Kiwi helps people find homes for tiny houses (2024)

Kiwi helps people find homes for tiny houses (1)

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Kasia and Jake Walker's tiny home is located on rented land in west Auckland. Photo/Supplied

Kiwis are offering up their land for tiny home buyers to move their portable houses on in temporary and permanent deals.

A new website, Landshare has been set up to provide a place for people looking for or offering up land for tiny homes in New Zealand.

Whether you are a landowner wanting to utilise your property and earn some extra cash, a young couple trying to get on the property ladder by starting small or a family hoping to downsize, Landshare is your go to.

The website was started by Nathan Orr in July as a response to the growing tiny home trend. He wanted to test the market and see whether people would be interested in what he had to offer.

"And it turns out they are.

"When the cost of housing, like we've all seen lately, gets to the point where it's too expensive for people to afford, they start looking for alternative solutions."

Kiwi helps people find homes for tiny houses (2)

Current listings on the Landshare website included people offering land in Manawatu, the Bay of Plenty, Coromandel and Waiheke Island. There were also people looking for land on the website.

Orr, 28, who did his masters in sustainability, was drawn to the way tiny homes allow people to downsize, including their energy use and building materials.

Tiny houses, as the name suggests, are self-contained small homes, typically built on wheels.

Many tiny homes are off grid, meaning they need little more than land to sit on.

Orr said the ultimate goal of Landshare was to assist people, including millennials like himself, find more affordable housing solutions. He has recently started building his own tiny house.

"A small house, relative to a normal conventional house, is quite cheap ... the land part of the equation is the really expensive part. Using an alternative like tiny houses, if you can get on to the property ladder by buying the house first and not necessarily the land, you can then save up to a position where you might be able to own your own piece of land."

Orr said a lot of Kiwis who doubted their ability to afford a house needed to rethink the traditional notion of a home and consider options like a tiny house.

Kiwi helps people find homes for tiny houses (3)

Kasia Walker, 26, and her husband Jake, 28, have been living in a tiny home on rented land since December 2016.

The 7.2m by 2.4m off-grid house was the only dwelling on a 2.5 acre plot in West Auckland.

And the rent? Just $100 a week.

"We basically have a lifestyle block with no houses surrounding us. We've got horses as neighbours, so it's really nice," said Kasia.

Prior to buying their tiny home, they were renting a room in a three-bedroom house in West Auckland for $450 a week.

"Instead of putting that money in someone else's pocket, you are putting money into an investment that you own and can on-sell in the future if you want to," said Kasia.

Kiwi helps people find homes for tiny houses (2024)

FAQs

How much do people pay for houses on tiny house nation? ›

Q: How much do tiny houses cost? Weisbarth: The most economical house we built was $40,000. There's a perception that you can build your own tiny house for $8,000 to $12,000, and while that may be possible, that requires doing the labor yourself and getting material donated.

How to afford a tiny house? ›

There are a few ways to finance your tiny home if you can't afford to pay cash. Personal loans, financing through a builder, taking out an RV loan or borrowing against the equity on your home are common tiny home financing options.

What is the demand for tiny homes? ›

Tiny houses have a high demand in developed economies, while the adoption and purchase of these tiny homes are limited in developing economies. This can be attributed to factors such as limited knowledge and awareness about the availability of such homes among customers who prefer to buy conventional homes.

Where is the largest tiny home community? ›

The Tiny Home Village in Los Angeles opened its gates to struggling residents in the spring of 2021. For decades, the homeless crisis has marred California, the state with one of the largest homeless populations, according to Statista.

How long do tiny homes last? ›

Tiny homes can last between 30 and 50 years with careful maintenance. Naturally, many different things will affect this, such as the materials used to build it and the construction method. A tiny home without a base typically breaks down faster than those on wheels.

Are tiny homes worth the money? ›

Resale value: Tiny houses are not guaranteed to appreciate in value in the same way a traditional home does. Tiny homes can actually depreciate in value, especially if it is highly customized. These homes also fall into a niche market, so it may be more difficult to sell your home down the line.

