Tiny houses are attracting interest from people seeking affordable housing with a smaller carbon footprint. However, living in a tiny house is not without its challenges.
Whether a tiny house is on wheels or fixed, it must comply with regulations depending on the region. This article will explore some of the key considerations for aspiring tiny home owners in New Zealand.
Affordability
Tiny houses are affordable, eco-friendly and offer a great way to get on the property ladder. They also offer freedom and flexibility that larger homes don’t.
However, they can be a challenge to raise a family in. Depending on your living style and the size of your family, you may need to prioritise space-saving features or modular designs that can be expanded.
After her relationship broke down, Nelson woman Eva Pomeroy was forced to sell her three-bedroom home. She now lives in a tiny house on her farm, which she shares with horses, dogs and goats. She’s worried she will be evicted from her property. The council is reviewing its rules around tiny houses and mobile homes such as upgraded caravans. A petition has called for the rules to be eased.
Flexibility
There is a growing movement of Kiwis who are building tiny homes. These small portable dwellings occupy a grey area between transport and building standards regulations.
Essentially, they are like upgraded caravans that have the appearance and functionality of homes. While the legal requirements around these dwellings are changing, it is still best to speak with a professional.
Tiny houses have a strong appeal to many New Zealanders because they offer freedom. They allow people to avoid large mortgages and live a simpler lifestyle; they provide a low-cost holiday home, when traditional Kiwi family bachs are out of the reach of working families; or they can be used as a minor dwelling investment. They also give people more options in terms of resale value and location.
Privacy
Whether it’s as a primary residence, a retreat from the urban jungle or a place to earn extra cash by renting out on Airbnb, a tiny house offers plenty of benefits. But it’s important to do your research before buying one, says Skinner.
He recommends a title search on Land Information New Zealand to confirm the vendor is the owner and to see if any mortgage or other encumbrance has been registered. It’s also important to check council regulations and requirements and to determine if your tiny home is a fixture or chattel.
Despite these challenges, many owners are excited about the potential of their new lifestyles. In Stuff interviews, tiny house owners cite the sense of freedom and return to nature as among their favourite things about the small living spaces.
Space
A growing number of New Zealanders are choosing to live in tiny homes. They are perfect for anyone looking to downsize, save money, and reduce their environmental footprint.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when purchasing or building a tiny house NZ. The most important factor is ensuring that the home is well insulated. This will ensure that the tiny home stays warm and dry during colder weather.
A streamlined build process is another key factor for tiny homeowners. Amazing Spaces NZ offers a turnkey build process, starting with customers choosing their floorplan and paying 15% deposit. They then receive weekly build updates until the home is ready for delivery. Customers can also choose optional extras such as a grey water treatment system.
Community
Whether you’re a downsizer, first-homer, minimalist, or someone who just wants to live simply, tiny living is growing in popularity. It’s not just a trend, it’s a lifestyle choice for New Zealanders.
Regardless of whether they’re on wheels or consented on foundations, all tiny homes are subject to regulations. It’s best to check with your local council to ensure that your build complies with these requirements before you start building.
A slew of issues are cropping up for owners of small, movable dwellings. From a Whakatane man embroiled in a legal battle with council over whether his tiny house is a caravan rather than a building to a Motueka woman who was forced out of her twilight years home after her neighbours complained, many people are learning that there are many hurdles to clear.