Tiny Houses 101
What even are tiny houses? Read on to learn how we define them, plus answers to frequently asked questions about tinys.
Tiny Houses 101
What even are tiny houses? Read on to learn how we define them, plus answers to frequently asked questions about tinys.
“A tiny house is a permanent home, temporarily located”
— John Cameron, Business Advisor and past Vice President
“A tiny house is a permanent home, temporarily located”
— John Cameron, Business Advisor and past Vice President
How ATHA defines a tiny house
ATHA (Australian Tiny House Association) defines a tiny house as a dwelling of no more than 50m² built on a wheeled trailer base, constructed of domestic grade materials and finishes, that is capable of being permanently occupied. A tiny house cannot (and is designed not to) be moved under its own power and is designed and built to look like a conventional dwelling.
A retrofitted bus, van or truck, wagon, retrofitted sea container, caravan, tent, yurt, non-retrofitted vehicle or ‘donga’ transportable or park home, is not a tiny house for ATHA’s purposes.
ATHA’s definition of a tiny house does not relate to permanently fixed smaller sized homes on foundations. A house on fixed foundations, of any size, can be assessed under the National Construction Codes. Tiny houses on skids are likely to be in this category too.
Tiny Houses on Wheels (THOW) are not transportable homes currently covered under building regulations nor are they a recreational vehicle such as a caravan, yet they may be connected to a trailer base. Tiny Houses on Skids (THOS) are most likely to be considered as buildings, even if they are only temporary.
How ATHA defines a tiny house
ATHA (Australian Tiny House Association) defines a tiny house as a dwelling of no more than 50m2 built on a wheeled trailer base, constructed of domestic grade materials and finishes, that is capable of being permanently occupied. A tiny house cannot (and is designed not to) be moved under its own power and is designed and built to look like a conventional dwelling.
A retrofitted bus, van or truck, wagon, retrofitted sea container, caravan, tent, yurt, non-retrofitted vehicle or ‘donga’ transportable or park home, is not a tiny house for ATHA’s purposes.
ATHA’s definition of a tiny house does not relate to permanently fixed smaller sized homes on foundations. A house on fixed foundations, of any size, can be assessed under the National Construction Codes. Tiny houses on skids are likely to be in this category too.
Tiny Houses on Wheels (THOW) are not transportable homes currently covered under building regulations nor are they a recreational vehicle such as a caravan, yet they may be connected to a trailer base. Tiny Houses on Skids (THOS) are most likely to be considered as buildings, even if they are only temporary.
Tiny living FAQs
Is it just a trend?
No, tiny houses are not just a trend. This movement is growing bigger and bigger due to macro trends such as the increasing unattainability of housing, increasing cost of living as well as dire climate and environmental pressures.
Aren't they just caravans?
Not at all. Tiny houses are built specifically for long term living and most often built with high quality materials and designed with storage, comfort and liveability in mind. Many also have bespoke elements, custom designed especially for the person who owns them. They are subsequently heavier than caravans and built for longevity.
Why buy a depreciating asset?
Although technically tiny homes can be a depreciating asset, people consider more than just the financial return when deciding to invest in a tiny. It is often a very personal decision that allows focus on lifestyle considerations over resaleability.
How do I get insurance on a tiny?
Insurance for Tiny Homes on Wheels and Skids can be one of the most difficult elements when looking to live tiny. Be very careful and do due diligence when researching insurance options. Look over what is actually insured under a policy as some companies do not cover essential elements.
Why aren't there clear regulations?
Because tiny homes are a relatively new housing typology, they don't neatly fit into existing legislative frameworks. It is not clear and simple to navigate. As a new housing typology and due to different factors for different locations, they are affected by federal, state and local frameworks and policies.
Tiny living FAQs
Is it just a trend?
No tiny houses are not just a trend. This movement is growing bigger and bigger due to macro trends such as the increasing unattainability of housing, increasing cost of living as well as dire climate and environmental pressures.
Aren’t they just caravans?
Not at all. Tiny houses are built specifically for long term living and most often built with high quality materials and designed with storage, comfort and liveability in mind. Many also have bespoke elements, custom designed specifically for the person who owns them. They are subsequently heavier than caravans and built for longevity.
Why buy a depreciating asset?
Although technically tiny houses can be a depreciating asset, people consider more than just the financial return when deciding to invest in a tiny. It is often a very personal decision that allows focus on lifestyle considerations over resale-ability.
How do I get insurance on a tiny?
Insurance for Tiny Houses on Wheels and Skids can be one of the most difficult elements when looking to live tiny. Be very careful and do due diligence when researching insurance options. Look over what is actually insured under a policy as some companies do not cover essential elements.
Why aren’t there clear regulations?
Because tiny houses are a relatively new housing typology, they don’t neatly fit into existing legislative frameworks. It is not clear and simple to navigate. As a new housing typology and due to different factors for different locations they are affected by federal, state and local frameworks and policies.
Tiny house deep dive
Want to fully immerse yourself in the world of tiny houses? We’ve collated some of the best links about tiny houses in Australia. Know of a link that deserves a spot here? Drop us a line to let us know.
Tiny house deep dive
Want to fully immerse yourself in the world of tiny houses? We’ve collated some of the best links about tiny houses in Australia. Know of a link that deserves a spot here? Drop us a line to let us know.
Lucy Lich is a tiny houser that decided to highlight Australian tiny house stories through her podcast Tiny House Conversations. Lucy interviews experienced tiny house dwellers, tiny builders, adventurers & experts in the tiny world, so you can learn how to transition into tiny house living.
This YouTube channel is an absolute phenomenon! Driven by a passion for good design, Bryce Langston and Rasa Pescud explore the tiny house movement by interviewing tiny house owners about why and how they went tiny. Each episode centres around a tour of a tiny house.
Host Shannon Shultz explores how the Mount Alexander Shire removed barriers by allowing tiny houses on wheels without permits or time limits. It is inspiring to hear how the community achieved this and empowering for others who want to drive transformation in housing laws.
A very active Facebook group with information applicable beyond QLD borders. Created to share knowledge, gain inspiration and connect with other tiny house enthusiasts and hopefully spur you forward with your tiny house dreams.
An active facebook group created by Tiny Non-profit. A group for tiny house advice and inspiration.
Lucy Lich is a tiny houser that decided to highlight Australian tiny house stories through her podcast Tiny House Conversations. Lucy interviews experienced tiny house dwellers, tiny builders, adventurers & experts in the tiny world, so you can learn how to transition into tiny house living.
This YouTube channel is an absolute phenomenon! Driven by a passion for good design, Bryce Langston and Rasa Pescud explore the tiny house movement by interviewing tiny house owners about why and how they went tiny. Each episode centres around a tour of a tiny house.
Host Shannon Shultz explores how the Mount Alexander Shire removed barriers by allowing tiny houses on wheels without permits or time limits. It is inspiring to hear how the community achieved this and empowering for others who want to drive transformation in housing laws.
A very active Facebook group with information applicable beyond QLD borders. Created to share knowledge, gain inspiration and connect with other tiny house enthusiasts and hopefully spur you forward with your tiny house dreams.
An active facebook group created by Tiny Non-profit. A group for tiny house advice and inspiration.
Why people love tiny houses
Why people love tiny houses
I feel more in touch with nature and the seasons.
The low living costs in my tiny allow me to spend money on my family.
I have the creative freedom to build a house that suits me perfectly.
I feel more in touch with nature and the seasons.
The low living costs in my tiny allow me to spend money on my family.
I have the creative freedom to build a house that suits me perfectly.
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