What are monthly payments on a tiny house? ›

The median monthly mortgage payment for a traditional home is $1,889, a sum many millennials can't afford. Tiny homes, on the other hand, can cost as little as $8,000 total. Even if you can't afford to pay cash for one, monthly mortgage and utility payments can be as low as $450.

Is it cheaper to build or buy a house? ›

Overall, it's cheaper to build a home than to buy one in California, with 13 out of the 20 counties saving you money if you decide to build your house from scratch. Budget-wise, building is more favorable in Southern California whereas Central California caters best to those interested in buying.

Can you live full time in a tiny house? ›

Some people may use a tiny home as a guest house or in-law suite, but many make a complete conversion to tiny living. Whether you're looking for more affordable living or an environmentally-friendly lifestyle, you might find that the tiny home lifestyle is a great option for your needs.

What are the biggest issues with tiny homes? ›

6 Big Problems With Building Tiny Houses
  • In a tiny house build, you're going to be thinking a lot about poop. ...
  • Zoning laws are no little problem for tiny houses. ...
  • Tiny house builds are not cheap. ...
  • Obtaining insurance for tiny houses can be difficult. ...
  • Tiny house occupants need storage space.
Jan 24, 2019

What are 3 reasons to buy a tiny house? ›

Top 5 Reasons to Buy a Tiny Home
  • Lower cost. Tiny homes cost significantly less than a traditional home. ...
  • More sustainable. ...
  • Less cleaning. ...
  • Reduced stress. ...
  • More time outdoors.

Are people still buying tiny homes? ›

It's no surprise: Tiny homes are more popular than ever. The global tiny home market is expected to grow by about 4% in 2022, with most of that concentrated in the U.S. The market is expected to hit $4.7 billion in global revenue by 2026.

What is the most common tiny house size? ›

The average tiny house is 8 feet (2.44 m) wide and 26 feet (7.92 m) long. The average mobile home is 14 feet (4.27 m) wide and 40 feet (12.19 m) long.

Where is the best place to put a tiny house? ›

Generally speaking, parking your tiny home in an RV park will be an easier option if your tiny house is RVIA certified. National Parks and Campgrounds: Similar to the above option, with an RVIA-certified tiny home, you can pretty much park your home anywhere that you can legally park an RV.

What is the biggest legal tiny house? ›

You can have a tiny house up to 13.5 feet tall. Often trailers are around 24 inches from ground to top of the deck, your sub floor is usually 4 inches thick, your flooring is up to an inch thick, and then your roof will be anywhere from 4-6 inches thick from inside finishes to the top ridge cap of your roofing.

Are people happy with tiny houses? ›

A whopping 44 percent of participants had housing regrets, and the biggest regret among homeowners had to do with size. One in three homeowners said they wish they had chosen a larger home, compared to only nine percent who wished they had downsized. There has been plenty of criticism around tiny living.

How many square feet do you need to live in a tiny home? ›

Most tiny homes don't exceed 400 square feet, and you'll need to adjust the amount of stuff you have, even with the best organizing tips and tricks. The biggest factor that affects tiny house pricing is your decision to buy pre-fabricated (or premade from a kit) or hire a professional to custom-build something for you.

What are the cons of building a tiny house? ›

Disadvantages of Tiny Houses
  • Less Living Space. A tiny house doesn't have room for a full-sized luxury kitchen or bathroom. ...
  • Less Storage Space. ...
  • Limited Entertaining Capability. ...
  • Zoning Rules. ...
  • Financing.

Why not to buy a tiny home? ›

Tiny Homes Are a Bad Investment

A tiny home built on a trailer isn't real estate, even if you own the land that it's parked on. Tiny homes on wheels are personal property, and like other personal property — such as cars and RVs — they depreciate over time. Real estate, on the other hand, usually appreciates over time.

Is it hard living in a tiny house? ›

In general, a tiny house is a lot easier to maintain because of its size. But dirt and clutter build up quicker and are noticeably faster. In a small space, you clean more often. But, that said, since it's a small house, it doesn't take as long, and a good handheld dustbuster is all you really need.

