TINY HOME TURN KEY SOLUTION
STOCK AT SHORT NOTICE!
Steel Frame/Quality Fitout
Rustic Durable/Low Maintainance Siding 6m right through to 11m sizes available.
Ask on our stand what we have available right now!
6m to 11 meters available DELIVERY AUSTRALIA WIDE
See the large amount of standard Inclusions that make up these amazing Tiny Home packages. Quality brands are only used for the fixtures and fittings.
Brad has over 30 years experience in the building industry, serving clients in the Central coast area and beyond.
If there’s anything the team can help you with at all, give them a call and arrange for a preliminary on site consultation at your convenience. With a fully qualified staff including in house Architect, Brad The Builder specialise in the domestic market, building Granny Flats, new homes and new town houses for set prices or set per sqm prices.
We are excited to welcome all visitors and enquiries to our new Display Centre at 24 Blackburn Road, Ulladulla, NSW. Open Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 3.30pm. Call ahead of your visit so we can give you our undivided attention!
• View our tiny homes on display and enjoy a tour of our factory, all in one location
• We offer sustainable, low impact living for family, employees, contractors and short stays
• Total off-grid solutions available with our portable solar trailers
• We provide delivery and installation services
• Our design team is on hand, ready to help with your custom design
Newcastle Dealership
Contact Danielle on 0408 025 503 Email: danielle@designerecotinyhomes.com.au
“The Ease of Tiny Home Living” breath
Welcome
The tiny home industry is forever evolving, and bringing the events to new and old venues is an exciting process. One of the absolute delights is meeting people who have ‘done it’, and watching them breathe out… possibly for the first time in a long time. There is something psychologically healing about buying and moving into a tiny home - the common remark is “I will never look back, this has been life-changing”.
Our Tiny Home Expos are here for you to discover for yourself how life-changing a tiny house could be for your particular circumstance - here are some great examples from previous events:
In Toowoomba a struggling hobby farmer placed 2 luxury tiny houses on their land and began Farm Stays (which is bringing joy to the weekend tourists and, particularly, the host - who is loving introducing her guests to her life on the farm).
In Adelaide a lady housed her recently widowed mother 100m from her own family home after discovering the family business was in fact in ruin and her mother in unexpected total financial despair.
In Brisbane, a man brought his elderly parents to the expo and bought a small house for them to move in to, relieving them of the constant maintenance and upkeep of their huge acreage home… but without forcing them to sell and move off the land completely - which was a fiercely rejected option.
In Melbourne, a lady housed her newly married daughter so they could start to save for a deposit on a family home without rental stress.
In Brisbane a lady housed her highly autistic 27 year old son… who is now ‘living the dream’ independently; something she never thought would happen in his lifetime.
In NSW, a lady bought 3 tiny houses, 2 of which are used for occasional emergency use by Domestic Violence victims fleeing their abusive partners.
In the QLD Hinterland, a family of 5 fulfilled their lifelong dream of living more aligned with the environment, having more connection to nature, and began a little homestead after years of Sydney City rat race living.
On Russell Island, Gina who is 59, has moved in to her tiny home, off grid, and has finally achieved peace of mind after realising her post-divorce situation was so dire, the reality was living out of her car.
Some of these examples are akin to successful Therapy for the human soul!
When you compare these stories with the naysayers on the internet who declare that tiny houses are illegal (for the record: they are not illegal in any state or any council region in Australia, full stop); that it is impossible to find somewhere to park them (it is actually getting easier and easier to find spots to place tiny houses); and that the ‘the government is forcing people to live in boxes’ (no one is being ‘forced’ in to tiny homes, they are all loving it!)
- it simply highlights that the event has got a lot more work to do on getting information out there and encouraging people to discover the uses of tiny houses and their positive impact on
people’s lives everywhere. Keep in mind that advocacy for an easier path for tiny houses, particularly with dealing with local councils, has never been more active. The housing crisis has created an environment where politicians are being forced to listen to solutions such as those real instances I have highlighted above, however the buck is being passed to councils who are Struggling with non-existent framework with which to include tiny houses in their LGA, and also their very NIMBY attitude towards tiny houses as a whole. What is now needed is - You. Every single phone call to council; Every Email written; Every signature on the many petitions; counts towards someone else being added to the many success stories in and around the tiny house movement. I urge you to keep the momentum going and help get the message across, as I can assure you that, behind the scenes, there is so much positivity and life-changing progress. It can only be described as a shining light across so many ‘crises’ and negative aspects facing society at the moment, and it is a pleasure to a part of a movement that can offer so much positive change to peoples’ lives.
