Tiny Home HQ FAQ's

Absolutely. Our 50sqm homes are built to meet the Healthy Homes 2021 standards — insulation, ventilation, and heating provisions are compliant from day one. That means you’re covered as a landlord without the need for additional upgrades before tenanting. A well-located 50sqm granny flat or two bedroom granny flat can generate meaningful rental income to offset mortgage or land costs.

In most cases, yes — a 50sqm dwelling placed on foundations as a permanent or secondary dwelling will require building consent, and in some zones resource consent for a secondary dwelling as well. Rules vary by council and district plan. We can help you understand what applies to your specific site and intended use. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has guidance on consent requirements for secondary dwellings at building.govt.nz.

es — a 50sqm tiny home placed on your property as a self-contained secondary dwelling is effectively a granny flat. It has its own kitchen, bathroom, laundry connection, and independent front door. Whether it’s for a family member or a tenant, it functions as a fully independent residence. Council rules around secondary dwellings vary by region, so we recommend checking your district plan or talking to us early in the process — we can guide you through what’s typically required.

Once your site is prepared and services are connected, delivery and placement of a 50sqm tiny home typically takes one day. Your site needs to have foundation piles installed and services — power, water, and wastewater — ready before delivery. We’ll walk you through exactly what’s needed during our initial consultation.

Yes — visit our Finance page for information on the lending options available for tiny home and granny flat purchases in New Zealand. Finance structures for transportable homes differ from standard mortgages, and we can point you toward lenders who understand this market.

A two bedroom granny flat in 50sqm is one of the most naturally balanced configurations we build. The two bedrooms sit comfortably on either end of the home, the open-plan kitchen and living area fills the middle, and the bathroom sits between the private and shared zones. It’s efficient, liveable, and feels spacious because there are no corridors eating into the floor plan.

Yes – all Tiny Home HQ homes are built to support or meet the NZ Healthy Homes standards. The standards cover five areas: insulation, heating, ventilation, moisture and drainage, and draught stopping.

Our standard build meets the insulation, ventilation, moisture, and draught stopping requirements as built. Ventilation includes windows that open and an extraction fan in the bathroom (standard) and kitchen (optional – depends on cooking appliances provided).

For heating, we recommend adding a heat pump (available as an optional extra) – this is required if you intend to rent the home out, and it is also simply the most comfortable way to live in NZ climate. If you are renting the home out, your tenancy agreement will need to include a Healthy Homes compliance statement.

Sources:
Tenancy Services – Healthy homes standards
Tenancy Services – Healthy homes compliance

Our homes are insulated to meet the NZ Healthy Homes insulation standard, which sets minimum R-values for ceiling, underfloor, and wall insulation depending on your climate zone. We use NZ standard insulation throughout: the same trusted brands used in full-sized consented homes.

For most of New Zealand, this means R2.9 or better in the ceiling, R1.3 or better underfloor, and wall insulation in the framing cavity. If you’re in a colder climate zone (such as the central North Island or higher altitude areas), let us know and we can discuss whether additional insulation makes sense for your situation.

Sources:
MBIE — Building Code clause H1: Energy efficiency
Tenancy Services — Healthy homes standards

Our homes are built using traditional NZ residential construction methods — timber framing throughout, not steel or plastic panels. The subfloor is treated timber, which is proven to last and exceeds Building Code requirements for longevity.

Exterior cladding is usually Weathertex or similar long-lasting natural or composite cladding, with Colorsteel roofing. Insulation meets Healthy Homes requirements for walls, underfloor, and ceiling. Windows and doors are double-glazed aluminium joinery. Interior lining is gib, triboard, or ply, finished and painted.

We use materials that any builder can source from a hardware store, and apply the same build standards as a fully consented permanent home.

Sources:
MBIE — Building Code clause H1: Energy efficiency

Your Tiny Home HQ home comes with a 10-year structural warranty backed by our Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs) – this is the standard warranty obligation for LBPs under the Building Act and covers the structural and weathertight elements of the building.

