In a recent video by Bryce Langston, host of the YouTube channel Living Big In a Tiny House, he delves into the less glamorous side of the tiny house movement. Despite his deep love and dedication to promoting tiny homes over the past decade, Langston felt it necessary to address the challenges and potential pitfalls that come with this lifestyle. Here’s a closer look at what he had to say.
The Appeal of Tiny Homes
Langston starts by acknowledging the undeniable appeal of tiny homes. They offer a new model of homeownership, providing a path to financial freedom without the need to own land. This model encourages downsizing, which can help individuals focus on what truly matters, minimizing consumerism and debt.
The Legal Grey Area
However, Langston quickly shifts to one of the biggest issues: legality. He argues that building a tiny home is a basic human right, yet many governments have not established clear regulations. This legal grey area leaves tiny house dwellers at constant risk of being evicted. Langston highlights the irony that areas with strict regulations often have high rates of homelessness. Thankfully, activist groups like the American Tiny House Association are making progress, but bureaucracy moves slowly.
Rising Costs
Another significant issue is the rising cost of building tiny homes. Initially seen as an affordable option, tiny homes have become more expensive due to inflation and the rising costs of materials. Langston points out that the average DIY tiny house now costs over NZD 60,000 (around $37,000). He also notes that many tiny homes have evolved from simple structures to luxurious mini-mansions, further driving up costs. This trend is partly driven by baby boomers looking to downsize and free up capital for retirement.
Economic Disparity
Langston expresses concern over the economic disparity driving people to tiny homes. The skyrocketing cost of conventional housing means that even middle-class individuals are turning to tiny homes as an alternative. In cities like Auckland, New Zealand, where the average house price is now NZD 1.2 million (around $733,000), many people are opting for tiny homes to escape the burden of massive mortgages.
Quality and Safety Concerns
Langston addresses the issue of quality, warning about cowboy builders and conmen who exploit the largely unregulated market. He emphasizes the importance of due diligence, advising potential buyers to research builders thoroughly and ensure they are contractually protected. This caution is particularly relevant for imported pre-built tiny homes, which may not meet local standards.
Financial Hurdles
Financing a tiny home can also be challenging. Banks often consider tiny homes as unsecured assets, making it difficult to obtain mortgage financing. Instead, buyers are forced to take out personal loans with high interest rates, similar to credit cards. Langston hopes that as the tiny house movement grows, better financing options will become available.
Insurance and Parking
Insurance is another tricky area. While some countries have companies specializing in tiny house insurance, it can be expensive and hard to obtain in other regions. Parking is also a major concern. Finding a suitable spot for a tiny house can be difficult, and renting land comes with its own set of challenges. Langston advises drawing up clear agreements with landowners to avoid potential disputes.
“All About Fleecing the Citizens”
People in the comments shared their thoughts: “‘Our lawmakers are failing in their duty of care to their citizens’. Best description of government itself I have ever heard.”
Another commenter added: “I’m in Canada. There is a tiny house owner in a town near me who owns his own acreage and has lived in his tiny for seven years. He has been ordered to vacate his residence as it is illegal to live in it. He had to build a home on a foundation to live on his own land. It all comes down to property tax. Its all about fleecing the citizens”
Research is Crucial
Despite these challenges, Langston remains an advocate for tiny house living. He encourages those interested to proceed with caution, doing thorough research and covering all bases. The tiny house movement has the potential to provide affordable and sustainable housing solutions, but it’s crucial to go into it with eyes wide open.
Working with Reputable Builders
What are your thoughts? What steps can potential tiny home buyers take to ensure they are working with reputable builders? How can the tiny house movement balance affordability with the growing trend of luxury tiny homes? What role can banks and financial institutions play in making tiny homes more accessible to the average person?
Check out the entire video for more information on the Living Big in a Tiny House YouTube channel here.
