As leading granny flat & minor dwelling builders in Auckland, we design and construct both custom and predesigned granny flats and secondary homes to suit every site, style, and budget.
At Macalister Construction, we’re trusted minor dwelling & granny flat builders in Auckland. Our focus is building high-quality homes that add value, functionality, and rental potential to your property. Whether you’re creating extra space for family or planning a self-contained income unit, we manage every stage — from concept and design to council consent and construction. Our team focuses on high-quality building, clear communication, and efficiency that fits your budget and goals.
Why Build a Minor Dwelling?
Building a minor dwelling or granny flat offers far more than just extra space — it’s one of the smartest ways to add long-term value and flexibility to your property. For many Auckland homeowners, it’s a chance to create a high-quality, self-contained home that can either generate income or provide independent living for family members.
Beyond the investment benefits, minor dwellings also offer freedom and independence. Not everyone needs or wants a large home. Instead, a compact, well-designed dwelling can provide comfort, privacy, and control over your own space — without the burden of high maintenance or shared living arrangements. For many people, it’s the ideal way to downsize while still living in a beautiful, efficient home that’s entirely their own.
How Much Does it Cost to Build a Minor Dwelling?
One recent project, completed in March 2026, was a fully consented 60 sqm minor dwelling delivered for a total build cost of $278,350 incl. GST — equating to $4,639 per square metre. The project also included two decks with balustrades, a new retaining wall, a paved outdoor area, and a dedicated outdoor laundry, creating a highly functional and tenant-friendly setup.
The dwelling is now rented for $600 per week, resulting in a gross return of approximately 11.2% per year. This level of yield not only covers a large portion of mortgage costs but also contributes meaningful positive cash flow to the household budget, clearly demonstrating how well-planned minor dwellings can be both practical and financially rewarding. These figures have been pulled from our Licensed Building Practitioner–led team across Auckland.
Our Design & Build Process
At Macalister Construction, every minor dwelling begins with collaboration. We work closely with our clients through the design phase to ensure they get exactly what they want. Our team helps you understand every option available, making the process clear and stress-free.
As market-leading minor dwelling builders in Auckland, our goal is to create spaces that fit your lifestyle and budget. We offer practical solutions and alternative choices for materials, finishes, and layouts.This helps you make informed decisions that balance quality, cost, and long-term value. Whether it’s refining room sizes, improving flow, or suggesting smarter substitutions — every detail is tailored to your needs.
Clear communication and transparency guide every stage of our process.
The result is a well-designed, beautifully built minor dwelling that is functional, durable, and crafted to last.
To make the process even easier, we offer a range of predesigned sleepouts and minor dwellings. Each design includes a clear, upfront price so you can quickly understand what’s achievable within your budget.
Our predesigned models are based on popular layouts and proven construction methods. You can use them as-is for a faster start, or customise them with different claddings, layouts, and finishes.
Our goal is to help you visualise what’s possible and feel confident about costs before you begin. Below are some of our current predesigned models — showcasing various sizes, styles, and price points. Each one is built with the same quality and attention to detail that defines our work.
