Buying a Tiny House: Should You Hop on the Trend?

The tiny house trend is still running rampant.

If you watch TV, you can see people take the plunge into tiny living on handfuls of design and reality shows. They’re constantly the talk of magazine features and blogs, too. It makes sense – these little spaces are pretty fascinating.

Most of us decidedly could not live tiny. It’s a movement for people who are eco-conscious, adventurous, and minimal.

Before you decide if buying a tiny house is right for you, it’s smart to get all the facts first.

What Is a Tiny House?

A tiny house is really, really small. The average size of one home is about 400 square feet – and that’s on the large side.

Because they’re so compact, tiny houses have interiors akin to living aboard a ship. There are lofts or bunk beds, fold-out dining tables, built-in storage, and itty-bitty bathrooms. Basically, these houses use every square inch of space available to make them livable.

Tempted by Tiny Houses? Take Note of Tiny House Considerations

In many situations, a tiny house just isn’t the right choice. If you’re on the fence, consider these factors.

1. The Cost is Minimal, but Resale is Tough

A tiny home will cost you a small chunk of change – $15,000 on average, according to Realtor.com. However, on the market, the demand for these homes is small, too. This could equal trouble for you, or at least a long waiting period if you ever decide to sell.

Additionally, most tiny homes will not increase in value, which means you could lose money in a sale.

2. Tiny Means Tiny

It’s easy to imagine living in a cute tiny house and not being shackled to a mountain of stuff, but, for most people, this is a pipe dream.

The average American accumulates things. It’s a fact of life in a culture of consumers. The average person would have to get rid of most of their possessions in order to make living in a tiny house work – and most aren’t ready to make such a drastic change.

If tiny living interests you, think about this aspect long and hard. Are you willing to downsize your stuff to a fraction of what you have now?

3. There’s No Room to Grow

Single living in a tiny house might be doable, especially if you’re moving from a small apartment. But what happens when you meet somebody and you want to move in together? What happens when you want to have kids?

A tiny house fits a stable, specific way of living. If you’re looking at a life in flux in the foreseeable future, then this option may not be right for you.

When to Buy a Tiny House

After you have turned over tiny house considerations, if you’re still set on the idea, buying a tiny house could be a viable option for you. This is not a simple decision, and this type of living is not for everyone. However, for certain people, it can be a great way to live minimally, reduce your waste, minimize your carbon footprint, and enjoy a unique lifestyle.