The housing crisis in the UK is turning into an increasingly pressing issue, with soaring costs and limited availability rendering many families helpless. This struggle to secure adequate housing has caused many to look toward other options when attempting to get on the property ladder.
The tiny house movement has recently gained traction as a suitable alternative, promising a simplified way of living, affordability, and reduced environmental impact. Here, we discuss the potential for tiny homes as a response to the housing crisis, looking at why they could be the answer to all our problems.
The housing market
In the UK, we are currently facing a major housing crisis, meaning a large number of individuals are without a home that is suited to their needs or their budget. One of the main factors contributing to this is that there aren’t enough homes that are becoming available to meet the growing demand.
This discrepancy between supply and demand has led to an increase in house prices and rental costs. The lack of available homes usually comes down to factors like slow construction, stringent planning regulations, and scarcity of land available.
The tiny house movement
To overcome the issues in the property market, people are choosing to downsize their space, simplifying the way that they live. The tiny house movement is a phenomenon centred around minimalism and the desire to break free from the burdens of excessive consumption.
The average size of a tiny house is around 20 sqm for a one-bedroom home, increasing to 25 sqm for two bedrooms and above 30 sqm for three. Essentially, anything that is below 50 sqm is considered to be a tiny house.
The tiny house movement also focuses on a certain type of build, one that is mobile and low-cost, yet fully functioning. However, the home can be anchored with building foundations should the mobile nature not be important to you. This type of living enables you to live freer, move whenever you want and save money for the things that matter.
Tiny house options
The variety of tiny houses is unmatched, coming in various sizes, shapes, and designs, from permanent small-scale homes ready-built by specialist companies to stylish and compact mobile homes. These choices cater to all lifestyles and preferences, allowing you to live a life of flexibility and convenience.
You’ll need your own plot of land to place your tiny home. This could be provided by friends or family, or you could purchase a plot of land for yourself. If you do decide to go down the route of building your own home, it’s important to use the right roof insulation, consider what appliances and facilities you require, and install sufficient storage space.
You must also take into account building regulations and limited space, which can impede the establishment of your tiny home. For example, a tiny home cannot alter the land on which it is situated and must fit within the land. Issues will only occur if you obstruct light or a neighbour’s view, which may require planning permission.