Bunnings Flatpack Homes Expand to NZ After Aussie Boom

Imagine building your own backyard granny flat in just two days, like assembling premium furniture, and Bunnings is making it a reality across New Zealand.

The hardware retailer launched flatpack pod homes in Australia this February through a partnership with startup Elsewhere Pods. The response was overwhelming. In April alone, the company fielded phone inquiries every 48 seconds.

Now Bunnings is bringing the same solution to New Zealand, offering two pod sizes that homeowners can assemble themselves. The smaller 2.7m by 2.4m studio retails for $26,100 in Australia, while the larger 4m by 2.4m granny flat costs $42,900.

"We're seeing growing interest from customers in smaller, modular structures that can support residential use, such as creating additional space for family members or adapting to changing household needs," says Bunnings NZ general manager Melissa Haines.

The timing couldn't be better. With housing affordability challenges across both countries, these prefabricated pods offer families an affordable way to create extra living space without the cost and complexity of traditional builds.

Elsewhere Pods founder Matt Decarne says the Australian market has been incredible. Victorians make up 35 percent of buyers, with strong interest from New South Wales and Queensland following close behind.

The Ripple Effect

The flatpack housing trend is reshaping how families approach living arrangements. A recent survey found 54 percent of Australians would consider buying or living in a pod-style home as a pathway to homeownership.

Governments are responding by removing red tape. New Zealand introduced rules in January allowing 70 square meter granny flats without building or resource consents. Tasmania recently increased allowable granny flat sizes from 60 to 90 square meters.

The company is now expanding displays across Bunnings locations in Australia, with showrooms in Victoria, the Gold Coast, and Sydney. The vision is to eventually showcase the full range of granny flats and tiny homes so customers can experience them firsthand.

Elsewhere Pods has already expanded internationally to the United States, with New Zealand becoming their second international market. The company reports an $11 million turnover in Australia alone.

Australia's prefabricated buildings market is projected to grow by 7 percent annually, reaching $18 billion by 2030. New Zealand is poised to follow a similar trajectory as more families discover these practical housing solutions.

For families needing extra space for aging parents, adult children, or home offices, these pods offer a turnkey solution that can be delivered and assembled in as little as two to four days.