Wise Energy offers innovative, sustainable solutions for off-grid power needs with its Ranger20 which is ideal for tiny homes.
The Ranger20 provides reliable, efficient energy to support tiny home living, ensuring comfort and convenience while minimizing environmental impact. In addition, Wise Energy's rapid deployment, low-cost ground mount solar system is designed for ease of installation and costeffectiveness, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking renewable energy options for residential or commercial applications.
Everything you ever wanted to know about living in a tiny home...
CHECK
SIGNAGE FOR TIMES OR USE THIS QR CODE
Our speakers bring a wealth of knowledge to the event. There are also marquees/ desks in the area with community groups and associations that can help with your questions.
MC - KYLIE BICKLE
With a built environment degree, Kylie embarked on a career designing furniture, objects and spaces. Redirecting towards building sustainability (Living Futures Institute/Green Star) she decided to make public a personal project designed to work within current planning and regulatory frameworks (Brisbane City Council) … creating the change she wanted to see in her own backyard.
In collaboration with ESC Consulting, Kylie wrote Reimagining the Backyard – A Tiny House on Wheels in the Suburbsa case study that demonstrates the transformation of a typical suburban block into a productive, multi-generational shared resource. Since 2021, this document has been used in advocacy across the country because it shows just how easy, affordable, legal and safe siting a THOW can be!
SOLAR: Meet Alex from Wise Energy, who can answer your questions from the very technical to every newbie curiosity.
DESIGN - 3m wide:
There is a popular move from the a 2.4m tiny house on wheels, to 3m wide buildings. Yes they can still be towed, yes they can still be registered, and yes, it will give a lot more room. If you are considering doing this yourself, FRED Schultz, is going to give some insights on going wider. Fred is a cornerstone of the original tiny home movement, and has been a longstanding advocate for tiny houses, as well as heading a “Tiny Home University” for those building their own.
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS -
With Kylie Bickle.
Tiny Houses provide a great place to discover new materials, ecofriendly ideas, and change traditional construction methods. Kylie’s passion on this subject opens discussion on possibilities and where we could be heading in the future.
BOWER -
Building tiny houses with re-usable materials. Discover more about building with recycled materials
and the Bower Centre who facilitate unique courses on this.
TOILETS:
Composting and incinerating toilets are a great alternative for tiny houses, and our experts can give you a thorough Composting Toilets 101 as well as some understanding on grey water when off grid.
AUSTRALIAN TINY HOUSE ASSOCIATION:
(ATHA) President Rochelle Ryan, will explain the role of the association, as well as a conversation on “What is going on with Councils?".
LAND / PARKING A TINY HOUSE:
Meet Briony and hear about her incredible step-by-step journey from ‘broke-as-they-come’, divorced, single mother, to ‘livingit-up-by-the-sea’ in a luxury tiny house. She has a successful ParkMyTinyHouse platform that is like a Matchmaker service for land owners and tiny house ownershear how that works.
Contacts RESOURCES
THE AUSTRALIAN TINY HOUSE ASSOCIATION
WWW.TINYHOUSE.ORG.AU
HEATHER SHEARER - THE CONVERSATION
www.theconversation.com/profiles/heather-shearer-138992/articles
FINANCE
www.gefinance.com.au/tinyhouses
PODCAST www.tinyhouseconversations.com
WASTE WATER
www.waterwally.com.au
FINDING LAND / OFFERING LAND
www.parkmytinyhouse.com.au www.polkadot.org.au/tinyapp
LEGAL LINKS
We have uploaded to the website Studies, Court Cases, Rulings, laws, and letters from Ministers.
RULING: A tiny house on wheels is a caravan
RULING: Council ordered to vacate a ‘show cause’ on a tiny house.
