investment, Hive Homes' 60m² options provide flexibility and quality without the usual red tape.
New Zealand Minor Dwellings
In New Zealand, the rules around minor dwellings (also known as secondary dwellings or granny flats) are designed to give property owners flexibility to add additional living spaces on their property. These rules are regulated by local councils, but recent changes have made it easier to add minor dwellings, particularly the new regulations around the 60m² size limit. Here's a breakdown of the key aspects:
New 60m2 Rule
As of recent updates, minor dwellings in New Zealand can now be up to 60 square meters (m²) without needing a resource consent in many areas. This is a significant change from the previous limit of 30-40m², allowing homeowners more room to create functional, self-contained living spaces.
Key Requirements
Although the new 60m² rule provides more flexibility, there are still certain requirements to keep in mind:
Self-Containment: Minor dwellings must be fully self-contained, meaning they should have their own kitchen, bathroom, and living areas.
Location and Site Coverage: Each council has different rules regarding where minor dwellings can be built on a property, especially in terms of site coverage, distance from property boundaries, and outdoor space requirements.
Building Consents: Even if resource consent is not required, a building consent is usually necessary to ensure the structure meets building code standards, including for insulation, plumbing, and electricity.
Connections to Services: The minor dwelling must have connections to essential services, such as water supply, sewage, and power. In some cases, these can be shared with the main dwelling, while others may require separate systems.
Council Specific Variations
Each local council may have additional rules or variations to the 60m² minor dwelling regulations. For example:
Auckland Council allows for minor dwellings in most residential zones but may require a resource consent if the property doesn't meet specific conditions such as minimum lot size, parking, or outdoor space.
Christchurch Council permits minor dwellings in residential areas, provided certain conditions like stormwater management and site access are met.
Subdividing and Title
A key consideration when building a minor dwelling is whether it will be part of the main property or subdivided into a separate title:
In some cases, a minor dwelling can be built without subdividing the property, which may simplify the process.
If subdividing is desired (to sell the minor dwelling separately, for example), additional council approval and processes are required.
Impact on Property Value
Adding a minor dwelling can significantly boost the value of a property, especially in high-demand areas. It also opens up opportunities for generating rental income or providing accommodation for extended family.
Rental potential
Minor dwellings are popular for use as rental properties, especially given the housing demand in many New Zealand cities. Whether for long-term tenants or short-term stays (e.g., Airbnb), these dwellings provide homeowners with a potential income stream.
