Tiny Houses: To Get Consent or Not to Get Consent?
Building a tiny house is an exciting step toward affordable home ownership and simplified living. But before you start designing your dream space or tow it onto your section - there’s one big question to answer:
Do you need building consent?
Here’s the Simple Answer:
If you're planning to live in your tiny house permanently, or you’re selling tiny homes designed for habitation, then yes - you need to look into obtaining building consent. Or, at the very least a building consent for the site works and service connections will be required.
Why Consent Matters (and Saves You Money in the Long Run)
At first glance, building consent might feel like an unnecessary cost. But it’s actually a smart investment that:
Ensures your tiny house is safe and built to NZ Building Code standards
Prevents expensive repairs or remedial work down the track
Offers peace of mind that your home is durable and legally compliant
If you're a seller, having building consent and Code Compliance Certification (CCC) adds major value. It shows customers that:
It shows the home complies with NZ Building Code structural and performance standards.
The design and construction are suited to NZ conditions (wind, snow, seismic zones, etc.)
You're a reputable, trustworthy business
It's Not Just the House - It's the Land Too
If you’re relocating a tiny house onto a property, don’t forget:
You may need a land use consent (especially if the tiny house is a secondary dwelling or being relocated to rural zoned land).
The earlier you speak to your local council or a professional like EzyConsents, the smoother your process will be.
How Building Consent Works for Tiny Homes
When you apply for a building consent:
The design is assessed and approved
Each stage of the build is inspected and signed off by the local council
You receive a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) once everything is complete and up to standard
If you're building the tiny house directly on the site where it will stay, the consent can cover both the build and the installation, all in one.
Thinking About the Costs?
Your council will ask you to estimate the value of the build, which includes materials, labour, design, engineering, etc. This is used to calculate the consent fee. For sellers, this is a cost you can factor into your pricing - and for owners, it is an upfront investment but it provides long-term certainty.
Still Unsure? Let’s Clear the Waters
If you’re going back and forth on whether you need consent, remember this:
Consent brings confidence. It protects your investment, your safety, and your peace of mind.
When in doubt, EzyConsents is here to help.
