My wife Leisa and I built our first tiny home five years ago. We’ve been using it as a holiday retreat since and it’s a decision we've never regretted. It also makes sense, particularly for the younger Gen Z generation.

For many Gen Zs, traditional property ownership seems out of reach. As such, they're turning to more affordable alternatives like tiny homes, granny flats, and caravans. Here’s where the appeal lies:

Tiny Homes

Compact yet complete, tiny homes are typically around 55m2. They might be small, but they still provide all the necessities for comfortable living. They're customisable, so you can tailor the design to suit your needs, and they are sustainable – which is paramount for younger generations. However, their small size may not suit everyone, especially those who enjoy space.

Granny Flats

These are secondary dwellings on a property, offering a balance between autonomy and proximity to family. Granny flats are perfect for those who want space without completely cutting ties. But they're subject to specific planning and building regulations, which can limit their availability and design.

Caravans

A symbol of freedom and adventure, caravans offer the ultimate flexibility. They can be moved at will, allowing for travel and exploration. Modern versions are well-equipped with kitchenettes and bathrooms. However, living in a caravan has challenges, such as regularly needing to empty your camp toilets.

While these options present a great alternative to traditional housing, they're not for everyone.

You need to be willing to live minimally. You might need to sell or store some of your possessions, look for multipurpose furniture, or get creative with storage solutions. It's about making the most of every square metre, which can be challenging.

Then there's the question of comfort. Traditional houses offer space: a room for every purpose, a backyard maybe, and more than one bathroom. In contrast, these alternative housing options require you to sacrifice some of that space. 

But here's the silver lining: for those who value affordability, sustainability, or flexibility above all else, they are incredibly appealing. They allow you to break away from the norm to carve out a path to independence that is uniquely yours.

Could these options be the answer for Gen Zs who are finding it tough to afford their own place? After all, we’re in the grips of a major housing crisis across Australia! It's worth considering.

When we built our tiny home, it wasn't just about creating a holiday retreat. It was about embracing a different way of life that valued experiences over possessions. And trust me, it has been one of the most rewarding decisions we've ever made.

Thinking outside the box (or inside a tiny one) could open a whole new world of possibilities. Because sometimes, the best things do come in small packages!

About the author

One in 26 Brisbane Homes Has Been Personally Inspected by Andrew Mackintosh.

After more than 20,000* Brisbane building inspections, Andrew Mackintosh is Brisbane’s leading advisor for home buyers and investors in South East Queensland. That’s an average of over one hundred^ inspections per Brisbane suburb. No matter where you’re buying, Andrew knows the area, knows the challenges, and knows exactly what to look for. In fact, chances are, Andrew’s personally inspected one of your neighbours’ homes. 

*According to ABS, there are 520,000 homes in Brisbane.

^According to Brisbane City Council, there are 190 suburbs in Brisbane