If you’ve ever experienced delays with building consents in New Zealand, you’re not alone. The process has long been known for being slow, expensive, and filled with red tape. But change is on the horizon. In this bonus episode of the Property Apprentice Podcast, Debbie Roberts, financial adviser and owner at Property Apprentice, breaks down the Government’s “Going for Housing Growth” Agenda—a promising set of reforms that could fast-track home building across the country.
Whether you’re a property investor, developer, or planning to build your own home, here’s what you need to know.
1.) Building Consent System Overhaul
In October 2024, the government began a major reform of how building consents are handled. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) consulted with nearly all 67 building consent authorities (BCAs) nationwide.
Key changes being considered:
- Merging some BCAs to reduce duplication
- Allowing low-risk building work to bypass full consent
- Reassessing liability between councils, builders, and insurers
Why it matters: Faster approvals, reduced building costs, and fewer delays.
*Source: MBIE Building System Reform Programme
2.) Easier Access to Overseas Building Products
Thanks to updates in the Building Amendment Act 2023, local authorities must now accept internationally certified building products—like insulation, cladding, and plasterboard—without requiring extra red tape.
Benefits include:
- Over 12,000 products could soon be approved
- Faster access for builders
- Increased supplier competition, lowering prices
This change will be fully implemented by October 2025, giving builders more options and reducing supply-related delays.
3.) Granny Flats Up to 70m² Without Consent
In April 2025, the government proposed allowing granny flats up to 70m² to be built without the need for building consent—provided:
- The design complies with the NZ Building Code
- The work is done by licensed professionals
- The council is notified before and after the build
When paired with updates under the Resource Management Act Reforms, this could open more areas for secondary dwellings.
Why this matters: More housing flexibility for multigenerational families, and a practical solution for our aging population and housing shortages.
4.) Self-Certification for Trusted Tradespeople
By the end of 2025, new rules will allow builders, plumbers, and drainlayers to self-certify their work—similar to the current system for electricians under the Electrical Workers Registration Board.
How this helps:
- Speeds up inspections
- Reduces reliance on council resources
- Holds licensed professionals accountable for quality
This will streamline approvals for low-risk residential projects and allow faster progress for experienced building teams.
5.) Faster Building Inspections
The government is introducing new service standards for building inspections. Councils will be expected to complete 80% of inspections within 3 working days, with quarterly reporting on their performance. MBIE is also releasing best practice guides to help councils identify bottlenecks and improve efficiency.
Why it’s important: Shorter inspection queues reduce holding costs for developers and eliminate unnecessary project delays.
6. Balancing Speed with Quality
While these reforms are promising, quality assurance remains essential—especially in New Zealand’s unique climate and seismic landscape. Lessons from the leaky building era highlight the need for caution when introducing overseas materials and changing inspection protocols.
The government may consider:
- A nationwide building warranty scheme, similar to systems used in Australia or Canada
- Private or opt-in public insurance models to manage risk
Reference: BRANZ: Leaky Buildings—What We’ve Learned
Need Help With Your Property Investment Journey?
If you’re considering building, investing, or expanding your property portfolio, we can help you navigate these changes.
👉 Book a free, no-obligation strategy session with our Managing Director, Paul Roberts, to learn how the Property Apprentice Lifetime Coaching Program can support your goals.
Whether you’re new to investing or managing multiple properties, our experienced team is here to help you succeed.
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