Individual components carry their own manufacturer warranties: appliances are typically 1-2 years, plumbing fittings 2-5 years, and some cladding and roofing products carry longer warranties of up to 25 years.

We will provide you with a full set of warranty documentation at delivery so you know exactly what is covered and for how long.

Sources:
LBP.govt.nz – When you need an LBP
MBIE – Building Code clause E2: External moisture

There are a few straightforward checks every buyer should do. Start with the Companies Register (companiesoffice.govt.nz) – confirm the company is registered in New Zealand, check how long it has been operating, and look at whether directors have a history of changing companies or being involved in failed businesses.

Visit the factory or workshop more than once: are building materials on site, are they changing between visits, how many builders are actively working? Ask to see current and upcoming orders. A well-run company should be comfortable with these questions – if they are not, that is a signal in itself. Tiny Home HQ has been operating for over six years, delivering hundreds of homes around New Zealand.

Sources:
Companies Register – company search
LBP.govt.nz – Find an LBP

There are four types of insurance worth confirming with any builder.

• Material Damage and Business Interruption – protects the business if anything happens to its buildings, materials, or equipment, meaning it can keep operating and completing your build.
• Professional Indemnity – covers the business for issues arising from its work.
• Statutory Liability – covers legal costs if the business is liable under legislation.
• Transit insurance – specialist cover for moving your home from factory to site, over and above what a standard moving company provides (most moving companies do not cover the actual replacement value of the home).

Ask for confirmation that all four are in place before you sign. Tiny Home HQ carries all of these as part of how we operate.

A Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) is a builder who is registered and licensed by the New Zealand government to carry out restricted building work – the structural, weathertight, and design elements that most affect a home safety and durability. Under the Building Act, an LBP must guarantee their building work for 10 years.

For the 2026 granny flat consent-free process, restricted building work must be carried out or supervised by an LBP – it is a legal requirement. When choosing a tiny home builder, confirm that an LBP is involved and ask to see their licence number, which you can verify at lbp.govt.nz. The LBP signature on your Records of Work is part of the legal documentation you file with council at completion.

Sources:
LBP.govt.nz – When you need an LBP
LBP.govt.nz – How to identify an LBP
LBP.govt.nz – Find an LBP

These are the questions worth asking any company you are seriously considering. Are your homes built to the NZ Building Code – and is that a clear, unqualified yes? What exactly is included in the quoted price? What warranties do you provide, and who backs them? Can you assess my site and confirm the home will work there? Do you provide full project management including foundations, consent, connections, and outdoor elements? What are realistic timelines from signing to delivery? How do you protect my deposit during the build? And how long have you been in business?

These are not intrusive questions – they are standard due diligence that any professional builder expects and welcomes. If any of the answers are vague or evasive, trust your instincts.

Sources:
LBP.govt.nz – When you need an LBP
MBIE – Resolving building problems

Not necessarily – but only if your build meets all of the exemption conditions. The granny flat must be a new, single-storey, standalone dwelling of 70m2 or less, built to the NZ Building Code, permanently fixed to the land, and constructed or supervised by a Licensed Building Practitioner.

You also need to apply for a Project Information Memorandum (PIM) from your council before you start, and provide completion documentation afterwards.

If your build does not meet every condition, you will need to go through the standard building consent process – which has always been an option, and which Tiny Home HQ can manage for you.

Sources:
MBIE – Granny flats exemption: Guidance and resources
MBIE – Fact sheet: Granny flats for homeowners (PDF)
MBIE – Granny flats exemption guidance (PDF)

In most cases, no – not since January 2026. The new National Environmental Standards for Detached Minor Residential Units (NES-DMRU) removed the need for resource consent for granny flats up to 70m2 in residential, rural, mixed-use, and Maori purpose zones, provided the build meets the permitted activity standards.

However, there are exceptions: if your property has natural hazard overlays, is near a waterway, sits in a heritage area, or has other specific environmental constraints, resource consent may still be required. Your PIM application will flag any of these issues early.

