Instead of depending on massive policy changes to bring this boiling pot down to a simmer, Australia has decided to work on something tinier: investing in smaller houses.
Tiny houses are becoming an increasingly popular choice for the urban resident. Often fueled by a desire for simplicity, sustainability, and affordability, these small dwellings, typically under 400 square feet, offer a more minimalist lifestyle with a smaller environmental footprint. While these have already become popular in
To make these more accessible to their citizens, $4 reports that some Australian local councils are streamlining the process of owning a micro-house. In December 2022, the Shire of Esperance became the first in Australia to allow
Rather than just catering to the growing minimalism trend, tiny houses actually offer a number of advantages over traditional housing. They can be built quickly and cheaply, with construction costs typically ranging from A$80,000 to A$160,000 — about a tenth of what it might normally fetch in Australian capital cities. And while it might take 4-12 months to build a typical Australian house, it only takes about four weeks to commercially build a micro-home, the Conversation piece explains.
Furthermore, their smaller size reduces energy and material consumption, leading to a smaller environmental footprint. Many tiny houses incorporate features like rainwater tanks, composting toilets, and solar panels, further minimising their impact on the environment and counting towards Australia's net-zero carbon emission target by 2050.
While tiny houses may not be suitable for every household, they offer a valuable addition to Australia's housing options. As more councils embrace them, tiny houses can help address the