How Much Does a Tiny House Cost in Australia?
How Much Does a Tiny House Cost in Australia?
With more people seeking affordable and sustainable living options, tiny houses are becoming increasingly popular. How much does a tiny house cost in Australia? Even when purchasing land, tiny houses are more affordable than typical homes. However, their cost can vary widely depending on size, builder, and materials. Let's explore the factors influencing the cost of tiny houses in Australia.
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Tiny vs. Normal House
The savings from a tiny house can differ significantly based on location. Yet, compared to a standard home, savings of at least several hundred thousand dollars are common. In Melbourne, where the median house price is $918,350, and the median unit price is $554,306, a tiny house costing up to $150,000 is considerably cheaper, even with land costs. Renting a small piece of land in rural areas can lead to even greater savings. Plus, the mobility of tiny houses adds to their appeal.
The DIYer
Building your own tiny house can be rewarding and cost-effective, especially if using recycled materials. Costs can be as low as $20,000. However, this might not yield a modern, comfortable home suitable for full-time living. Hidden costs, such as purchasing tools, need to be considered. Building a tiny house requires significant project management, building knowledge, and skills. Additionally, the time commitment can extend over a year and a half if building only on weekends. Consider these aspects before embarking on a DIY tiny house project.
Material Choices and Build Quality
Both self-built and professionally built tiny houses vary in cost based on materials and build quality. New materials are more expensive than recycled ones. Engineered trailers and frames also add to the cost but ensure safety and durability. A new tiny house trailer ranges from $10,800 to $16,000. With standard inclusions like a shower and kitchen, building a tiny house for less than $30,000 is challenging. Off-grid capabilities add approximately $20,000 more to the cost.
Delivery
If you have your tiny house built by professionals, consider delivery costs. At Aussie Tiny Houses, homes are fully insured during transport by experienced towing companies using specialized vehicles. Temporary plates are used during transport, deferring registration or permits.
Delivery fees based on location:
- South East Queensland: AUD4.00/km + GST
- New South Wales: AUD3.00/km + GST
- Victoria: AUD2.50/km + GST
- ACT: AUD3.00/km + GST
- South Australia: AUD3.00/km + GST
- North Queensland: AUD2.60/km + GST
- WA, TAS, and NT: Quote upon request
Insurance
Insurance is necessary whether building a tiny house yourself or hiring professionals. Insurance companies require specific documentation usually provided by registered builders, which is worth considering for DIY projects.
Long-term Savings
No matter if you build your own tiny house using recycled materials or purchase a new one, long-term living costs are significantly reduced. Tiny houses consume less energy for heating, cooling, and power, often boasting a seven-star energy rating and very low utility bills. In Australia, living in a tiny house on a property with an existing dwelling doesn’t require a Development Application, enabling shared resources and potential food growth. Customers living on friends' land, harvesting rainwater, using gas appliances, and sharing solar electricity report a 70% decrease in utility bills.
How Much Do Aussie Tiny Houses Cost?
At Aussie Tiny Houses, tiny homes are available at three different stages:
Prices, which range from $107,000 to $149,900, depend on the design and inclusions:
Stages Lock up – Stage 1 Shell – Stage 2 Turn-Key – Stage 3 Inclusions- Trailer
- Subfloor
- Steel Frame
- Cladding
- Colorbond Roof and Flashings
- Stage 1 inclusions
- Insulation
- Walls and Ceiling Lining
- Waterproof Flooring
- Full Electrical (15amp + Switchboard)
- Full Plumbing (Gas + Water)
- Stage 1 and 2 inclusions
- Kitchen Cabinets and Fittings
- Bathroom Fittings
- Custom Cabinetry Stairs
- Custom Cabinetry
- Appliances (Cooktop + Oven)
Aussie Tiny Houses Costs Overview
Below is a table displaying costs for some of our designs:
| Model | Sleep Arrangement | Dimensions | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coolum 6.0 | 1x Queen size ground level bedroom | 6.0m Length 2.4m Width 4.3m Height |
Single Level Gable Roof Exposed Rafters 1.0m bathroom and shower |
Lockup – from $78,900 Shell – from $91,900 Turn-Key – from $107,900 |
| Teewah 7.2 | 2x Queen size loft bedrooms 1x Optional extra Sofa Bed |
7.2m Length 2.4m Width 4.3m Height |
2x Queen size Loft Bedrooms Storage Stairs + Ladder Large Bathroom Design Cabinetry Storage Stairs Large Bi-fold Kitchen Window |
Lock Up – from $88,900 Shell – from $104,900.00 Turn-Key – from $129,900.00 |
| Mooloolaba 7.2 | 1x Queen size loft 1x Optional extra sofa bed |
7.2m Length 2.4m Width 4.3m Height |
Breaky bar bi-fold window 2.7m long kitchen Rear storage stair to loft 2x sliding entry doors |
Lockup – from $88,900 Shell – from $102,900 Turn-Key – from $126,900 |
| Casuarina 8.4 | 1x Queen size ground level bedroom 1x Optional extra Sofa Bed |
8.4m Length 2.4m Width 4.3m Height |
Separate Ground Level Bedroom Single Level Design with Storage Loft Feature Cathedral Ceiling Central Bathroom/Ensuite Design Double Built In Robes |
Lock Up – from $85,900 Shell – from $101,900 Turn-Key – from $122,900 |
| Hazel 8.4 | 2x Queen size loft bedrooms 1x Double Size loft bedroom 1x Optional extra Sofa Bed |
8.4m Length 2.4m Width 4.3m Height |
Breaky Bar Window Large U Shaped Kitchen Standing Landing to Lofts Large 2.7m Entry Triple Stacker Sliding Door Large Bathroom Design |
Lock Up – from $97,900 Shell – from $115,900 Turn-Key – from $149,900 |
| Casuarina 9.0 | 1x Queen size ground level bedroom 1x Optional extra Sofa Bed |
9.0m Length 2.4m Width 4.3m Height |
Separate ground level bedroom Single level design with storage loft Skillion roof design Central bathroom/ensuite design Double built-in robes |
Lock Up – from $89,900 Shell – from $104,900 Turn-Key – from $128,900 |
* All prices are inclusive of GST and are indicative only and subject to change. Please contact us or send us an email to discuss any other options.
