Amid rising interest rates and the rising issue of housing affordability, a Victorian tiny homes builder has called for councils to consider relaxing restrictions around tiny homes.
According to an unpublished survey of 146 tiny house owners in 2021 by the Shearer, Burton & Australian Tiny House Association, 17.1 per cent of the owners were from suburban major cities.
Mr Todd, who owns NJ Tiny Homes, is hoping that council’s can ease residency restrictions associated with tiny homes as he says council’s typically don’t approve them for use as permanent or long-term homes.
Periods of permitted occupancy can be for up to three months, depending on the council.
“Councils need to consider easing restrictions on tiny homes as the housing crisis takes another turn for the worse with the recent rise in interest rates,“ Mr Todd said.
“Standard houses continue to remain unaffordable and more needs to be done to address the housing affordability crisis.
“Councils can play their part by enabling residents to permanently call their tiny houses ’home’ and removing the barriers associated with living in them.
“The property landscape in Australia has changed and as the housing crisis worsens, we need to be able to adapt and perceive tiny homes as an alternative and affordable, permanent housing option.“
Mr Todd also said the cost of tiny homes makes living a lot more affordable for people.
“If someone had a property or land already, the tiny house would cost around $115,000,“ he said.
“It’s all pre-fabricated and built in a factory in five weeks – compared to six to eight months with a traditional build.“
City of Greater Geelong city planning director Gareth Smith said council is keen to support clever and creative solutions to increasing housing diversity and affordability.
“The tiny house movement can utilise existing suburban backyards, and is often cited as a solution to increasing urban density without impacting on neighbourhood character,” he said.
Mr Smith said council does not have any formal endorsed position on tiny homes.
