10 Questions to ask before you buy your tiny house
1. Location
Finding the ideal spot for your tiny home is one of the most impactful decisions you’ll make. Whether you want to own land, borrow a backyard, or join a community, there are options to fit your lifestyle and budget. Here are three popular choices to consider:
For those aiming to buy land, real estate websites are a good place to start, with listings for rural properties and vacant lots. Owning your own land offers the ultimate freedom and lets you establish a long-term home. However, as land prices rise near urban areas, buying may not be the best option for everyone.
The beauty of a tiny home is its flexibility—you don’t need to own land to enjoy your own space. Renting land is a popular choice that allows you to own your home and easily relocate as life changes. Some tiny-home owners choose to set up in the backyard of family or friends, which brings loved ones closer and can help reduce shared costs or even ease daily responsibilities like childcare.
If family land isn’t an option, you might look into renting from local property owners or farmers. Today, there are even dedicated land-matching sites and tiny home community groups online to connect tiny home dwellers with rental plots. This approach allows you to find a spot that suits your lifestyle, whether it’s near work, in a scenic rural area, or closer to the amenities you love.
2. Council Regulations
When it comes to council regulations, the rules can vary depending on your local council in NZ.
You will need to check directly with your local council regarding resource and building consents.
Resource Consent:
Whether you need resource consent depends on the purpose of your tiny-home & the specific regulations of your area. Councils will typically want to know details of what resources you will be using and if they are permanent or not.
For example if your tiny-home is connected to the mains of the main dwelling on the property using a caravan adaptor that can be disconnected quickly, and your tiny home is on a registered trailer, you may not need resource consent.
But if your tiny home is supported by permanent foundations, and connected to the grey water system &/ or sewage system. You will likely need resource consent.
Building Consent:
Building consent depends on a variety of factors, and we recommend check with your local council as the size, utilities, and intended use of your tiny home all play into what sort of building consent you will need.
We will provide the designs & ensure your tiny-home meets the NZ building code which you can send to your council for approval, but we reccomend you do due diligence and talk to your council.
3. Purpose
Before you dive into your tiny home journey, it’s important to clearly define its purpose. Are you planning to live in it full-time, use it as a weekend getaway, or perhaps create a backyard studio? The intended use of your tiny home will influence everything from location and council regulations to the design and features you’ll need.
For example, a tiny home for full-time living will require more thoughtful planning for utilities, storage, and comfort, while a seasonal retreat might focus more on portability and simple amenities. Understanding your purpose will help guide your decisions and ensure your tiny home fits your lifestyle.
4. Power
One of the key decisions when setting up your tiny home is how you’ll power it. There are several options, depending on your location and lifestyle.
Grid Connection
If your tiny home is placed in an area with existing utility infrastructure, connecting to the power grid is often the simplest option. This provides reliable electricity for all your needs, from lighting to appliances.
Solar Power
For those looking to reduce their carbon footprint or live off the grid, solar power is a popular and sustainable option. Solar panels can provide the energy needed for everyday living, though you may need a backup system for cloudy days or high energy demands.
We work with trusted certified electricians to ensure your tiny home is powered safely and efficiently. Popular options for connecting your tiny home include 16amp or 32amp caravan plugs that can be connected to the mains, or setting up a solar panel system for an off-grid solution.
Choosing the right energy solution depends on your tiny home’s location, the resources available to you, and your commitment to sustainability.
5. Water & Greywater
It is important to consider how you’ll manage water and drainage. There are several solutions depending on whether you’re connected to mains supply or living off the grid.
Mains Water Connection
If you’re set up in an area with existing water infrastructure, connecting to the mains water supply is the most straightforward option. This provides a constant and reliable water source for drinking, bathing, and other household needs.
Off-Grid Rainwater
For off-grid tiny home owners, rainwater harvesting is a sustainable alternative. With the right system in place, rainwater can be collected and filtered for use in your home, reducing your reliance on external water supplies. We can help advise you in searching for a plumber to fit out an off-grid set-up.
Grey-water & drainage
If you're connected to mains sewerage, wastewater will flow directly into the local system. For off-grid setups, a septic tank or greywater system can handle wastewater. Be sure to check with your local council for regulations on wastewater treatment and drainage options.
While we do not handle plumbing directly, we can work with certified plumbers to ensure your tiny home is set up with the right water and drainage solutions,
6. Sewage & Rubbish
Sewage Disposal
If you're connected to the mains, sewage will be handled by the local council's wastewater system. For off-grid tiny homes, you’ll need a septic system or a composting toilet. Be sure to check with your council about the best option for your situation.
Rubbish Disposal
For general waste, you’ll typically need to arrange for regular rubbish collection if you're in an area with municipal services. If you're living off the grid, you may need to make alternative arrangements, such as composting organic waste or transporting your rubbish to a local disposal site.
7. Delivery & Installation
Once your tiny home is built, it’s time to get it to its final destination. Delivery and installation can vary depending on the size of your tiny home and its location.
Delivery
We coordinate the safe transport of your tiny home to your chosen site, working with experienced professionals who specialize in moving tiny homes. Whether it’s navigating tight roads or transporting over long distances, we’ll ensure the journey is smooth.
Installation
After delivery, we’ll work with you to set up your tiny home, making sure it’s placed correctly on its foundation and connected to necessary utilities. If required, we can arrange for certified electricians and plumbers to handle the connections for power, water, and drainage.
8. Storage
One of the challenges of tiny home living is making the most of limited space, but with the right design and smart storage solutions, you can maximize your storage capacity.
Clever Design Solutions
Tiny homes often incorporate built-in storage, such as under-bed drawers, lofts, and multifunctional furniture. Custom shelving, pull-out cabinets, and wall-mounted hooks are also great ways to keep your living space organized.
External Storage
If you find you need more storage, consider using external options like storage sheds, garden units, or even renting a nearby storage unit. This way, you can keep your tiny home uncluttered while having easy access to your extra belongings.
We can help you design a tiny home with smart storage solutions to make the most of your space. Whether it's built-in or external storage, we’ll ensure your tiny home works for your needs.
9. Moving
One of the unique advantages of tiny homes is their mobility. If you plan to move your home in the future, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind.
Moving to a New Location
Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) offer the flexibility to be relocated when needed. If your tiny home is on a foundation it is more difficult but still definitely doable!
Whether you're relocating for work, a lifestyle change, or simply want a new view, moving a tiny home is possible with the right equipment and professional movers who specialize in tiny home transport.
Considerations for Moving
Before moving your tiny home, you'll need to plan for permits and routes. Depending on the size of your tiny home and local regulations, special permits may be required for road transport.
10. Finance
Financing a tiny home can differ from traditional home loans, but there are still several options available to make your dream home a reality.
Personal Loans
If you’re purchasing a tiny home as a personal space or vacation home, a personal loan can be a good option. These loans are generally quicker to secure and may have more flexible terms compared to a traditional mortgage.
RV or Caravan Loans
For tiny homes on wheels, some lenders offer RV or caravan loans, as these homes are classified similarly to recreational vehicles. These loans typically have lower interest rates and shorter terms.
Home Equity Loans
If you already own a property, you may be able to leverage the equity in your home to finance your tiny home. This can be a good option if you’re looking for a larger loan amount or lower interest rates.
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