APPEAL: Couple Wins right to have a tiny house in backyard
STUDY: Reimagining the Backyard
LEGAL: Lists of precedent cases that can help
LETTERS: minister letters passing the buck to councils and their lack of understanding of the plight of a tiny house owner
COUNCILS: Links to councils who have tiny house policies (if your council does not have one - show them how it can be implemented)
PETITIONS: you can sign and help
SUBMISSIONS: examples of submissions for advocacy www.tinyhomesexpo.com.au/legal-links
FACEBOOK Groups
Australian Tiny Houses
50,000+ members
Tiny Homes Australia
32,000+ members
Tiny Houses Brisbane & QLD
19,000+ members
Land and Tiny Houses to rent or buy in Australia
49,000+ members
Off the grid Australia
279,000+ members
Small and Tiny Houses Australia 17,000+ members
Tiny Houses - Adelaide & SA 9,000+ members
Tiny Houses buy and Sell Australia
81,000+ members
Acreage, rural properties for sale, swap & wanted 150,000+ members
Container Homes Buy & Sell Australia
10,000+ members
(Not to be confused with “Container Homes Australia" which is not an Australian Group)
Tiny Houses Tasmania 4,000+ members
As the Tiny Home Industry grows, there are a few reports of SCAMS and dodgy builders.
In general, there are few ‘cowboy’ builders in the Tiny Home arena. We would start identifying them by those that stick their business cards and leaflets in the car park of an event (I wonder if there is a reason they were not allowed to exhibit?)
Meeting a builder inside an expo and assessing the workmanship is a huge advantage, so keep to reputable builders who attend events and are part of the Tiny House community and industry in general. Check if they are member of the ATHA. Ask about them on forums (list provided on this page).
LOOK OUT!
Pictures online that are computer renders and not real pics. Builders who NO ONE has heard of, but 10’s of thousands of followers on socials (why do they need to buy followers?) No phone or email - just “contact form” style online communication. Get the name of the COMPANY and do a check.
If you ask a question on a forum and are PM’d by a builder looking like the answer to your dreams… they could actually be your nightmare.
No builder needs to PM you just because you asked an innocent question on a tiny house forum.
Advertisements - too good to be true… and this, Sadly, is how they get everyone.
My kit Homes got $1.4million as people believed they were getting a tiny house kit for just $15k
Off Grid Experts and Aussie Cabins got people to send $18k for a fully kitted out 40ft, 2 bed container homeand ran off with all the money!
The same container is here at the expo for $89k
The commonality here is: The Price is Just Not Right.
CHEAP, NASTY, NON-COMPLIANT
- there are 100’s of entrepreneurs ordering on AliBaba, and importing under-par products from overseas to sell to you with a nice-looking website. Be aware that “Built to Australian Standards” from overseas means utterly nothing at all. Ask if Built to CODE (NCC), or if the building can be Certified as 1A, and the “Australian Standards” go out the window. Some people have gone through hell and spent tens of thousands trying to repair imported junk which is nothing more than ‘land-fill’.
In the beginning, Tiny Houses were a MOVEMENT… a new way of life. Alternative. Sustainable. Under the radar. Off the grid. At one with nature. A peaceful alternative to traditional housing, and affordable. A no-mortgage solution.
In recent years, the popularity of tiny houses has transformed from a niche movement into a mainstream phenomenon, prompting significant interactions with local councils. Originally seen as alternative, sustainable living options—categorized as caravans—tiny houses offered a lifestyle that was off the grid and immersed in nature. In this context, few people considered the need for council permission to purchase or reside in a tiny house. After all, if you were to buy a caravan from a dealer, would you ask if it came with council permission for how you intended to use it? However, as tiny houses gained traction, the narrative shifted dramatically. The rising demand for affordable housing and alternative living arrangements brought tiny houses to the attention of local councils, many of which were unprepared for such a change. Most councils still operate under traditional planning frameworks, primarily focused on larger, more conventional homes. This has created a significant disconnect: local authorities are attempting to fit the concept of tiny houses— often mobile and legally classified as caravans—into outdated definitions that do not adequately accommodate this new form of housing. Legally, tiny houses built on wheels typically fit the definition of a caravan, described as "a vehicle fitted for habitation and capable of being towed." This classification allows for a level of flexibility in terms of planning regulations, enabling tiny house owners to bypass some of the stringent requirements imposed on permanent dwellings. Such provisions are essential, as many tiny house designs cannot meet all the technical requirements dictated by local planning frameworks, which were often created with larger structures in mind. For example, the Australian Tiny House Association (ATHA) has