What credit score do I need to buy a tiny house? ›

To finance a tiny house, you'll need excellent credit, meaning a score of at least 670 or higher, to get an unsecured loan, and good credit, 580 or better, to get a secured loan.

What credit score do you need for a tiny house? ›

You can finance a tiny house with a personal loan, RV loan, home equity loan or even a chattel mortgage. To qualify for a good deal on most of these options, you generally need to have good or excellent credit — that's a credit score of 670 or higher, according to FICO.

What is the cheapest state to build a house in? ›

Top 10 Cheapest States to Build a House
  • Mississippi. Mississippi ranks at the lowest cost of living in the entirety of the United States. ...
  • West Virginia. ...
  • Alabama. ...
  • Oklahoma. ...
  • Kansas. ...
  • Iowa. ...
  • Ohio. ...
  • Georgia.
Mar 13, 2023

What is the cheapest type of house to build per square foot? ›

Cheapest Types of Homes to Build
  1. Prefabricated Homes. Prefab homes are some of the cheapest type of houses to build per square foot. ...
  2. Shipping Container Home. The second cheapest type of house to build in 2023 is a shipping container home. ...
  3. Tiny House. ...
  4. Off-Grid Homes. ...
  5. Ranch-Style House.
Apr 17, 2023

How much money should you have saved to build a house? ›

While the average cost to build a house was $285,956 in 2022, most homeowners spend $111,892 – $460,414 to build their homes. Even though you can get a general idea of what you may pay, it's important to keep in mind that there are numerous factors that will impact the cost to build.

How big is too big for a tiny house? ›

Your tiny house can be any size you want it to be. And if it's so big that it meets your area's zoning requirements, who cares, as long as you're happy living in it? That said, if you really do want a rule of thumb, it would seem that tiny houses usually range between around 60 and 400 square feet.

What are the disadvantages of tiny house living? ›

One of the disadvantages of tiny house living is that you give up full-size bathrooms and kitchens. You have less counter space in addition to storage space which can make cooking and getting ready in the morning a bit bothersome and something you'll need to adjust to.

How tall can a bedroom be in a tiny house? ›

1Minimum ceiling height. Habitable space and hallways in tiny houses shall have a ceiling height of not less than 6 feet 8 inches (2032 mm). Bathrooms, toilet rooms and kitchens shall have a ceiling height of not less than 6 feet 4 inches (1930 mm).

How many people regret tiny houses? ›

Not many, according to a recent report by Trulia. The online real estate resource polled more than 2,264 U.S. adults about what they wish they had done differently with their current housing. A whopping 44 percent of participants had housing regrets, and the biggest regret among homeowners had to do with size.

Why is a tiny house better than a trailer? ›

Tiny homes are more weatherproofed.

Owners can choose what kind of insulation and heating and cooling options suit them and their local climate, whereas RVs are generally not built to be lived in during the winter (though of course, one could tow it somewhere warm).

Why are tiny homes better than mobile homes? ›

Pros of tiny home living:

Mobility: Tiny homes can be stationary or mobile, but are typically much easier to move from place to place, making them a highly attractive option for those wanting to travel or live a more nomadic lifestyle.

Are tiny homes easy to resell? ›

There are certainly a lot of perks to living in a tiny house, but also one big drawback: Simply put, tiny houses can be hard to sell. But hard doesn't mean impossible, and so long as you're aware of some of the challenges unique to tiny house sales, you can usually map out a good strategy to get your place sold.

Why are people moving into tiny homes? ›

People are choosing to downsize the space they live in, simplify, and live with less. People are embracing the tiny life philosophy and the freedom that accompanies the tiny house lifestyle. The tiny house movement is about more than simply living in a small space (although, a small house is certainly part of it).

Why are tiny houses so expensive now? ›

Why are tiny houses so expensive? Tiny houses seem expensive because of the unique craftsmanship that goes into building them. They are often one of a kind and made to specific needs. The trailer foundation is also costly because they aren't produced in bulk like other trailers.

