Guide to Building a Minor Dwelling

Building a minor dwelling in Auckland or the Waikato presents a valuable opportunity to enhance your property while meeting your unique living needs.

In this guide we'll explore what minor dwellings are, their benefits, and important considerations for building one on your property.

Minor Dwellings and their benefits

A minor dwelling is a secondary, smaller residential unit constructed on the same property as the main house. In Auckland and the Waikato, these structures typically have a maximum floor area of 60–70m², depending on local regulations.

One of the key advantages of building a minor dwelling is its versatility; these units can serve a variety of purposes to meet your changing needs. Minor dwellings provide additional living space that is perfect for multi-generational families, allowing for close proximity while maintaining independence. They can accommodate elderly parents or adult children transitioning to their own living arrangements.

Additionally, these units can function as guest accommodations, home offices, or creative studios, providing a quiet and focused environment away from the main house.

Minor dwellings offer a great opportunity for generating rental income. Whether you choose to rent it out as a long-term tenancy or list it on platforms like Airbnb for short-term stays, these units can significantly contribute to your financial stability. Adding a minor dwelling can also increase your property's market value, making it a smart long-term investment that enhances both your living experience and financial prospects.

Advantages of Minor Dwellings over 'Modular Homes'

While modular homes offer certain benefits, our minor dwellings provide distinct advantages, particularly in Auckland and Waikato's diverse landscapes. A modular home is a structure that is built off-site in a factory setting and then transported to the designated site for assembly. While this approach can streamline construction, it comes with limitations.

One key advantage of our minor dwellings is that they are built on-site, allowing us to access and utilise steep sections with challenging access. This capability enables us to maximise large land parcels that might not have been considered ideal for modular homes due to the landscape's topography.

Additionally, on-site construction allows for greater customisation to suit the unique characteristics of each property. We can tailor the design to enhance views, work around existing trees, and optimise natural light and ventilation. This flexibility ensures that the minor dwelling not only meets your needs but also integrates seamlessly with the existing landscape and architecture of your property.

By choosing a minor dwelling, you are investing in a solution that is specifically designed for your space and lifestyle.

Is your property suitable for a Minor Dwelling?

The possibility of building a minor dwelling on your property depends on several factors, including your location and zoning regulations. Generally, minor dwellings must not exceed 60–70m², and different zones have different rules. They are typically permitted in Single House and Rural zones but may not be allowed in Mixed Housing Suburban or Urban zones.

To determine feasibility, check if a 65m² structure can fit on your property. If you have a 200m² home on a section larger than 600m², you may have a good chance. However, properties in terraced housing or dense residential zones might not be suitable.

For specific guidance, contact us with your location and planned building size.

Regulations, size limitations, and costs

When planning a minor dwelling, check your property's zoning to ensure minor dwellings are permitted. Adhere to the maximum floor area allowed in your region, and maintain required distances from property boundaries (setbacks). Some areas may require parking spaces for the minor dwelling.

Size limits vary by location. In the Auckland Region, minor dwellings can be 65m² or less. In the Waipa District, they can be no more than 70m². In the Waikato District, the size depends on property zoning according to the district plan map.

Costs typically range between $3,000 to $4,000 per m², totalling approximately $200,000 to $300,000. Factors affecting cost include location, design, and materials.

Get started with a Minor Dwelling Package

Our minor dwellings offer several advantages, and we have teamed up with architects to create pre-designed minor dwelling packages that are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and cost-effective. With the thinking already done for you, these packages simplify the entire process, allowing you to focus on what matters most — making your new space your own.

Our minor dwelling build process allows for adjustments to suit your specific needs, ensuring that your dwelling reflects your lifestyle and preferences. By choosing a pre-designed package, you benefit from streamlined planning and design, which can save you time and reduce the stress often associated with building. We'll help you navigate local regulations and design requirements, ensuring compliance and peace of mind.

With tailored designs and options to suit various needs and property types, our architecturally designed minor dwelling packages include detailed floor plans and extensive cost breakdowns. Click here to learn more!