[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Page Title Section” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#313e47 0%|rgba(49,62,71,0.5) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”#313e47″ background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(49,62,71,0.5)” background_image=”https:\/\/adventark.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/iStock-2165546388.jpg” width=”100%” custom_margin=”|2px||||” custom_padding=”50px||50px||false|false” border_radii=”off|10px|10px||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”Page Title Area” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|phone” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin=”|auto||auto|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”|auto|||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment_tablet=”” module_alignment_phone=”center” module_alignment_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Title” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” text_font_size=”18px” text_line_height=”2em” header_font=”Prata||||||||” header_font_size=”60px” header_line_height=”1.6em” header_3_font=”||||||||” header_3_line_height=”1.8em” text_orientation=”center” background_layout=”dark” max_width=”799px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|0px|10px||false|false” custom_padding=”|0px||||” animation_style=”fade” header_font_size_tablet=”40px” header_font_size_phone=”” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Quote Section” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ custom_margin=”||-3px|||” custom_padding=”52px|0px|0px|0px||” border_color_all=”rgba(255,186,96,0.6)” border_width_right=”8vw” border_color_right=”rgba(228,37,40,0.6)” border_width_right_tablet=”” border_width_right_phone=”0vw” border_width_right_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ admin_label=”Quote Area” _builder_version=”4.16″ use_custom_width=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Author Name” _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”|600||on|||||” text_text_color=”#e32526″ text_letter_spacing=”4px” header_font=”||||||||” header_4_font=”||||||||” module_alignment=”center” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”bottom” animation_intensity_slide=”10%” animation_starting_opacity=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
– Insights<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ text_font=”Roboto Slab||||||||” text_font_size=”17px” text_letter_spacing=”1px” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_font=”||||||||” header_3_font=”||||||||” header_3_line_height=”1.6em” header_4_font=”||||||||” custom_margin=”|||” custom_padding=”||4px|30px||” animation_style=”fade” animation_starting_opacity=”100%” border_color_all=”#313e47″ border_width_left=”10px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
From the end of 2025, homeowners and property developers will be able to build garden sheds, garages, workshops and sleepouts with fewer restrictions. The Government has announced changes to the Building Act, aimed at cutting red tape and making it easier for New Zealanders to make practical use of their land.<\/p>\n
According to Building and Construction Ministers David Seymour and Chris Penk, the reforms were shaped by feedback gathered through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment\u2019s (MBIE) Red Tape Tipline. Many homeowners had voiced their frustrations about rising section costs, limited space on smaller properties and the difficulty of placing useful outbuildings within existing rules.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Project Analysis Section” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px||13px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”Our Process Area” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|4px|0px||” border_color_all=”rgba(51,51,51,0.12)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_3_font=”Roboto Slab||||||||” header_3_line_height=”2em” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”40px||0px||false|false” animation_style=”fold” animation_direction=”left” animation_intensity_fold=”5%” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”2em” custom_margin=”-1px|||||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
At present, the law requires that small single-storey detached buildings be set back from the boundary or another dwelling by a distance equal to their own height. This means that a shed standing two metres tall must also sit at least two metres away from the boundary. If these setback rules are not met, the project usually requires a building consent from the local council, adding time and cost.<\/p>\n
The reforms will make the following exempt from consent, provided they meet the Building Code:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Structures under 10m2 may be built up right up to the boundary without building consent; and
\u2022 Structures between 10m2 and 30m2 may be built at least 1 metre from any boundary or adjoining building, without building consent.<\/p>\n
In practice, this means very compact projects such as tool sheds or storage units under ten square metres can be placed directly on the fence line without council approval. For slightly larger projects, including hobby workshops, backyard sleepouts or small garages, homeowners will still enjoy far more flexibility than before. These will not require a one-metre setback from the boundary to avoid the consent process. Overall, the reforms are expected to make common projects quicker, easier, and more affordable to get underway.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Our Process Area” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|4px|0px||” border_color_all=”rgba(51,51,51,0.12)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_3_font=”Roboto Slab||||||||” header_3_line_height=”2em” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” animation_style=”fold” animation_direction=”left” animation_intensity_fold=”5%” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”2em” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The reforms have practical consequences for everyday property owners. First, they remove some of the cost and administrative burden of applying for building consent. This makes small-scale improvements more affordable. Second, the changes mean projects can proceed more quickly, since homeowners will no longer need to wait for council approval before building. Finally, the new rules make better use of space on compact urban sections, where setbacks previously made it difficult to add even modest structures.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Our Process Area” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|4px|0px||” border_color_all=”rgba(51,51,51,0.12)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_3_font=”Roboto Slab||||||||” header_3_line_height=”2em” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” animation_style=”fold” animation_direction=”left” animation_intensity_fold=”5%” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”2em” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
For developers, these changes may offer some advantages, although the extent is likely to vary depending on the nature of the project and the district plan rules that apply. On multi-lot or infill developments, for instance, the ability to add small structures without building consent could improve the functionality of a site. Storage sheds, utility buildings or small garages might be incorporated into designs more easily, potentially making better use of limited space and enhancing the appeal of certain developments to prospective buyers.<\/p>\n
There may also be cost and time efficiencies at scale. While avoiding one consent process may not make a significant difference to an individual homeowner, reducing repeat applications across multiple lots could, in some circumstances, translate into meaningful savings and fewer administrative delays.<\/p>\n