Who typically buys tiny houses? ›

Age of Tiny Homeowners
AgePercentage of Tiny Home Owners
Under 3020%
30-5040%
Over 5040%
Aug 1, 2022

Are tiny houses still popular in 2023? ›

2023 is the perfect year to purchase a Tiny Home. Tiny Homes are an increasingly popular option for those who want to downsize their living situation, live more sustainably, and save money in the long run.

Is 1000 sq ft a tiny home? ›

On Dream Home Source, we define "tiny house plans" as any home design under 1,000 square feet. Homes under 1,000 square feet can and often are used as primary residences. Empty nesters looking to downsize might appreciate a tiny house plan that requires little upkeep.

Is 600 square feet a tiny house? ›

A tiny house is about 400 to 600 square feet. People who adopt the tiny house lifestyle do it for lots of reasons. You get lower utility costs and less maintenance since they're easy to upkeep.

Is 500 square feet a tiny house? ›

Most experts will tell you that a tiny home is no more than 600 square feet, although others say it is 400-500.

What is the most expensive part of a tiny house? ›

You'll Pay More for Appliances

The utilities—HVAC, plumbing, septic systems—are the most expensive part about building a tiny home by far, says Giffin. Because tiny homes are just that, the appliances that fit into these spaces are often energy-efficient, compact, and multifunctional.

Where is the cheapest place to put a tiny house? ›

Tiny houses are most affordable in North Dakota, Arkansas, Kansas, and Mississippi. It would cost more than the average salary to buy a tiny house in Hawaii or Montana.

How small should a tiny house be? ›

While the answer differs greatly from home to home, the average size is approx 161 square feet (15-20 square meters) for a one-bedroom home. Two bedroom models are closer to 215 square feet (20 square meters) and three bedrooms are typically larger, however no more than 450 square feet (41 square meters).

Who makes the largest tiny house? ›

Tumbleweed is pioneering and simplifying tiny house ownership. As the largest manufacturer of Tiny House RVs in North America the Tumbleweed brand is preferred above all others.

Why did tiny house nation get Cancelled? ›

Why was the TV show canceled? There were no public statements on why the network stopped airing the episodes of Tiny House Nation. However, the last episode aired in 2020, which might mean they wanted to attempt a different type of show to replace Tiny House Nation.

How big are the houses in tiny house nation? ›

Tiny House Nation is an American reality television series. It is a tiny house movement-inspired series which features renovation experts John Weisbarth and Zack Giffin who assist families around the country building their desired houses that are no bigger than 500 square feet (46 m2).

How many people still live in tiny homes? ›

Small but perfectly formed

In the US, it's estimated 10,000 people live in tiny dwellings.

What happened to Zack from Tiny House Nation? ›

A longtime practitioner of simple living, Zack was naturally drawn to the Tiny House movement and in 2011 built his own tiny ski chalet on wheels. Now Zack has helped create over 120 original Tiny Homes and designing intelligent space saving solutions has become a calling card of his work and reputation.

Where is Tiny House Nation located? ›

' It seemed like a wholesome and fun proposition: Move out of bustling and expensive Los Angeles, resettle in a custom-designed tiny house in Nashville and get the experience documented on a popular television show.

What is the best size for a tiny house? ›

Your tiny house can be any size you want it to be. And if it's so big that it meets your area's zoning requirements, who cares, as long as you're happy living in it? That said, if you really do want a rule of thumb, it would seem that tiny houses usually range between around 60 and 400 square feet.

What are the negatives of tiny houses? ›

The biggest con is – you guessed it – space. A tiny house does have much less floor space and less storage space than a traditional home. It takes time to adjust to living in a smaller space. Less storage space does mean lots of hard decisions when you go from a traditional space to a tiny space.

Are people happy in tiny homes? ›

A whopping 44 percent of participants had housing regrets, and the biggest regret among homeowners had to do with size. One in three homeowners said they wish they had chosen a larger home, compared to only nine percent who wished they had downsized. There has been plenty of criticism around tiny living.

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