There’s been a lot of talk in recent years of tiny homes and how they’re a great alternative lifestyle to living in a traditional home. Not only do they tend to be quite a bit more affordable than a home in Australia – especially at today’s prices – but they’re also fashionably designed and appear cosy and quaint, if that’s your thing.
What often gets left out, however, is that tiny homes are either pre-fabricated or tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) and they don’t come with the land. If you’ve already got someplace to park it, or you’ve got permission to have it erected on property you already own, that’s one huge issue solved, but for those without, it remains a big and likely costly and time-consuming matter that must be dealt with. And to add to the hassle, council regulations for living in tiny homes can vary considerably.
Dual-occupancy homes have been popular for quite some time now, and they are better than tiny homes in many regards. While your circumstances and preferences may vary, generally speaking, dual occupancy homes are better, and here are a few simple reasons why:
Dual Occupancy Homes are Much More Comfortable
Tiny homes might only be around 15-20m², or perhaps a little larger, maybe 50m² at most. Dual occupancy homes, on the other hand, tend to range between around 120 and 200m², so they’re closer to a traditional single-family detached dwelling in size yet not too small as to feel cramped.
Depending on design, this means that your dual occupancy home should have dedicated living areas and full-sized rooms rather than everything crammed into one or two multi-purpose rooms. You’ll also have full access to modern amenities, a stable and regular connection to municipal utilities like gas, water, and electricity, and enough space to have guests over.
You’ll Likely See Much Better Return on Your Investment
Dual occupancy homes are a sensible investment, and you’ll likely see the property accrue in value over time, as has historically almost always been the case. Tiny homes, on the other hand, are a bit of a prickly pear.
A detached prefabricated tiny home could appreciate in value, perhaps, provided you own the land and sell both. THOWs might not be so attractive, however, and the more they are like a motorhome caravan, the more they’ll likely be treated as a depreciating asset, like a vehicle.
It Can Be Far Easier to Get Financing & Development Approval
Banks and mortgage lenders across Australia are much more accustomed to dealing with dual occupancy homes nowadays, and consequently it’s much easier to secure financing and get approval for a proposed development.
Of course, this step can still be time-consuming, and you may be required to legally subdivide the land as is typically the case, but a professional dual occupancy home developer can assist with this crucial step.
More Flexible Designs
Tiny homes are often pre-fabricated, and while their designs tend to be thought out quite well, you may be fairly limited in terms of layout. THOWs, on the other hand, must fit atop a trailer and meet certain dimensions for travelling on the road, so you’re much more limited in space and design.
Dual occupancy homes are far more versatile, and you have much more freedom and leeway in terms of how you want the home to be built.
Durability & Long-Term Value
A good home should last well over a lifetime, and indeed many of Australia’s heritage homes have stood the test of time from colonial times to today. Dual occupancy homes, when built by a reputable developer, should last a long time as they’re built to standards and with compliant materials.
Tiny homes, on the other hand, may not last as long as anticipated, and their tiny dimensions might make it challenging to perform important repairs and remodelling.
Trevor Homes
Choose Trevor Homes for dual occupancy homes.
