When big isn't best

There’s a new movement taking Australia by storm and it’s not a fad diet or dance craze. The popularity of small homes and tiny houses is growing, and there’s very good reason.

Tiny houses began springing up in the USA from 2005 after being used to accommodate victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Since then, the tiny house movement has gathered enthusiasts worldwide. The advent of television programs showcasing their funky designs and space-saving innovations has seen the trend gaining traction here in Australia.

To qualify as a tiny house—and not a small home—the structure must be able to be towed on a trailer and moved about as whim dictates.

Of course, we Australians have had a long relationship with the granny flat, and building companies dedicated to small, self-contained backyard units have been constructing and supplying kit homes for decades.

Perhaps then, it’s not surprising that we’ve jumped aboard the small home and tiny house trend. But if you’re still wondering why the attraction, here are a few other reasons why Australians are embracing a minimalist lifestyle:

1. Money

According to Domain.com.au, the average Australian mortgage in 2016 was $372,400. Despite record low interest rates, people are starting to question whether they really want to carry such a large debt for most of their lives.

Compared with building a conventional home, the cost of building a small home is, well, small—often as low as $60,000. And small construction costs equal small mortgages—or in some cases no mortgage at all! For many, the attraction is irresistible and more than makes up for lack of space.

2. The environment

Space comes at a cost. Electricity, water, gas … none of it is getting any cheaper and the larger the house, the costlier it is in both ecological and financial terms.

One of the main reasons why small homes and tiny houses are increasing in popularity is that it’s possible to live entirely off-grid with the latest solar technology, compostable toilets and rainwater tanks. Besides the clear financial advantage, leaving no ‘footprint’ can be an agreeable notion.

3. Portability

Whether you’re joining the ranks of the grey nomads, or you simply crave the freedom of having no roots, tiny houses are perfect for transportability.

This means you can set up home in a holiday park, campsite or anywhere off the beaten track. Many farmers will even allow you to park in a field for a nominal sum.

4. Downsizing

Given Australia’s aging population, we’re all familiar with the concept of 'downsizing'. Downsizing frees up capital to fund a more desirable retirement lifestyle, and enables people to buy a home that is smaller, requires less maintenance and is less expensive to run.

According to Realestate.com.au, designers and builders of small kit homes and tiny houses are experiencing a boom in business. Interestingly, it also reports that many people are not waiting to downsize in later life, but are building small homes in which to start, and raise, their families.

Image source: The Tiny House Company

Rules and regulations

These can vary from state to state and council to council. Here are a few points to think about:

• If you’re planning to do the building yourself, some states require you to have completed an owner-builder course and attain an owner-builder’s licence. Check with your state government for details.
• Contractors and subcontractors must be appropriately insured and qualified. Unqualified tradespeople and/or substandard work may result in your small home being unsafe and uninsurable.
• The rules around portable tiny houses remain grey while governments decide how to regulate them. Some councils require building permits while others don’t – you should seek advice from your statutory planning authority before committing yourself or your finances.
• Park your tiny house with care and ensure it is appropriately kitted-out for the location, such as being suitable in bushfire-prone areas.
• Check local government websites for regulations around parking mobile homes.

Finally, as with any financial decision, put aside the romantic vision of your cosy new home while weighing up all the options, and if in doubt, seek professional advice before making any decisions.

More information:

Tiny houses prove big in popularity

Living small: The Tiny House movement grows in Australia

Main image provided by Designer Eco Tiny Homes