🛏️ What’s Changing with Sleepout Rules in NZ? Here’s What You Need to Know

KiwiCraft Construction

🛏️ What’s Changing with Sleepout Rules in NZ? Here’s What You Need to Know

A 12m x 6.5m consent-ready sleepout designed and built by KiwiCraft Construction

Big changes are coming in 2026 that could make it easier than ever to add a sleepout, cabin, or granny flat to your property — without needing full building consent.

At KiwiCraft Construction, we’re already prepping for this shift — and if you’re thinking about building a sleepout for guests, extended family, or even a side hustle like Airbnb, now’s the time to get informed.

✅ So, What’s Actually Changing?

The New Zealand Government is planning to roll out a nationwide consent exemption in 2026 for certain types of small detached dwellings.

The key proposal is that you’ll be able to build a detached structure up to 60m², without needing traditional building consent — as long as it meets a set of criteria.

While final rules are still being refined, current signals suggest the exemptions will apply to:

  • Standalone buildings under 60m²

  • Single-storey

  • Used as a sleepout, home office, or minor dwelling

  • Complies with NZ Building Code standards

  • Not used as the main residence

This could remove some major red tape and costs — especially if you’re building something simple like a 1-bedroom flat or a cabin-style studio.

⚠️ You’ll Still Need to Meet These Requirements

While consent might not be needed, that doesn’t mean you can throw up just anything. You’ll still need:

  • An LBP (Licensed Building Practitioner) to do or sign off structural work

  • Site planning to comply with height-to-boundary and setback rules

  • Drainage or stormwater plans (if plumbing is included)

  • A code-compliant foundation and framing system

That’s where we come in. At KiwiCraft, we’ll help you design a structure that’s consent-exempt where possible — and fully compliant either way.

🏗️ What Kinds of Projects Will This Help?

  • Sleepouts for teens or guests

  • Granny flats for extended family

  • Cabins for rental income or Airbnb

  • Home offices or studios

  • Detached hobby rooms or man caves

And if you’ve already been eyeing one of our granny flat designs, many already sit right in the sweet spot for this rule change.

🕒 Should I Wait Until 2026?

Not necessarily. If you’re planning to build sooner, we can design now with the exemption in mind — and if your project meets current consent-free limits (like up to 30m² sleepouts), we can get moving right away.

If you want to get ahead of the 60m² exemption, we can prep your site and plans so you’re ready to roll as soon as it’s live.

📥 Want to Stay in the Loop?

We’ll be keeping a close eye on these changes as they’re finalised. Sign up below or get in touch, and we’ll make sure you’re the first to know when the new exemption rules kick in.

👉 Explore our sleepout and granny flat plans
👉 Book a free site visit