been advocating for clearer guidelines and recognition of tiny houses for over eight years. Despite this, councils across the country seem to be reacting only now, as the housing crisis intensifies. State and federal discussions have included tiny houses as a potential solution, but regulation has been largely devolved to local councils. This has led to a piecemeal approach, with advocates facing the daunting task of educating over 500 individual councils, often resulting in frustration and delays. In 2023, notable political figures like Rose Jackson, the Housing Minister for NSW, criticized councils for acting as "Not In My Backyard" (NIMBY) entities, resisting state-level initiatives. In Victoria, Premier Dan Andrews took decisive action by implementing the VIC Housing Statement, which aimed to cut through bureaucratic red tape. Meanwhile, in South Australia, Housing Minister Nick Champion categorized tiny houses on wheels (THOWs) as "temporary accommodation," an assertion that raises eyebrows given the substantial investment involved in purchasing one. While certain regions, such as Queensland and New South Wales, have begun collaborating with tiny house builders to establish frameworks that recognize their safety and compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC), significant hurdles remain. For instance, challenges related to stair steepness, loft bedroom heights, and space clearance around fixtures have raised doubts about whether tiny houses can fully meet all NCC requirements. The situation is further complicated by the perception that living in a caravan for extended periods somehow transforms it into a permanent structure. Councils often argue that once a caravan is "plumbed" into the ground, it becomes a fixture, thus subjecting it to more stringent regulations. However, existing legislation does not support this notion; a caravan remains a caravan regardless of how long it's occupied. This misunderstanding
is rooted in a misinterpretation of infrastructure regulations regarding ‘plumbing in’ and therefore ‘fixed to the ground’. However they can be plumbed in ’temporarily’, as has been accepted by one judge. (Do see the resource page in the magazine for links to court transcripts) Encouragingly, some forward-thinking councils have begun to amend their caravan regulations to accommodate tiny houses. Esperance in Western Australia stands out as a model for allowing tiny houses as primary and secondary dwellings. Other councils, including Boddington, Ravensthorpe, Capel, Mount Alexander Shire, Surf Coast Shire, Shell Harbour, Port Stephens, Byron Bay, Sunshine Coast, and Noosa, have introduced specific policies recognising tiny houses. For individuals living in areas where policies are still ambiguous, the absence of a formal regulation does not equate to a denial; In Brisbane the absence of a policy has meant the opposite - you can live in a caravan in your backyard, and the council will not interfere unless a neighbour complaint is received. However, residents must remain vigilant. Local councils are obligated to respond to complaints, and disputes between tiny house owners and neighbors have often stemmed from issues like noise, inadequate waste management, or perceived invasions of privacy. Consequently, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and maintaining good relations with neighbors is paramount.
YOU ARE AN ADVOCATE:
Each inquiry made to councils or elected officials, whether through phone calls, letters, or emails, contributes to the advocacy effort for tiny houses. Groundlevel engagement is crucial in promoting the message: affordable housing is a pressing need, and communities deserve the right to live peacefully, regardless of the size of their homes. In conclusion, as the tiny house movement continues to evolve, it is essential for local councils to adapt their regulations to meet the needs of this burgeoning lifestyle. The intersection of tiny houses and local governance is complex, but with sustained advocacy and dialogue, it is possible to create a regulatory environment that recognizes the value of tiny houses as a legitimate and viable housing option. It is time for councils to embrace this change, paving the way for innovative solutions to the housing crisis while fostering communities that embody sustainability and affordability.
THE OPPOSITE OF ADVOCACY
Jumping up and down. Making entitled statements. Calling councils stupid and corrupt. Statements such as “Tiny Houses will solve homelessness" (not true at all). And, (this one we get a lot), giving them a long, long list of your personal circumstances, stories of woe, bad luck, and perceived oppression, as a reason to bend the rules… IS ALL THE OPPOSITE OF ADVOCACY. In fact, as explained by our speaker, Mr Yarwood, it is actually called ‘Corruption”!
Asking the council to simply bypass all the normal rules a primary dwelling needs to adhere to, just because your house is small and you want what you want, without any council interference, is counterproductive to advocacy efforts. You will need a DA/Planning permission like everyone else on the street. Being calm, and repeatedly asking for a pathway to achieve your tiny house dream, however, is productive and IS ADVOCACY.