Before January 2026, resource consent was commonly needed – so if you have looked into this before, it is worth checking again under the new rules.

Sources:
Ministry for the Environment – NES-DMRU
MBIE – Granny flats exemption became law 15 January 2026
RNZ – What new granny flat rules mean for costs, consents and rates

No – tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) do not qualify for the consent-free granny flat exemption.

The exemption applies specifically to buildings that are permanently fixed to the land, meeting the NZ Building Code as a dwelling. A tiny home on a road-legal trailer is legally registered as a vehicle under the Land Transport Act, not a building under the Building Act – so the granny flat exemption does not apply to it.

The MBIE building design conditions checklist confirms the floor level must be over supporting ground (not a trailer), and the Granny Flats Exemption Guidance requires the structure to be a permanent dwelling.

All Tiny Home HQ homes can be placed on fixed foundations and come with either a Record of Works or a Code Compliance Certificate, so they do qualify under the exemption.

Sources:
MBIE – Granny flats exemption guidance (PDF)
MBIE – Building design conditions checklist (PDF)
MBIE – Fact sheet: Granny flats for homeowners (PDF)

The consent-free exemption applies to granny flats of 70m2 or less – that is the figure set by the Building and Construction (Small Stand-alone Dwellings) Amendment Act 2025 and confirmed in the NES-DMRU.

The dwelling must also be single-storey, with a floor level no more than 1 metre above supporting ground and a maximum building height of 4 metres.

Earlier figures of 60m2 or 65m2 referred to earlier consultation documents or some council-specific district plan rules – 70m2 is the correct national standard as of January 2026.

Note that some council district plans permit larger floor areas – where that is the case you may be able to build up to that larger size as a permitted activity, but you will need to check those rules do not conflict with the Building Act exemption conditions.

Sources:
MBIE – Building design conditions checklist (PDF)
Ministry for the Environment – NES-DMRU
MBIE – NES-DMRU guidance (PDF)

From 15 January 2026, New Zealanders can build a small granny flat (up to 70m2) without needing a building consent, as long as the design meets the Building Code, the work is carried out or supervised by a Licensed Building Practitioner, and you notify your council before and after construction.

At the same time, a new National Environmental Standard (the NES-DMRU) removed the need for resource consent in most residential, rural, mixed-use, and Maori purpose zones.

It is a significant change – but consent-free does not mean rule-free, and some properties will not qualify, so it is worth checking your specific situation before you start.

Sources:
MBIE – Granny flats exemption became law 15 January 2026
Ministry for the Environment – NES-DMRU
RNZ – Ministers mark start of new granny flat rules

All restricted building work on a granny flat – including the structural framing, weathertightness, and certain design work – must be carried out or supervised by a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP).

For a factory-built home like those from Tiny Home HQ, this requirement is met during production: our LBPs oversee the entire build in our factory, and sign off Records of Work at each stage. You will receive these LBP records as part of your completion documentation to provide to council.

This is actually one of the advantages of a factory-built home – the LBP oversight happens in a controlled environment, without weather delays or site disruption.

Sources:
LBP.govt.nz – When you need an LBP
MBIE – Form 6A: LBP Record of building work (PDF)
LBP.govt.nz – Find an LBP (public register)

A Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) is an official document issued by Council confirming that your home was built to the NZ Building Code. Every Tiny Home HQ home with a Building Consent leaves our factory with a CCC.

The CCC matters because it is what makes your home insurable as a residential building, mortgageable by mainstream lenders, and legally recognised as a dwelling rather than a vehicle or shed.

Under the new 2026 granny flat exemption, Council no longer issues a CCC for consent-free builds. Instead, the new legislation requires a Record of Works issued by the Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP). The Record of Works is essentially the LBP certifying that their work meets the NZ Building Code, instead of Council certifying it.

