The Tiny House Trend: the benefits of small

If we pause for a moment to consider the size of the planet, the growing volume of humanity, and the finite capacity of land, then smaller houses make sense. It was Mark Twain who said: 'Buy land, boy. They ain't making any more of it.' And he was right. House prices today are often out of reach for younger people, and come with heavy bond commitments for those rightly keen to move into a place of their own and grow a family.

Taking a good hard look at the average house of today, one can begin to see the glimmerings of paring down potential. Smaller houses bring both pro's and con's, but for many people today, the popularity of the tiny home is surging. And there are many sensible reasons surrounding this new perspective. A tiny house gives you less of everything: less space for sure, but then also less expense, less maintenance, and less energy use.

Life, the universe, and a tiny house

The custom of seeking a larger lifestyle when careers drive upward still moves much of the market, but there are factors to which developers in particular, should pay attention. Not everyone is supporting the bigger space tradition - in fact the reverse is becoming evident, driven by savings in both building and lifestyle costs. But there's a difference between squashed just to save money, and clever, intriguing, life-enhancing design. This is not a mistake those keen to get in on the trend should make.

The cost factor

A small space is much cheaper to build, naturally. There is a saving in materials such as wood, cement, wiring, roofing, tiles, etc. Maintenance costs are reduced because there is less that needs to be sealed, repaired or painted. In addition, the bond or rent would be much reduced as well, not to mention the reduction in rates, electricity and insurance.

Reduced space means reduced upkeep. Less cleaning, dusting, vacuuming - saving money and precious time. And there's less space to clutter, forcing you into space-saving behaviour. Just this aspect alone can offer better perspective on life and the universe.

The space factor

Small space living is all about trading the size of the space we live in for the benefits of proximity to work, shopping, clinics or entertainment. In many instances, the purely economic driver of the small spaces trend is the spiralling cost of accommodation close to community convenience. Often it is easier and cheaper to find a small piece land close to amenities with just enough space for a tiny house.

Tiny houses make choosing location more affordable than buying out of town and commuting; you can choose between a less desirable location or downsize the home. The benefits with regard to proximity and convenience are huge, not to mention cost savings in transport and utility bills. The trick is to make that small space ultra-comfortable as well.

The opposite is also true for those wanting to move out of the hustle of the city to quieter living. The prices in these kinds of sought-after areas can be eye-watering - so a tiny house in a countrified environment could be the perfect solution. The tiny house option gives one the freedom to choose location with less budget restrictions; it offers access to areas previously closed off to some through economic restriction.

The family factor

Over the last few decades, the family structure has changed. There are many more family units that consist of only one or two children, or a single parent and children, or single/divorced people. These families don't necessarily require large homes or even average-sized homes - they can manage well in a tiny house where there is a fair-sized garden or large covered porch, etc.

If the tiny house is close to facilities, then going out for meals or exercise is the new lifestyle that many prefer. Today, we choose less to live as multi-generational families in shared accommodation. For some families, a small cannily designed two-bedroom structure can be sufficient.

The green factor

One of the biggest factors driving the tiny house trend is the savings on energy - not only cost-wise but with regard to the effect on the environment. Energy-efficient housing solutions are popular across people of all ages, incomes, and lifestyle preferences - a unifying desire for greener living. The negative effects of fossil fuels such as oil drilling, coal mining, and fracking are much debated and many people are making the choice to limit their environmental impact.

The small physical size means less materials have to be used: less wood, wires, less lighting, etc. Heating and cooling is much easier, negating the use of heaters, fans and air-con. More insulating materials can be used. Waste during construction is also less. Even the appliances designed specifically for small spaces are more efficient - they are both space and energy savers.

People are accepting that going 'tiny' means making their lifestyles more sustainable. Tiny houses are easier to energise with fewer solar panels. While the lifestyle of smaller living is not necessarily seen as a minimalist lifestyle, it is seen as a way people can contribute to a greener planet, consuming less and impacting less.

The millennial factor

Millennials are driven by a different set of goals and values than their parents. In the old days, it was important to live in the right areas - but today's young house buyer or renter is looking for a different kind of location, one that is close to the city's business district, to cultural hubs, to transport and sports facilities. The high-density drive is business, health and convenience with no wastage on fuss and frills. Space is less important than connection, plus the cost saving factor for this age group outweighs everything. Millennials face real challenge in buying or renting a first home of their own, and the tiny house or self-contained micro-unit in the location that suits them, presents affordable urban chic and ultra-convenience.

The design factor

This is the cleverest and most attractive aspect of tiny houses; design aesthetics that are intended to make the small space feel bigger than it really is. Large windows, open design, plenty of canny storage space, such as drawers in staircases, and multi-use living space.

Plus every green trick in the book with regard to energy, materials used, micro-design appliances, air flow, drainage, water saving, etc. Often a larger balcony or deck can be added to create more space by utilising the outdoors.

Storage is key to ensuring clutter doesn't overwhelm a small space. Developers need to recognise that design should be as much on lifestyle and comfort as on space saving. Brands focused on energy saving, efficiency and quality should be preferred above cost-cuttings; likewise an extra mile should be travelled to ensure materials are ethically sourced.

The useful factor

Even if a tiny house is not your choice, it can be used for many other useful purposes. They can serve as a garden cottage for grandparents, an add-on mother-in-law suite, guest house, home office, studio, rental property, or assist governments with the problem of building housing estates more quickly, and dealing with homelessness. There's no doubt that the tiny house trend holds big potential.  

Leapfrog Property Group

Leapfrog Property Group offers a fresh and innovative approach to buying, selling, renting and property investments, ensuring the best property deals for clients across South Africa. Our agents are qualified, trained, experienced; our approach bold and spirited, driven by heart, generosity and honesty. It is our mission to advise,  eliminate obstacles and save you unnecessary expense. Trust is our watchword. And value our motto. Armed with our combined credentials, we are the bright face of excellence in the South African market. 

Find us at: www.leapfrog.co.za

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