Visit: www.tinyhomesexpo.com.au/legal-links to discover lots more information regarding tiny houses and councils / laws. Also www.tinyhomesexpo.com.au/tiny-house-councils covers why councils ’think’ they are tiny house friendly, but are not!
With 20+ years of manufacturing experience, DIAMONDSTEEL© is your trusted partner for custom-designed light gauge steel DiamondTough© frames and CrystalClad© cladding for tiny homes (plus cabins, studios, granny flats, offices, sheds, parent retreats, man caves, self storage pods…). We custom design and manufacture it ourselves. DIY flat pack. Trailer mounted. Frame-only or to lock-up with walls, windows and door. Select Corro, Trimdeck and Four Seasons Insulated Cladding© in a range of stylish colours. From Bathurst to anywhere in Australia.
P 1800 DIAMOND E sales@diamondsteelframes.com.au 82 Corporation Avenue, Bathurst NSW 2795 W www.diamondsteelframes.com.au
Mobile Modular Homes that adapt to your life's vision the ideal balance of conventional and tiny house living
Our homes are integrated with their own no-nonsense, commercial truck trailers; certified roadworthy and registerable.
Adapt Homes are large! Twice the size and four times the load capacity of a traditional THOW. Built to the National Construction Code they not only look and feel like a real house, they are one! Tel: 1800 875 474
Email: hello@adapt.homes
Visit Our display house: 7/1 Dairy Road, Fyshwhick, ACT 2906 Australia
www.adapt.homes
South-East Water Tanks are your locally owned and operated family and veteran owned business supplying and installing Pioneer Water Tanks throughout Bega Valley, Eurobodalla, Queanbeyan-Palerang, Snowy Monaro, Yass Valley and Canberra/ACT regions. Pioneer water tanks are Australian owned & operated manufactured with Australian made Bluescope, Zincalume & Colorbond steel and are built to last with innovative design, technology & manufacturing standards AND have a standard 20 year warranty. Tank sizes range from 10,000 through to 500,000 ltrs and are designed for domestic, farming, fire fighting and industrial applications, our tanks will meet your BASIX and CFA water requirements alongside your tiny home.
sales@southeastwatertanks.com.au 0436 350 074 0436 113 975
Let’s Change the way we Build
Discover the Future of Australian Housing: Innovative Modular Tiny Homes by System3E Australia
Looking for an affordable, sustainable, and cutting-edge building solution for your new home or tiny home project? System3E Australia has spent the last two years perfecting a modular home system that meets the highest Australian standards, and we’re proud to offer you an innovative, eco-friendly solution for your next build. Why Choose System3E Modular Homes?
- Certified to the National Construction Code:** After extensive work and multiple visits to Poland, our modular homes are certified to the highest A1 class building standards.
- Precision Engineered for Quality:** Manufactured in Poland with top-tier craftsmanship, our walling system is assembled on-site in Australia for a quick and efficient build.
- One-System Efficiency: Our modular walling system combines bricks, studs, and insulation all in one, meaning you save time and money by dealing with a single trade instead of multiple
contractors.
- No Skilled Labour Needed: Our innovative dry-stack, self-interlocking system is so easy to install, there’s no need for specialised labour. It’s as simple as stacking blocks—think of it like building with LEGO!
- Eco-Friendly & Sustainable: Made from natural materials—perlite and volcanic rock—our system is not only fireresistant, mould-resistant, and energy-efficient, but it also has a carbon footprint up to 2/3 lower than traditional building materials. Plus, it’s 100% recyclable and uses significantly less water during the construction process. Speed and Efficiency: In Europe, two workers can assemble up to 150 sqm of walling per day, and our system makes it easy to build your dream home fast. From initial installation to the lock-up stage, we supply everything you need: external and internal walls, doubleglazed windows, roof structures, and Colourbond finishes.
Our Tiny Homes & Modular Homes Pricing:
- 34sqm One-Bedroom, One-Bathroom Tiny Home: $35,000 + shipping/freight cost & GST
- 75sqm Two-Bedroom, One-Bathroom Home: $75,000 + shipping & GST/freight cost
- 98sqm Two-Bedroom, 1.5-Bathroom Home with Mudroom & Storage: $100,000 + shipping/freight cost & GST
- 105sqm Three-Bedroom, OneBathroom Home with Walk-in Wardrobe & Laundry: $105,000 + shipping /freight cost & GST
- 160sqm Three-Bedroom, 2.5-Bathroom Home with Two Dining Areas: $160,000 + shipping & GST Flexible Solutions for your build allows you to work with your skills, taste and budget for the fit out.