Sources:
MBIE – Granny flats exemption: Guidance and resources
MBIE – NZ Building Code homepage

A Project Information Memorandum (PIM) is a document issued by your local council that sets out important information about your property – things like whether it is near a waterway, in a natural hazard area, or has any zoning restrictions relevant to your build.

Under the 2026 granny flat rules, applying for a PIM is a required first step before building work starts, even though you do not need a building consent. Council must issue your PIM within 10 working days, and this is also when any development contribution charges will be calculated.

Tiny Home HQ can help you with the PIM application process as part of our full project management service, as the PIM application requires site plans, builder drawings, height-to-boundary measurements, and other information.

Sources:
MBIE – Step-by-step guide: Plan a granny flat (PDF)
MBIE – Form 2AA: Application for PIM (PDF)
MBIE – Granny flats exemption: Guidance and resources

Yes – but it is more nuanced than a standard home loan, and not all banks lend on transportable homes in the same way. Westpac has a Prebuilt Home Loan specifically designed for factory-built homes, which allows as little as 10% deposit and can fund the purchase during the build phase.

Other major banks may lend depending on the specifics of your situation, the property it will sit on, and whether the home has, or will have, a CCC. Because lending criteria vary and change, we would recommend working with a mortgage broker who has experience with prefabricated or transportable homes – they will know which lenders are currently active in this space. The presence of a CCC significantly improves your borrowing options. If you would like an introduction to a broker with this experience just let us know!

Sources:
Westpac – Prebuilt home loan
ANZ – Home loans
BNZ – Home loans
ASB – Home loans
Kiwibank – Home loans

It is possible in some circumstances, but it depends on how the purchase is structured. A KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal is generally available for purchasing land and a home together – but if you are buying a transportable home to place on land you already own (or someone else land), the rules are more complex.

The Kainga Ora First Home Grant may also be worth exploring. Because the rules are quite specific and depend on your individual situation, we would strongly recommend speaking with Kainga Ora or a mortgage broker before counting on KiwiSaver as part of your funding. Do not let uncertainty stop you from asking – it is worth finding out early.

Sources:
Kainga Ora – First Home Grant
IRD – KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal

We work with finance partners who specialise in lending on factory-built homes. The finance is typically secured against the home itself rather than the land, which makes it accessible for people who do not have equity in property, or our partners may be able to help you extend your existing mortgage.

Repayments are usually structured weekly or fortnightly and a typical term is around 8-10 years. You will need to provide consent from the landowner (even if that is you) confirming the home can be placed on the property. Approval can often be confirmed quickly, and we can guide you through the application.

If you prefer to buy outright, our cash purchase option is straightforward – deposit on sign-off, balance before delivery.

Sources:
Westpac – Prebuilt home loan

Our entry level range starts from $62,995 for a self-contained 19m2 studio and goes up to $231,995 for a 70m2 three-bedroom home, including GST, and further for buildings larger than 70m2 or modular builds. Where your budget sits in that range depends on size, layout, which style you choose, and any optional extras.

On top of the home itself, you will want to budget for delivery, foundation piles, utility connections, and council development contributions (which vary by location – see our development contributions FAQ for more detail).

Our project prices can include full factory build, delivery, and placement if you would like us to manage the whole project, which is helpful if you want to approach your bank or other lender for finance.

Sources:
RNZ – What new granny flat rules mean for costs, consents and rates
Westpac REDnews – How much does it cost to build a granny flat?

Beyond the home itself, the main additional costs to budget for are:

• Delivery of the tiny home to your property and onto the foundations
• Foundation piles or blocks ($3,000-$25,000 for screw piles as a guide)
• Site preparation if needed
• Power connection by a licensed electrician
• Water and wastewater connections by a licensed plumber
• The PIM application to council (typically $1,150)
• Development contributions charged by your council (which can range from around $4,000 on rural properties to $7,000-$30,000 in urban areas)
• Optional extras such as a heat pump, cooktop, floor coverings, or deck

It is not a short list, but none of these are unexpected if you plan ahead – and we will help you build a realistic budget from the start.

