The Tiny House movement has been around in New Zealand for nearly a decade now, and we're seeing more and more used Tiny Houses popping up for sale.
But is buying a used Tiny House a good idea? Let’s chat about the pros and cons.
Pros of Buying a Used Tiny House
Proven to Work
One major perk of buying a used Tiny House is that you get to talk to the previous owner. You can ask all sorts of questions like: How did the house handle travel? Is there anything you’d do differently? Why did you choose this layout? Do the appliances work as expected? What challenges did you face living in it? Has it endured cold weather, or hot and humid climates? These answers can be a goldmine of information.
Accessories and Upgrades Included
Tiny Houses come with a lot of necessary accessories, extension cords, adaptors, tanks, hoses, dehumidifiers, small kitchen gadgets, solar panels, generators, towing gear (like spare tyres, levellers, and hitch locks), and more. Buying used often means these accessories and maybe even some cool upgrades, like decks, are included in the purchase price.
Parking as an Add-On
Believe it or not, some used Tiny Houses come with a parking spot! This is a huge
advantage because finding a place to park your Tiny House can be one of the biggest challenges. If you’re looking in a city or neighbourhood you already know you want to live in, definitely ask the seller if the parking spot can be part of the deal.
Affordability
Obviously, anything used is going to be more affordable than buying brand new. Tiny Houses are no exception. You can save a pretty penny by going the used route.
Cons of Buying a Used Tiny House
Not Personalised
The previous owner built or bought the Tiny House based on their personal preferences. So, you better like their choices! You might need to make some changes to fit your taste but this can take time and effort.
Depreciation
Like regular houses, cars, RVs, and pretty much anything else, Tiny Houses depreciate in value over time. The more owners a Tiny House has had, the more it depreciates. The Tiny House movement is still young, so it’s hard to pin down exact values, but one thing is clear: you can't value a Tiny House by price per square metre.
Wear and Tear
Used Tiny Houses can come with wear and tear. It's essential to thoroughly inspect for any issues like leaks, structural damage, or worn-out appliances. These can lead to additional costs and headaches down the road.
Possible Code and Zoning Issues
Older Tiny Houses might not meet current building codes or zoning regulations. This can be a significant issue if you plan to move the house to a different location or if local laws have changed since the house was built.
So, is buying a used Tiny House a good idea? It can be, as long as you do your homework and are prepared for some compromises. Happy Tiny House hunting!