In addition, the reforms may create some added flexibility when marketing properties. Being able to highlight that buyers could install a workshop, sleepout or extra storage without a lengthy consent process might increase the attractiveness of a property, particularly for first-home buyers or investors looking for adaptable use of land.<\/p>\n
That said, important limitations remain. Local planning rules around height in relation to boundary, site coverage and zoning will continue to apply. Special overlays, such as heritage protections or flood-prone areas, may still trigger additional requirements. In some cases, neighbours may also have an opportunity to raise concerns particularly where a structure triggers resource consent or otherwise affects their property rights. Because of this, developers would be well-advised to seek early input from planners, surveyors or legal advisers before relying on these exemptions in their project design.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Our Process Area” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|4px|0px||” border_color_all=”rgba(51,51,51,0.12)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_3_font=”Roboto Slab||||||||” header_3_line_height=”2em” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”16px||0px||false|false” animation_style=”fold” animation_direction=”left” animation_intensity_fold=”5%” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”2em” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Even with the consent process being simplified, homeowners and developers will still need to comply with the Building Code to ensure that any new structure is safe, durable, and suitable for its intended use. The Resource Management Act 1991 will continue to apply, and local planning rules may impose restrictions on matters such as height, site coverage and zoning. In addition, special designations such as heritage overlays or flood-prone areas can still trigger extra requirements. If you are unsure which regulations apply to your property, it is best to seek advice from a trusted professional before starting any project.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Our Process Area” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|4px|0px||” border_color_all=”rgba(51,51,51,0.12)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”2em” custom_margin=”76px||37px|||” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Please note that the above is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For more information on the Government\u2019s update, visit the MBIE\u2019s website. If you wish to seek advice or to discuss your specific circumstances, you may get in touch with one of our property lawyers and specialists via info@adventark.co.nz or 09 969 1493.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”15px||30px|||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”24px||20px|||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_post_nav _builder_version=”4.16″ title_text_color=”#e09900″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_post_nav][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”CTA Section” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” background_enable_image=”off” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px||true|false” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_width_all=”4px” border_color_all=”rgba(0,0,0,0.13)” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ admin_label=”CTA Area” _builder_version=”4.16″ width=”95%” custom_margin=”|auto||auto|false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_signup mailchimp_list=”201d30129d” name_field=”on” success_message=”You have successfully subscribed.” title=”Subscribe to Insights” description=”<\/p>\n If you would like to be the first to know when we publish articles, sign up to receive the latest Insights and stay up to date.<\/p>\n ” use_spam_service=”on” recaptcha_list=”Advent Ark reCAPTCHA|Advent Ark reCAPTCHA-0″ _builder_version=”4.16″ form_field_background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0)” form_field_text_color=”#000000″ form_field_focus_background_color=”#313e47″ form_field_focus_text_color=”rgba(227,37,38,0.48)” header_font=”Prata||||||||” header_text_color=”#000000″ header_font_size=”47px” header_line_height=”1.8em” body_font=”||||||||” body_text_color=”#000000″ body_font_size=”16px” body_line_height=”2em” use_background_color=”off” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”18px” button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_bg_color=”#e32526″ button_border_width=”2px” button_border_color=”#e32526″ button_border_radius=”5px” button_letter_spacing=”4px” button_font=”|700||on|||||” button_icon=”$||divi||400″ custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” header_font_tablet=”” header_font_phone=”Prata||||||||” header_font_last_edited=”on|phone” header_text_color_tablet=”” header_text_color_phone=”#000000″ header_text_color_last_edited=”on|phone” header_font_size_tablet=”40px” header_font_size_phone=”30px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” body_text_align_tablet=”” body_text_align_phone=”center” body_text_align_last_edited=”on|phone” button_text_size_tablet=”” button_text_size_phone=”” button_text_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” button_border_width_tablet=”” button_border_width_phone=”2px” button_border_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” border_radii=”on|5px|5px|5px|5px” border_radii_fields=”on|5px|5px|5px|5px” border_width_all_fields=”1px” border_color_all_fields=”rgba(51,51,51,0.3)” focus_background_color=”#313e47″ focus_text_color=”#ffba60″ global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_width__hover=”2px”]Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Vivamus magna justo, lacinia eget consectetur sed, convallis at tellus. Quisque velit nisi, pretium ut lacinia in, elementum id enim. Curabitur non nulla sit amet From the end of 2025, homeowners and property developers will be able to build garden sheds, garages, workshops and sleepouts with fewer restrictions. The Government has announced changes to the Building Act, aimed at cutting red tape and making it easier for New Zealanders to make practical use of their land.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9702,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[7,25],"tags":[186,134,185,187,172,169,170,174,168],"class_list":["post-9701","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-commercial","category-insights","tag-buildingact","tag-legal-update-nz","tag-mbie","tag-new-zealand-real-estate","tag-newzealandproperty","tag-nzproperty","tag-propertylawnz","tag-propertylawyernz","tag-propertylawyers"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventark.co.nz\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9701","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventark.co.nz\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventark.co.nz\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventark.co.nz\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventark.co.nz\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9701"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/adventark.co.nz\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9701\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9711,"href":"https:\/\/adventark.co.nz\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9701\/revisions\/9711"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventark.co.nz\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9702"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventark.co.nz\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9701"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventark.co.nz\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9701"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventark.co.nz\/zh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9701"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\n[\/et_pb_signup][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"