With rent on the rise and housing prices through the roof, Logan residents are turning to transportable ‘tiny’ homes to save money.
Jimboomba residents, Leann Elliot and her partner recently purchased a tiny home for a family member.
“We purchased it for my mother-in-law to live on our property, as we have acreage,” Ms Elliot said.
“Her rent skyrocketed for a 1-bedroom place and it’s just too much for her to afford, so we found a company on marketplace and had a demountable built for her.”
Ms Elliott said the tiny home would mean her mother-in-law could save for her retirement.
“It will be so much cheaper for her in the long run and for anyone looking to extend their home or downgrade,” she said.
“My mother-in-law will save so much money living in this demountable. She has worked hard her entire life, so for her to be able to use the savings for her retirement fund will be amazing.”
Ms Elliott said although it’s a ‘tiny home’, it’s quite spacious.
“It has one bedroom with a build in wardrobe and one bathroom with a bathtub, a spacious kitchen and lounge area,” she said.
“It’s a great way to live cheap, but in comfort and especially if you are on our own or have a small family.”
Managing director of Afford A Home Group – a company specialising in towable homes – Merv Pratt said second dwellings are becoming more and more popular.
“Land is the most expensive part of the total cost equation in buying a home. A tiny home allows you to place your dwelling on other people’s land,” he said.
“Second dwellings are becoming very popular and, in some cases, because they are on wheels Council approval may not be required.”
Mr Pratt said there are a lot of benefits to going ‘tiny’, including lower rent.
“Lower rent due to lower acquisition costs is number one,” he said.
“It’s also less to clean and maintain and you can take your home with you. If you don’t like your neighbours just move your house. Literally!”
Mr Pratt said tiny homes can range in price from $60,000 to $250,000 depending on size, some even come with hot tubs and fireplaces.
Due to the rising cost of living, many families have also opted for ‘tiny homes’ in hopes of becoming more self-sufficient. Ms Elliott said “off-grid” could be an option in future.
“At the moment the tiny home will be powered, but we can definitely look at making it completely off-grid if my mother-in-law chooses,” she said.
