Mt Hobson Group

12/05/2025

A Granny Flat is coming to your back yard!

Do you have an errant teenager, a returning family member or a real life granny?
Is the household bulging?
Then a granny flat may be an option for you.
Get in touch with Mt Hobson Group now to help make your granny flat a reality.
Email [email protected] today.

The New Zealand Government has announced reforms aimed at simplifying the construction of minor standalone dwellings—commonly referred to as “granny flats” —as a measure to address the ongoing housing shortage and improve affordability.
Under current rules, granny flats require building consent and building consent to ensure compliance with safety and construction standards and may also require resource consent if local zoning provisions are not met.

Under the proposed changes, the threshold for the building consent exemption will increase from to 70m². This means that standalone granny flats up to 70m² will no longer require building consent, provided they meet the following conditions:
• The design is simple, single level, on a flat site and complies with the Building Code;
• The building work is carried out or supervised by a licensed building professional; and
• The local council is notified both before construction begins and once it is completed

It is important to note that this exemption will only apply once it comes into effect. It will not apply retrospectively to existing granny flats or projects currently under construction that otherwise meet the exemption criteria.
In addition, a new National Environmental Standard (NES) will be introduced under the Resource Management Act 1991. Expected to take effect by the end of the year, the NES will require councils to permit one granny flat per site in residential and rural zones without the need for a resource consent These changes are designed to streamline the regulatory process, remove development barriers, and support more diverse and affordable housing options.

The reforms aim to balance greater flexibility in housing provision with continued protection of building safety, environmental standards, and liability frameworks. They support multigenerational living, reduce regulatory barriers, and increase housing choice for families (Bishop et al., 2025). As Housing Minister Chris Penk stated, “Removing regulatory barriers is a critical part of increasing housing supply for New Zealanders” (RNZ, 2024).

12/05/2025

If you own rural land with patches of native bush or wetland, there’s been an important change in the rules about how you can subdivide or transfer titles. These updates could open up new opportunities for landowners who were previously restricted.

What Changed?

In late 2024, the Environment Court clarified how Auckland Council must apply the rules in the Auckland Unitary Plan concerning:
• Transferable Titles
• In-situ (on site) Environmental Lot Subdivisions

This means some landowners who previously couldn’t subdivide or transfer titles now may be able to.

What Is a Transferable Title?
The Auckland Unitary Plan allows rural landowners to gain subdivision rights by doing certain things that the Council sees as beneficial. These include:
• Combining rural lots
• Placing conservation covenants over bush or wetland
• Giving up approved (but unbuilt) lots
• Restoring native bush or wetland areas
This earns the landowner a “right to subdivide”, which can be sold to someone else — that’s a Transferable Title. You can transfer this right from your property (Donor Property) to another (Recipient Property). This has created a market for Transferable Titles in Auckland.

Key Outcome of the Court Decision
Previously, you may have needed a continuous area of bush or wetland to qualify. Now, fragmented areas (non-continuous patches) may still be enough to:
• Qualify for in-situ (on site) subdivisions, or
• Create Transferable Titles

This means the bush or wetland may no longer need to be located in the same area for the rules to apply.

If you think you may qualify and may want to create a section for sale or for family get in touch with Hamish Firth – [email protected]

28/03/2025

🚧 Big changes are coming to how NZ plans for major infrastructure and development. The Government’s new fast-track consenting laws aim to speed things up — but at what cost?

At Mount Hobson Group, we support smarter, more efficient planning. But we believe speeding up decisions shouldn’t mean sidelining the environment or the community.

Let’s make sure progress doesn’t come at the expense of public input or long-term sustainability.

The government is replacing the Resource Management Act, saying the new laws will cut red tape, prioritise property rights, and speed up development projects.

28/02/2023

Here at Mt Hobson Group, we aim to help break down the often complex and confusing task of what you are "able" to do with your land. Whether you are looking to subdivide, build a new structure, or see what is possible for your current setup, our experienced consultants are excited to work with you to achieve your goals for the property. In a recent conversation, our lead consultant broke down several of the possibilities individuals have with their properties, and how Mt Hobson Group works to create plans that are accepted by the council in your area. We look forward to having the opportunity to work for you.

21/02/2023

If you're a property owner considering the upside of developing on your land, it's crucial to do your research and consult with experts to determine the potential benefits and drawbacks of the proposed project. At our consulting firm, we specialize in helping property owners navigate the complex process of council applications to identify the most profitable options for our client's properties. In the video below, our lead consultant discuses the various possible options that owners have in today's changing market.

26/04/2021

Take a Seat in Parnell | Hamish Firth and Jay Harrison
https://www.parnell.net.nz/take-a-seat-in-parnell-hamish-firth-and-jay-harrison/ Parnell The Space to Be

Hamish Firth – Director Mt Hobson Group, and Parnell resident, interviews Jay Harrison, founder and CEO of Edison Healthcare in Parnell. As published in The Hobson, April 2021. About Hamish Firth When I started my career path, to be honest I had no idea what...

16/09/2020

Just a reminder, as a key speaker within the Property Investor MEGA Series we can provide you with $500 off the full registration price.
Click below to find out what it is all about and to secure your discount.

You get .....
• 28 Modules, with 2 delivered each week.
• Incredible content from 27 EXPERTS to maximise your knowledge.
• Speaker notes, already done for you, just add your own comments.
• Business tools used by the best, adapted for you and your property journey and available to download.
• Resources specific to speakers available for download.
• 12+ weeks of content
• Over 30 hours of video

PLUS
• 4 Comprehensive planning guides.
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• BONUS training course "Tightrope" to make work life balance a reality.
• SPECIAL Modules on The future of Property Investment in NZ & The Auckland Unitary Plan.

Click below to find out what it is all about and to secure your discount. Don’t miss out.

27/08/2020

We are proud to be part of this great education initiative.

Part 1 of 4 is now available in this fantastic Property Investment Education course.

Anyone can access this WITHOUT SIGN UP. It’s free.

Check it out now.

That is how powerful the right strategy can be. In putting this course together, it has become extremely clear, accelerating your property success is all about strategy. If you identify the right strategy and implement it you are going to become a far better, more successful property investor and yo...

26/08/2020

Bring on Summer. MHG have just helped Galbraith’s Alehouse renew their Liquor Licence and get a licence for their new outdoor beer garden. Summer will never be the same at this great craft beer institution. Check it out next time you hit the top of Mt Eden Rd. Also check out their website https://alehouse.co.nz/ and page https://www.facebook.com/galbraiths.alehouse

15/07/2020

🍷 + keynote + re-conceptualise challenges as opportunities = what else can an investor ask for?!
Hamish Mt Hobson Group, you were great. Thank you!!

16/06/2020

Something a bit different. Boat shed complete. Following successfully working with Iwi and Council to get resource consent, this is a great result for the owners of this new boat shed and ramp on the edge of the Tamaki River. Beautifully designed it fits well into the coastal and river edge environment.