Recent changes to building regulations are set to reduce red tape for many common residential projects. From early 2026, homeowners will be able to build standalone granny flats up to 70m² without a building consent, provided the work complies with the Building Code and is carried out or supervised by licensed building professionals. Council notification and infrastructure checks will still apply.

Changes have also been made to rules around sheds, garages, and other small structures as boundary setback requirements have eased, reducing the likelihood that relatively minor builds will trigger a consent process. For homeowners, this should translate into lower costs, faster build times, and greater flexibility.

Importantly, these changes maintain safety and quality standards while reducing unnecessary compliance. They also ease pressure on consenting authorities, helping create a more efficient system across the industry as a whole.

While these updates may seem incremental, they address common pain points we see regularly and should make small-scale residential projects more straightforward for homeowners and builders alike.