Ready to Start Your Build!
Join the modular housing revolution with System3E Australia and experience the future of construction—faster, greener, and more cost-effective. Contact us today to learn more or get a quote for your new home! System3E Australia is committed to bringing you the most advanced modular home solutions available, backed by years of expertise, international quality standards, and an unwavering focus on sustainability.
AUSTRALIAN MADE
Unleash your imagination Transformer Houses and Buildings Pty Ltd tradings as www.foldupbuildings.com.au
Your two story house creating 54.6 sq metres of enclosed living space with verandahs.
You can purchase this building at various stages:
• Your blank canvas for your DIY $65k, Blank Canvas with www.nashco.com.au infill for doors and windows with your DIY $87k
• Lock up depending up outside cladding materials with your DIY $120k
• Turn the key depending upon your choices in fit out approx.$210k
All pricing will depend upon the cost of materials at the time of entering the contract.
"If you’re anything like most people we meet, you want to buy a Tiny House but you’re putting it off because you’re worried you’ll have nowhere to put it. That’s exactly why we created ParkMyTinyHouse, a land matching service connecting property owners with people like you who want to live in a Tiny House but need to live on rented land.
We’ve had great success over 3 years of providing this service, and have helped hundreds of people just like you find their dream Tiny House parking spots!
With 70+ listings Australia-wide at any time and new ones added weekly, there’s a spot for almost everyone.
OR are you considering buying a Tiny House to AirBnb? Let someone else bring their own Tiny and rent them the empty space for similar income instead!
Scan the QR to find out how it all works."
Briony Jenkinson ParkMyTinyHouse
Build A Tiny House from reclaimed materials
The Bower's unique hands-on 6-day course gives you all the skills and techniques to build a tiny house on wheels from trailerbase to roof. Guided by professional carpenters, course participants build and learn through doing, including raising four walls, installing windows, doors, roof and cladding to weather-tight. Find out more BOOK NOW for next course - March 10-15, 2025
Cost $2,500 + booking fee
P: 0417 668 957
E: media@bower.org.au www.bower.org.au
Eco昀o Wastewater Management is the leading manufacturer and retailer of waterless composting toilets and greywater systems in Australia.
Based in Brisbane, they provide solutions that are environmentally smart and costeffective for domestic, commercial, off-grid, camping and accommodation-based purposes.
eco昀o.com.au info@eco昀o.com.au
Weathertex a better choice... naturally!
Australian family owned manufacturer of sustainable timber weatherboards and wall panels.
Weathertex ticks all the boxes, it's 100% natural, made from 97% hardwood and 3% paraffin wax. We have a very unique manufacturing process and the only product of its kind in the world containing NO added silica, glues, resins or formaldehydes. It's the ultimate natural cladding solution for anyone seeking sustainable building materials at no extra cost. Weathertex a better choice for you, your family and the planet... naturally!
Build A Bigger Tiny House Using Steel Frames from Metframe Australia.
As a leading tiny house steel framing manufacturer, our steel framing systems are a smarter way to build stronger, lighter, and bigger tiny houses that still meet towing weight restrictions. We can custom make your tiny house steel frames to your exact specifications, or you can choose from our range of off-the-shelf frame designs. Either option can be quicker, lighter, and more affordable than timber. Use steel and get more in your tiny house.
WHEELIE ROOMS
Best Budget Build Finalist - Tiny Home Industry Awards 2023
Fred’s Tiny Houses
Leading Tiny House Trailer Manufacturer/Educator since 2015
Dreaming of a Tiny House but not sure where to start? Fred’s Tiny Houses is here to guide you. As a leading Australian tiny house trailer manufacturer and education provider, we specialize in building strong, compliant tiny house trailers and empowering builders—DIYers and professionals alike—to create safe, durable tiny homes.
Why Choose Fred’s Tiny Houses?
Proven Expertise: Since 2015, we've educated and supported hundreds of Australians to build tiny houses that last. We’re proud to offer fully compliant trailers engineered to meet national standards and to build tiny houses that withstand
all Australian climates.