Sources:
RNZ – What new granny flat rules mean for costs, consents and rates
NZ Herald – Granny flats: what new rules mean for costs, consents and your rates
MBIE – Form 3A: Development contribution notice (PDF)

Development contributions are charges levied by your local council to help fund the infrastructure (roads, water, stormwater, parks) that serves your new dwelling. They apply to any new dwelling – including granny flats – and are calculated when your PIM is issued.

The amount varies significantly by council and zone: urban properties typically attract contributions of $7,000-$30,000, while rural properties are usually lower, around $4,000-$17,000. Some councils charge more, some less.

It is one of the most common surprises in the budgeting process, so we flag it early – before we start building. The exact figure for your property will be confirmed by council during the PIM process, and the fee is paid directly to council after your tiny home is installed on your property.

Sources:
MBIE – Form 3A: Development contribution notice (PDF)
RNZ – What new granny flat rules mean for costs, consents and rates

Our advertised prices include the fully built home. Standard inclusions are: timber-framed structure and subfloor, exterior cladding and roofing, double-glazed windows and doors, insulation that supports Healthy Homes standards, bathroom with shower, toilet, and vanity, kitchen cabinetry and sink, gas powered hot water system, internal lining and painting, carpet and vinyl.

What is not in the base price: cooktop/oven, heat pump or other heating, blinds and curtains, delivery, foundation piles or blocks, utility connections, decks and steps, council fees and development contributions.

We will give you a full breakdown in your quote so there are no surprises.

Both options are available. You can choose a standard home from our range and personalise it with your choice of optional extras, colours, and finishes. Or if you have specific requirements – a particular layout, accessibility features, a different size, or unique design elements – we can work through a fully custom build with you.

Custom builds take longer (typically 6-10 weeks from signing, depending on complexity) and involve more design decisions from you, but they mean you get exactly what you need. Get in touch and we will help you figure out which approach suits your situation best.

From the moment you sign a contract, a custom tiny home typically takes 4-10 weeks to build and deliver. Standard homes from our range are faster – if we have your preferred model in production, it can be shorter.

The timeline can be affected by design complexity, current build queue, and whether any council processes are involved. We will give you a realistic production estimate when you confirm your order, and we will keep you updated as your build progresses. Rushing into a decision to get a faster delivery is rarely worth it – getting the design right from the start is what matters most.

Absolutely – and it is one of our most exciting applications. We have supplied cabins and accommodation units for holiday parks and campgrounds throughout the North Island. The units are built to the same high standard as our residential homes, and we can configure them to your specific requirements – from lower-cost studio guest units to larger motel-style family accommodation.

For commercial holiday park applications, the building consent process is different from residential (more on that in the next question), but we manage that process for you. If you are a holiday park operator thinking about expanding your accommodation offering, give us a call and let us talk through what would work for your site.

Sources:
MBIE – Building Performance

Yes – a tiny home with a CCC is treated by most insurers as a residential dwelling and can be insured like a standard house: building insurance, contents insurance, and landlord insurance (if renting) all apply in the normal way. The CCC is the key document that establishes the home as a compliant building rather than a vehicle or shed.

If your tiny home has a ROW instead of a CCC, talk to your insurance agent. Without a CCC or ROW, insurance options are much more limited – your home may only be insurable as a caravan or mobile home, which typically provides less coverage and at higher cost. This is one of the most practical reasons to ensure your tiny home comes with a CCC or ROW, and it is why every Tiny Home HQ home leaves the factory with one.

A Tiny Home HQ home with a Code Compliance Certificate can be insured as a residential building by most mainstream NZ insurers. For buildings with a Record of Works (ROW) required under the granny flat legislation you will have to talk to your insurer – the granny flat legislation is still relatively new and industry-wide standards have not been set.

When you apply for insurance, declare it as a pre-built transportable/relocatable home with a CCC or ROW – some insurers have a specific product or underwriting approach for this type of dwelling. It is worth getting a few quotes, as coverage and premiums can vary. Make sure your policy covers the home as a permanent residential building (not a caravan or temporary structure), and check the conditions around foundations – some policies specify the type of foundation required. We recommend having insurance in place from delivery day.

