Build a 70m² Granny Flat — Without the Usual Red Tape

New government exemptions mean you can now build a stand-alone home up to 70m² without a full building consent, when done correctly.

At Down to Earth Construction, we specialise in designing and building 70m² granny flats that fully comply with the new rules, are signed off by Licensed Building Practitioners, and are built to the same standard as a full-size home.

Whether you’re planning a rental, a home for family, or a smart property investment — we’ll guide you through it, start to finish.

70m² Granny Flats

& Minor Dwellings in Tauranga

Talk to a 70m² specialist

022 192 7781

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What Is the New 70m² Exemption?

Recent changes to the Building Act allow stand-alone residential buildings up to 70m² to be built without a building consent, provided specific conditions are met.

Key points you need to know:

  • Must be designed and built or supervised by an LBP

  • Must fully comply with the Building Code

  • Council notification is still required

  • Site conditions (ground, services, zoning) still matter

  • Council contributions and planning rules may still apply

This isn’t a shortcut, it’s a smarter pathway when done properly.

That’s where experience matters.

Why Most People Get This Wrong

We’re already seeing homeowners get stuck because:

  • The site wasn’t suitable

  • The design didn’t meet the exemption criteria

  • Council requirements were misunderstood

  • Builders weren’t familiar with the new process

Fixing mistakes later can cost more than doing it right from day one.

We’ve taken the time to understand the exemption properly, so you don’t have to.

Talk to a 70m² specialist

Why Choose Down to Earth Construction?

We’ve Done This Before

We’ve already designed and built compact, high-performing dwellings in this size range — including cabins, minor dwellings, and secondary homes — long before this rule change.

This isn’t new territory for us.

Licensed, Local, Accountable

Tauranga-based builders

  1. Licensed Building Practitioners

  2. Full documentation and compliance

  3. No shortcuts, no grey areas

Designed for Real Use

Our 70m² designs focus on:

  • Smart layouts that feel bigger than they are

  • Energy efficiency and comfort

  • Rental durability or long-term family use

  • Cost certainty and buildability

Clear Process, No Guesswork

We clearly explain:

  • What is and isn’t exempt

  • What still requires council involvement

  • Likely costs and timelines

  • Risks before you commit

What We Do FOR YOU

  • Site & feasibility checks

  • Smart 70m² layouts that feel bigger than they are

  • Exemption & compliance guidance

  • Full design + build service

  • Clear pricing and realistic timelines

If a 70m² build isn’t right for your site — we’ll tell you early.

What Can a 70m² Granny Flat Be Used For?

  • Rental income

  • Family accommodation

  • Multigenerational living

  • Property investment

We’ll help you make sure it stacks up financially and practically.

Start With a Simple Conversation

If you’re thinking about a 70m² granny flat in Tauranga, the smartest first step is a quick feasibility chat.

Talk to a 70m² specialist

What our customers are saying about us.

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Let’s build something great together

Reach out now and experience the Down to Earth difference.

Contact Us