How to Unlock Extra Income on Your Land: Build a Minor Dwelling (Granny Flat) in Tauranga Under the New Rules!
If you’ve ever thought about building a minor dwelling in Tauranga — sometimes called a granny flat — now’s the time to start planning.
With new national rules coming in, it’s about to get much easier for homeowners in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty to build a small, self-contained home on their existing property. For many, it’s a great way to set up a future income stream, add value, or make better use of the land they already own.
The New Rules for Minor Dwellings in New Zealand
By early 2026, the Government will roll out a new exemption allowing people to build a standalone minor dwelling up to 70 m² without needing building consent — as long as certain criteria are met.
Here’s what the new Tauranga minor dwelling rules will look like:
The home must be single-storey and self-contained, with its own kitchen and bathroom.
It must be built or supervised by a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP).
You’ll need to notify your local council before and after the build.
It must still meet the New Zealand Building Code, even though consent isn’t required.
The building must be at least 2 metres from any other house or legal boundary.
It can’t cross a boundary or be attached to another structure.
Connections for water, wastewater, stormwater and power must all comply with council requirements.
Local councils (like Tauranga City Council) can still apply development contributions or rates adjustments once your property has two dwellings.
So while the consent process will become simpler, good planning, design, and professional help are still essential — especially when it comes to setbacks, services, and placement on your section.
Boundary Rules You Need to Know
Under the new exemption, your minor dwelling in Tauranga must:
Sit at least 2 metres away from any other building or boundary; and
Be completely within your property (no building across legal boundaries).
It’s also worth noting that your local district plan may have height-to-boundary or site coverage limits that still apply, especially in residential zones or areas with overlays.
That’s where we come in. At Seamless Builders Tauranga, we’ll help you find the best location for your granny flat — positioned for privacy, sunlight, and access, while staying fully compliant with the new rules.
A Real Example: Jack’s Smart Move
Jack, a 65-year-old business owner from Pinerol, gave us a call recently. He’s sitting on a 3,000 m² section and wanted to make better use of it. His goal wasn’t just to add space — it was to create a steady income stream for the future.
Because his home is held in a family trust, he saw building a minor dwelling in the Bay of Plenty as a way to generate rental income now while also setting up something valuable for his kids down the line.
With the upcoming exemption, Jack can design a 70 m² granny flat on his land without the hassle of a full building consent — and we’re helping him plan it now so he’s ready to go the moment the new rules take effect.
How Seamless Builders Helps You Build a Minor Dwelling in Tauranga
We’re a Tauranga granny flat builder that handles everything from design to completion. That means you don’t have to juggle designers, council, and contractors — we take care of it all.
Here’s how we make it seamless:
Site Feasibility & Planning – We’ll visit your property, assess setbacks, access, and services, and show you how a 70 m² home could fit within your section while meeting the 2 metre boundary rule.
Design & Layout – Together, we’ll design a home that suits your goals — whether it’s for family, guests, or rental income.
Budget & Clarity – We’ll give you early ballpark pricing and a fixed-price quote once designs are finalised, so there are no surprises.
Compliance & Coordination – We handle all the council notifications and make sure your build meets every requirement.
Build & Handover – From earthworks to finishing touches, our Tauranga team delivers quality craftsmanship, on time and stress-free.
We’re already working with several homeowners across Tauranga who are preparing their plans now so they can move quickly when the new exemption takes effect.
Why It’s Worth Planning Now
The upcoming rules will open doors for many homeowners — but those who plan ahead will be the first to benefit.
If you’ve got spare land or an oversized backyard in Tauranga, this is one of the most practical ways to unlock income, boost property value, and create long-term flexibility.
A well-designed minor dwelling can serve as a future rental, a place for family, or even your own downsized space one day.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Get in touch with Seamless Builders Tauranga to book a site visit and chat about what’s possible on your property.
We’ll help you design, plan, and build your granny flat in Tauranga so it’s ready for the new rules — smart, compliant, and built to last.
SIMPLY FILL IN THE FORM BELOW
and we’ll call you right back :-)