The world is going crazy for tiny houses! But why is that? The tiny house has become a bit of a phenomenon in recent years. Let’s look at why their popularity has grown, and what your options are for building one yourself right here in New Zealand.
Why the tiny house phenomenon is on the rise
These homes might be small in size, but they are huge in benefits. We have put together a list of why we think they have become so popular…
Friend to the environment: tiny homes are proven to be more energy efficient due to their size and design. So that means a reduction in energy consumption for heating and cooling. Most also come with the option of solar panels to given them an even smaller carbon footprint.
Simplifying life: house sizes have steadily been on the rise even though the average family size is dropping. Tiny houses are a small rebellion against the opulence of homes that are larger than they need to be.
Less maintenance: it takes roughly 1 minute to vacuum your little home, think about that in comparison to your current house, with a smaller overall space there is far less cleaning required. Repair costs can also be a lot lower than on a regular home too. Replacing the roof on a tiny house is far less work than on other homes.
Get mobile: want to go on holiday? With a mobile tiny home you will never have to hunt for accommodation again, just take it with you. A house on wheels means you are less tied to a traditional way of living.
Multi-functional: these little gems don't have to be your whole abode. You can add a tiny home as an addition to your existing property. Use it as a granny flat, a guest house, an office or studio, or even to earn some extra cash through Airbnb.
Smaller house, smaller cost: it stands to reason that a house one tenth the size would have a lower price ticket. While the cost is not a tenth the size, it certainly is a lot less than a standard 4 bedroom home. Costs in New Zealand range from $60,000 to $150,000. You will also enjoy lower insurance and utility costs.
Building a tiny house in New Zealand: the phenomenon has even reached our shores with plenty of specialist providers available to build the tiny house of your dreams. Have a look at Tiny House NZ , NZ Tiny Homes or check Build Tiny's house tour below
There is some grey area when it comes to the laws surrounding small homes built on a trailer. In the literal sense, they are moveable and not deemed to be a building. That means you shouldn’t require building consent to build your tiny home.
But some Councils are beginning to crack down. Just because it can be moved, does not mean that it is moved on a regular basis. There have been recent rulings that if the structure has been set up as an intended dwelling, council consent is required.
So if you have any concerns about your plans for a tiny home, we would definitely recommend contacting your local council.
Disclaimer As with all our blogs, the information detailed here is general in nature and meant as a preliminary guide only. This should not be substituted for your own investigations or use of your own professional’s. Planning Plus is not liable for any errors or omissions.