Unique Building Approach: Our Unified Construction Method® ensures the strongest attachment between house and trailer, offering maximum stability for on-road transport and long-term durability.
A Trailer for Every Builder: We’ll help you find the best trailer fit for your needs with our Tiny House Trailer Quiz, whether you’re building a food truck or a luxury tiny house for full time living or anything in between. Don’t Miss This Offer at the Canberra Tiny House Expo
On Display: Check out our 9-meter flat-top tiny house trailer at the Expo—fully compliant and ready for registration in Australia.
Buy On-Site and Save: Purchase this trailer during the Expo and get FREE DELIVERY within 50 km of the event!
More Than Just Trailers
Workshops & Courses: Learn to build safely and confidently at our workshops or take our popular online course—over 200 people have already completed their tiny houses!
Podcast for Builders and Advocates: Dive into the Candid Tiny House Podcast for DIY tips, insights into local laws, and interviews with builders.
New Product: Interested in more space? Our 3mwide extension base is fully engineered and compliant, giving you extra room without compromising safety or quality.
(03) 5472 2130 9am - 5pm Weekdays www.fredstinyhouses.com.au
ARE TINY HOMES ILLEGAL?
No. "Tiny homes" are not illegal. They may be subject to your local council rules and regulations.
CAN I BUY LAND AND STICK A TINY HOUSE ON IT?
Vacant land means you will be trying to place your tiny house as a "Primary Dwelling", which entails the same/very similar application process through council as a normal size house. Think about Emergency Services (where do they come to?). Postal service. Town infrastructure.. if 100 families move in to a small community, are there appropriate schools/hospitals and other services available. Most importantly, Environmental Impact. Are you prepared for grey water waste, toilet waste? It can't just be buried into the land... even if it is YOUR land, because it can affect neighbouring land, wildlife etc. These are the aspects council will take most interest in. If the land has a primary dwelling already - then, as a SECONDARY dwelling, tiny houses have a much easier path.
DO COUNCILS ALLOW TINY HOUSES - DO I NEED A PERMIT?
Answer is No and No. Because most council's do not recognise a "Tiny House", hence why people use the term Caravan or Mobile/moveable dwelling. AND.... every single council is different. There are few councils that require a ‘tiny house permit’ other than the Sunshine’s Coasts ‘Healthy Places – temporary accommodation application’. There are 537 councils in Australia. Just THREE of these properly recognise a tiny house. Just 3!! After 8 years of solid advocacy this is dismal. Others may 'refer' to tiny
houses - however a recent conversation with a council uncovered that they were meaning 60sqm+ tiny houses? This highlights why - when you call council and ask about a Tiny House - their vision of a Tiny House and yours will likely be exceptionally different! Thus, the initial information they are giving for "Tiny Houses" is not accurate, nor meets your needs. This is a problem when making first enquiries with council.
CAN I BUY A 3-4-5 BED TINY HOUSE?
If you need several bedrooms, you may be looking for a "Modular - or a house not on wheels). We have seen 3 bedroom configurationsalthough we have not seen 4/5 - yet. They are "Tiny Houses"really small - AND they must weigh less than 4.5tonne if they are to be towed anywhere as this is the weight limit allowed on the roads. So as soon as you go bigger and bigger, you quickly reach the weight limit. A better option is to consider 2 small tiny houses, or look for a separate shower/toilet/utility that can be placed adjacent to the tiny house - add a wheelie room or two and a patio in between. A clever building design can achieve this. Modular houses can also achieve more bedrooms.
ARE THERE TINY HOUSE VILLAGES?
There is not a day that we do not receive a phone call from a passionate person asking why council do not get land and put lots of houses on it to ease the housing despair some people are going through. There is a huge attachment between tiny homes and homelessness. In essence, this sounds like an easy fix - and an entire BOOK needs to be
Regular questions that come to our office, and are seen on various Tiny house Community Forums, and also asked in our Speaker Hall...
written on this. In short, few councils have shown interest in tiny house villages as a homelessness fix. And the handful of communities who have achieved this/or tried to achieve this, have done so with both a lot of legal infrastructure and council liaison, which comes with some high administrational costs... which goes against the concept of "affordable housing".