Yes – multiple-owned Maori land (land held under Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993) is the most common type of ancestral land for papakainga development, and the 2026 NES rules are specifically designed to make building on it more accessible. Because the land is owned by multiple people (often many descendants), the decision to develop requires agreement among owners – typically through a formal resolution process under the Maori Land Court.

The Kainga Ora Kainga Whenua loan product is available specifically for homes on Maori land and does not require the borrower to own the land outright.

Sources:
Maori Land Court – Maori land
Kainga Ora – Kainga Whenua loans for individuals
Kainga Ora – Kainga Whenua loans for Maori land trusts

Under the 2026 NES, a papakainga of up to 10 residential units on qualifying Maori ancestral land is a permitted activity – resource consent is not required. Between 11 and 30 units, resource consent is required as a restricted discretionary activity, which means council must consider the application but has limited grounds to decline. For developments of more than 30 units, a full discretionary consent process applies.

These thresholds represent a significant improvement on previous rules, which required consent for even very small papakainga in many areas. Building consent rules still apply to each individual home in the development, though the consent-free exemption may apply to individual dwellings that meet the 70m2 and other conditions.

Sources:
Ministry for the Environment – NES-DMRU
Ministry for the Environment – NES-DMRU guidance (PDF)

The National Environmental Standards for papakainga, which came into effect alongside the broader housing reforms in early 2026, significantly simplified the resource consent process for papakainga developments. Under the new rules, a small papakainga of up to 10 residential units on Maori ancestral land (land that qualifies under Te Ture Whenua Maori Act) is a permitted activity – meaning resource consent from council is not required.

Developments of 11-30 units are restricted discretionary activities, and those over 30 units are discretionary. This is a meaningful change: previously, many papakainga projects faced lengthy and costly resource consent processes even for just a few homes.

Sources:
Ministry for the Environment – NES-DMRU
Te Puni Kokiri – Analysis of District Plan Papakainga Rules (2024)

Papakainga (pronounced pah-pah-KAH-ing-ah) is the concept of whanau returning to live together on their ancestral land – the whenua that connects them to their tupuna (ancestors) and their hapu. Papakainga housing creates homes for whanau on this land, building community and intergenerational connection in a way that a standard granny flat does not capture.

Unlike a granny flat, which is typically added by one homeowner to one property, a papakainga is a planned cluster of homes for multiple whanau members, often on multiple-owned Maori land. It has its own planning rules, its own funding pathways, and its own significance that goes well beyond the practical question of where people sleep. Tiny Home HQ is proud to work on papakainga projects and to understand what these homes mean to the whanau they are built for.

Sources:
Te Puni Kokiri – Supporting new homes and papakainga
Te Puni Kokiri – A Guide to Papakainga Housing (PDF)

For a custom build, the realistic timeline from signing your contract to delivery is 4-10 weeks, depending on the complexity of your design and our current build queue. Pre-built homes from our standard range can be faster if we have your preferred model available.

The timeline can be affected by council processes (if your property has any complications with the PIM), site preparation, and your own readiness. We will give you a specific estimate when you confirm your order and keep you updated throughout. The biggest cause of delays in our experience is late site preparation – getting your foundation installed and your services planned early makes a real difference.

Our standard payment structure requires a deposit of between 30% to 50% of the purchase price when you sign your contract, with the balance due before delivery. For custom builds, there may be additional milestone payments tied to key stages of the build – this will be set out clearly in your contract.

We do not begin production until the deposit is received and your contract is signed. The balance is due and confirmed before we load your home onto our truck – so there are no surprises on delivery day.

The process is straightforward and we will guide you through every step. It starts with a conversation – by phone, email, or in person at our Ranui showroom – to understand what you need and find the right home for you. Then we carry out a free site assessment (in person or online) to confirm your property is suitable.