If you have any other questions or would like a quote for an Aussie Tiny House build, get in touch and our design team can help you out!
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Are Tiny Houses the Answer to Home Affordability?
How much does a tiny house cost?
The majority of tiny houses will cost under $130,000, though architecturally designed luxury homes can easily climb to $150,000. For a fully functional tiny home, you should expect to pay between $85,000 and $130,000. Prefab tiny homes can start as low as $35,000, but extras and add-ons will obviously increase the price.
What is a tiny house?
To be considered a tiny home, a dwelling must meet certain size regulations. Tiny homes are homes which are:
- No taller than 4.3 metres (measured ground to roof)
- No wider than 2.5 metres
- No more than 35 square metres (though some argue that anything under 50SQM should be considered a tiny home)
Tiny homes are usually prefabricated because they are easy to ship and assemble. Some tiny homes are made from shipping containers, providing a cheap alternative to traditional housing.
Though tiny homes have been around for a while, they have recently taken off in popularity. This is likely a result of the oversaturated housing markets – tiny homes make for the perfect Airbnb properties and are only a fraction of the price of a regular house. Furthermore, they are also transportable, meaning that they are a good investment as you could take them with you if you ever choose to relocate.
Variations on tiny homes are slowly but surely creeping onto the scene, with tiny homes on wheels set to gradually replace the traditional RV, and luxury tiny homes dominating the holiday market. When it comes to tiny homes in Australia, the people can’t get enough. Thousands of people attended Sydney’s Tiny Homes Festival in 2022 to view the latest innovations in mini home design. Some of Australia’s most sought-after holiday residences are tiny homes, scattered along the coastline from WA to Queensland. See the best locations to rent a tiny house Australia.
How much does a tiny house cost?
The standard tiny house cost is anywhere between $80,000 - $130,000, though some tiny home prices may go up to $150,000. If you want a cheap tiny house, you will be better off looking at a flat pack tiny house – which is one you will have to assemble yourself.
Kit and modular tiny homes are extremely cheap (only a fraction of the cost of a regular house) because they are manufactured off-site and arrive disassembled. However, the cost of labor will certainly make that final price tag rise, so keep it in mind when browsing your options.
Building tiny houses: Advice, floor plans and real estate for sale
Building a tiny house is a feasible and affordable alternative to buying a traditional house. Whether you purchase a flat pack to assemble yourself or undertake the building through contracted professionals, it is a cheap alternative to building a full-sized house in Australia.
The average tiny home costs somewhere between $30,000-$60,000 to build, though some can cost up to $120,000 and beyond. Building your own is typically cheaper than buying a premanufactured one. Several factors influence the overall cost of your tiny home project:
- Size
Size is an important contributor to the overall cost of the house. Generally speaking, the larger the house, the more expensive.
- Shape
Complex designs can be more costly. Irregular dimensions or specifications, such as tiny homes with lofts, can increase the price through all building stages.
- Materials
Materials significantly impact the overall price, especially for DIY builders. Luxurious materials like natural stone or high-quality hardwood timber require a higher budget than treated pine, brick, or vinyl. Tiny home builders typically spend between $20,000 - $60,000 on materials alone.
- Amenities
Cost increases often stem from the amenities you want. A functioning bathroom, shower, running water, and electricity typically cost extra.
- Access to Utilities
Connecting your home to the grid is another cost factor. Isolating the tiny home from the primary property results in higher connection costs.
Pros and Cons of Tiny Houses
Tiny homes offer many advantages but are not perfect for everyone. Long-term living can be challenging due to storage limitations, little room for growth, and limited privacy. Tiny homes may feel cramped over time, especially without a welcoming outdoor space.
Their best use may be as holiday homes or additional space for visitors or teenage children. Their small size makes them easy to keep organized and clutter-free. They promote healthy habits by encouraging more outdoor time.
For short-term living, tiny homes are exciting and cozy. They can provide privacy and independence for older children without them completely leaving the family space. However, the financial benefits are unmatched. For those willing to live with less space, tiny homes offer exceptional advantages.
For more information, please visit 40ft expandable container house.