A recent phone call with a housing representative, suggested buying a Caravan Park is the only way to set up a tiny home village.... it is unclear if such a caravan park would be able to house long term residents or just holiday maker style accommodation. Which again, goes against the grain of what is trying to be achieved. Behind the scenes there are village set-ups being set up that we are keeping an eye on - some work, some do not. There are also some council-backed "tinycommunities" for charities in the form of Nestd, YouTurn, and similar. It is a very complex issue, and the reasons would be in the answer on this page to the question - Can I Buy Land and Stick a Tiny House On It?
CAN I TRAVEL AROUND AUSTRALIA IN MY TINY HOUSE?
Not recommended at all. Caravans are built for this - Tiny Houses are not. They’re built to be moved less often. There is a massive difference in size and height, and in general, they are not built to be taken on the road perpetually, but can be moved once or twice a year if necessary.
ON WHEELS / OFF WHEELS?
Tiny houses can be on wheels or on skids. Either way they are a moveable/ portable/ temporary dwelling.
CAN TINY HOUSE BE INSURED?
This is another grey area, BECAUSE Government will not recognise and define a tiny house. When you call insurance, you say “tiny house”, and their computer has no drop down box for 'Tiny House'! So you need to make a decision on whether the tiny house is a CARAVAN or a moveable dwelling, transportable temporary dwelling etc (the clue will be in looking up terms the insurance company use on their website beforehand)… and then stick to those words. CIL/Suncorp DO recognise a tiny house (because the President of the ATHA works there and made a point of knocking on the CEO’s door!). It seems a bit of Pot Luck that some people breeze through with insurance, and other claim it is impossible. We think it is the ‘wording’ enquirers are using.
CAN I GET A TINY HOUSE MORTGAGE?
No. Not in the traditional sense of a 25+years, low interest, Insured mortgage. HOWEVER, there are movers and shakers in the industry changing all that - keep an eye on Great Escape Finance as they plough through this minefield of tiny finance and keep coming up with better packages for people. Right now you can finance a tiny house along similar lines of a personal loan, and Great Escape are experts on this subject.
CAN I AIRBNB A TINY HOUSE / FARM STAY HOST?
Actually, under current rules, it is easier to AirBNB/short stay a tiny house than live in one on your own property - which is not cool for people under housing pressure, and is a strong reason why councils should be evening up the
Home Sweet Home “ ”
playing field. If you have land and wish to place a tiny house on your land for AirBNB, you can buy a tiny house -set it up at your cost and advertise your 'holiday accommodation". ALSO, consider if you own land, that you could host people who BRING THEIR OWN tiny house, and just would like to rent a portion of your land only. No upfront costs to the landowner, and an easy, quick return @ $100$200 per week. Take a look at Parkmytinyhouse.com.au
ARE ALL TINY HOUSES SAFE AND BUILT TO CODE?
No they are not. There are no regulations. This CAN open the industry to cowboys and you should be very astute in researching your tiny house builder. It is noticed on buy
and sell groups/facebook and gumtree that there are hundreds of "tiny houses for sale". An astute builder will have a Website and social media pages with contact details - will be a member of the ATHA - will be either at an expo, or have a showroom you can visit and be open in their dealings with you. Many have builder licences, some can offer BAL certifications and other legitimate paperwork regarding work completed on your house. They will have a professional contract of sale (an invoice/receipt is not a contract).
Please be aware that a tiny house builder is not obligated to inspect your land and prepare your land. They are providing a mobile dwelling. If you order one and want it
placed halfway up a mountain, or even in the middle of a field - placing it there and getting set up safely (pinning down for high winds) is actually YOUR job. Some builders may offer this service, IF it is in their contract. Gas fittings, fire safety, electrical, plumbing, and all aspects of your home should be scrutinised before you order - performed by a qualified tradesperson. And, as with anything, you often get what you pay for. Be realistic. Is a cheap, imported prefabrication going to be a robust, council compliant Home? If you buy cheap, expect to do some 'extras' to bring it up to standard at the very least.
OFF GRID / ON GRID?
Either. The Pro's of an off grid
is the re-sale market is bigger. The house can change to ANY location, not just on grid locations. Investing up-front on off grid electricity, water and toilets, is a long term saving and fits well with the notion that tiny houses are eco friendly, sustainable and save you money.
WHERE TO FIND
Check the Resources page in this magazine - they are invaluable for getting great information on everything “Tiny"