Once you are ready to proceed, you sign a contract and pay your deposit, and we begin production. While your home is being built, we will help you get your site ready – foundations, PIM application, and utility planning. Delivery and placement typically takes one day, and we will walk you through the final connections. From start to finish, most customers describe it as much easier than they expected.

Rental income varies considerably by location, size, and quality of the home. In Auckland and other main urban centres, a well-presented one-bedroom granny flat is currently renting for around $500-$600 per week. A studio might fetch $400-$500, and a two-bedroom home $600-$750 or more in a good location. Outside the main cities, rents are lower – expect $350-$450 for a one-bedroom in a regional centre.

These are general guides only: the best way to estimate rental income for your specific property is to check current listings in your area on Trade Me Property or talk to a local property manager. Remember that rental income is taxable – see our tax FAQ for more detail.

Sources:
IRD – Renting out residential property
RNZ – How much value could a granny flat add to your property?

Short-stay rental through Airbnb or Bookabach can be very lucrative, especially in popular tourist areas or near beaches and lakes. A few things to be aware of: some councils have rules limiting short-stay accommodation from minor dwellings in residential zones – check your local district plan or your PIM documentation. Short-stay income is taxable, and the GST rules can apply if your turnover exceeds $60,000 per year.

It also requires more management than a long-term tenancy – turnovers, linen, cleaning, and guest communication all add up. For a holiday home or bach situation, short-stay is often ideal; for a property primarily aimed at income, a long-term tenant is usually less work. Worth talking to an accountant before you decide.

Sources:
IRD – Renting out a cottage, caravan or sleep-out
IRD – Renting out residential property

The standard power connection runs from your main house. Connection size depends on your home: 16 Amp for a studio, 32 Amp for a mid-size granny flat, and 64 Amp for a larger home. For a 70m2 granny flat we recommend a 64 Amp connection – this has enough capacity for larger appliances, heating, lights, and other devices running simultaneously.

From your main house the connection can be a caravan lead (16 and 32 Amp) or a hardwire direct to the switchboard in your main home.

Your tiny home arrives with its own certificate for the electrical work inside the home, and a licensed electrician will do the install on your property and give you a certificate for the connection. All electrical work must be carried out by a registered electrician to meet the NZ Building Code.

One of the first things we check is how much spare electrical capacity your main home has. If there is not enough spare capacity you may need to upgrade your main home connection from the national electrical supply.

Sources:
MBIE – Building Code clause G9: Electricity

On a property with town water supply, connection is as simple as running a standard garden hose from your existing outdoor tap – no specialist plumbing needed to get started. For a more permanent setup, a plumber can connect a dedicated water line.

If your property does not have reticulated water (common on lifestyle blocks and rural sections), you will need an alternative supply such as a tank fed by roof rainwater collection or a bore – your site assessment will identify this early.

All plumbing connections must be signed off by a registered plumber.

Sources:
MBIE – Building Code clause G12: Water supplies

There are several options depending on your property setup. If your main house is connected to the council wastewater network, the most straightforward option is connecting your tiny home wastewater to your main home wastewater, usually in the connection between your main home and the town network. This must be done by a licensed plumber and this is something we can organise for you. You may need a macerator pump if your tiny home is lower than your main home.

For properties without a reticulated connection, the main alternatives are: a septic tank system, a composting toilet (which eliminates the need for a wastewater connection for toilet waste), or an incinerator toilet. The right solution depends on your site, your council requirements, and your budget – we cover this as part of every site assessment.

Sources:
MBIE – Building Code clause G13: Foul water

This is very common on lifestyle blocks and rural properties, and it is not a barrier to adding a tiny home – it just needs to be planned for. Your main options are:

• Use the existing septic system if it is designed and sized for both your main home and the tiny home
• A standalone septic system for the tiny home alone
• A composting toilet, which handles toilet waste without any wastewater connection
• An incinerator toilet

Greywater (from the shower, sink, and laundry) still needs to be managed separately even with a composting toilet – options include a greywater dispersal system or a small treatment unit. All wastewater solutions need to meet your council requirements, which we check during your free site assessment.

