The Tiny House Trend: Why So Many People Are Downsizing

Have you considered downsizing your living space? After the popularity of television shows like Tiny House Nation, you are not alone. Many people are deciding to replace the sprawling suburban family home with something much smaller and more economical.

Some homeowners decide that expenses like taxes and upkeep that come with a huge house simply aren’t worth it. Others want to go green and reduce their carbon footprint by consuming less. So what exactly does the term “tiny house” mean?

Tiny House Specs

Tiny houses are between 100 and 400 square feet in size. Despite being the size of a studio apartment, these small living spaces can be very appealing. Some bungalows feature luxe amenities and can cost as much as $100,000 to build. Is a sauna a must-have? Sure thing. How about a theater room with a reclining sofa and surround-sound? Done.

On the other extreme, if you are budget-minded, you can put together a decent tiny house for as little as $10,000. Keep in mind that you may also have to buy land. You can learn about local zoning laws and regulations at the American Tiny House Association website.

How-to instructions and 3D tours of model tiny homes are available for builders. Once you’ve made up your mind to build your own, the environmentally conscious builder can opt to use recycled materials to complete the construction. Since you’ll use less materials, you can use items that are higher quality. And if you don’t care if your home is brand-new, pre-owned tiny houses are also available. You can find listings at tinyhouselistings.com.

Why Do Some People Love Tiny Houses?

Consider that the size of a typical single-family home in America has grown by almost 50% in the last 25 years, and you can see why some people think the growth is excessive. Individuals in the tiny house movement often consider themselves rebels against excess, and better stewards of the environment.

In addition, home ownership can bring complex legal implications into the family dynamic. When the head of the household becomes sick, extensive estate planning is needed to create a will and allocate resources after that person’s death. Attorneys from firms like Conway, Pauley and Johnson handle estate planning. Tiny houses keep things simple. Some Millennials and Gen Yers say tricky family matters led them to choose tiny house ownership because it’s a way to own real estate without too many complications.

Tiny House Mobility

Mobility is another reason tiny house fans are so loyal. The ability to move without hiring a U-Haul can seem freeing. In the 1970s, America had the VW bus. The ’80s saw a surge in the popularity of RVs. In 2020, tiny houses have become the new home on wheels.

The owner has the choice to move their residence at any time, living without a mortgage, possibly debt-free, and not tied down to traditional neighborhoods. For older generations, sometimes tiny houses are used as an add-on to an existing home or as an in-law suite or private area for youth away from the bigger house.

What Will Houses Look Like in the Future?

The tiny house movement is still in its infancy, and whether it will continue to gain popularity is yet to be seen. The cute little houses may have environmental and logistical advantages when compared to their bigger brothers but still account for less than 1% of real estate sold. They sure have received a lot of big hype for their tiny stature, however, and a lot of us can’t resist the temptation to see what all the fuss is about.