Sources:
MBIE – Building Code clause G13: Foul water

Yes – we can, and have, delivered to the South Island. We use local partners in your area for the final crane lift (if required) and connection to services (electricity, water, gas), and building works.

Contact us to get an estimate of cost, effort, and timeframe to get a tiny home to your location in the South Island – it might surprise you how competitive we can be!

The best first step is a site assessment – and we offer these completely free of charge, either in person at your property or online using our self-help tool.

We look at six key things: the available land and whether your chosen home will physically fit (including access routes and boundary setbacks), your existing utility connections (water, power, wastewater, stormwater), the distance from your existing house, any council-specific requirements for your area, site access for our delivery truck, and other items like steps, decks, and landscaping that are often missed in early budgets.

You can get started right now using our free online tool at tinyhomehq.co.nz/can-i-put-a-tiny-home-on-my-property, or give us a call and we will sort it out together.

Sources:
MBIE – Step-by-step guide: Plan a granny flat (PDF)
MBIE – Granny flats exemption: Guidance and resources

We have transport and crane partners around New Zealand to transport your granny flat from our factory in Auckland to your location (yes, even on the Cook Strait ferry!), and then lift it into place.

You can deal with our partners directly or we can manage the process for you. At your site, our experienced partners manoeuvre the home into position – we have delivered to some genuinely tricky spots and know how to make it work. Once the home is on its foundations, we level it and make it secure.

After delivery, a licensed electrician connects the power, and your plumber connects fresh water, wastewater, and checks the gas equipment and installation. The whole delivery-day process typically takes a few hours, and we will walk you through what to expect beforehand so there are no surprises.

Sources:
MBIE – Step-by-step guide: Complete a granny flat (PDF)

As a general guide, you need enough room for the home itself plus 2 metres clearance on all sides from boundaries and other buildings. For one of our standard homes (say, 9m x 4m), that means a clear footprint of roughly 13m x 8m minimum – though access for delivery and longer-term landscaping can add to that.

For the full 70m2 granny flat you will need anywhere from 14m x 11m of free space for a square design, or 17.5m x 9.3m for a more rectangular design.

The real answer depends on your specific property and which of our models you are considering, which is why we offer a free online tool and free site assessment. Many properties that initially seem too small turn out to work fine – we have delivered to some very tight spots.

Check your property now: tinyhomehq.co.nz/can-i-put-a-tiny-home-on-my-property

Sources:
MBIE – Building design conditions checklist (PDF)
Ministry for the Environment – NES-DMRU

Under the new 2026 granny flat rules, your home must be at least 2 metres away from any other buildings on the property and at least 2 metres from all legal boundaries. These are the national minimums under the NES-DMRU, but your local council district plan may require greater setbacks – in some areas front boundary setbacks can be 3 metres or more.

Your PIM application will confirm the specific setback rules that apply to your property. Our free site assessment also checks this for you as part of the process, so you know exactly what will fit before you commit.

You can start checking your property right now: tinyhomehq.co.nz/can-i-put-a-tiny-home-on-my-property

Sources:
Ministry for the Environment – NES-DMRU
MBIE – Building design conditions checklist (PDF)
RNZ – What new granny flat rules mean for costs, consents and rates

Before we arrive with your tiny home, a few things need to be in order: the PIM from council should be in hand, foundations need to be installed by a qualified contractor, and your site needs to be accessible for our delivery truck and, if needed, crane or digger.

You will also want your power, water, and wastewater connections planned – ideally with a licensed electrician and plumber lined up to connect services after delivery.

Tiny Home HQ can manage the whole process for you anywhere in New Zealand, including delivery, foundation work, and power and connections, or we are happy to provide advice if you prefer to coordinate these yourself.

Sources:
MBIE – Step-by-step guide: Build a granny flat (PDF)
MBIE – Step-by-step guide: Plan a granny flat (PDF)