Sunshine Coast - your guide to tiny houses, the people, the exhibitors, and research
Every new member strengthens our ability to advocate for better housing policy in Australia . All over Australia, more people are turning to tiny homes because conventional housing is no longer within reach.
Benefits include:
Financial independence
Stronger communities.
But outdated planning rules and inconsistent regulations mean that many Australians still struggle to live tiny legally.
The Australian Tiny House Association is working with governments, councils and industry leaders to change that.
And the stronger our membership, the stronger our voice.
Welcome
WELCOME - Our 5th Year of Tiny Home Expos
Back when the Expo was first conceived in 2019/2020, there was a lingering suspicion that tiny houses might just be a fad — a cute, Instagrammable fantasy lifestyle. A phase. A “look at my adorable cabin in the woods” moment.
Then Brisbane 2021 happened. Our very first Tiny Home Expo event. A complete sell-out.
And it became clear that tiny homes weren’t a fad — they were a movement, an option, a necessity, and a viable solution.
Since then, the Expo has welcomed more than a quarter of a million people through its gates, inspired dozens of new builders and businesses, supported advocacy efforts, introduced new services, and shown Australia an entire world of possibility — all tucked inside 15–35sqm of space.
As the organiser, it has certainly been a learning curve. While everyone else is admiring dreamy lofts, clever architecture and beautiful design choices, I’m usually knee-deep in tiny house regulations — and on top of that, council event paperwork: maps, checklists, hazard analyses… you name it. (If rules and legislation ever become an Olympic sport, I will be bringing home gold for Australia.)
Beyond the endless admin, I feel incredibly fortunate. I get a privileged view of the people behind the homes — the builders, the buyers, and the community of helpers who guide others into their tiny house life. I often receive calls from someone, somewhere in Australia, who assumes we are a tiny house builder and is ready to purchase. Instead, they receive a five-year crash course in everything they didn’t know they needed to know. Or someone rings because a neighbour or council has thrown a spanner in the works. (I can’t deny it: I do enjoy a good council tussle — because every win clears the path a little more for the next pioneer.)
Then there are the builders enquiring about exhibiting. They proudly list every detail of their joinery, cladding, tiles and cabinetry — and I gently remind them that visitors aren’t choosing between “white subway tile” and “a timber feature wall.” Visitors are choosing a builder, not just a house. Tiny homes are deeply personal, and people want to trust the human building their future retreat, homestead, holiday stay or forever home. Yes, every builder can add storage, adjust a wall or create stunning features — but only you can bring your personality. That’s what people connect with.
This is why time spent at the Expo is so rewarding. You’re not just browsing homes — you’re meeting the very people who may walk alongside you on your journey. In the speaker area, you’ll hear stories that are raw, emotional, inspiring
and wonderfully human. Don’t be surprised if you feel emotional too. Tiny houses tend to do that. They make us reflect on what truly matters. So feel free to be passionate, overwhelmed, curious, cautious, excited — or all of the above at once. You’re not alone. That’s what we’re here for: to help, assist, encourage and steady the path.
This magazine is your guide to the event and a snapshot of the people ready to support you long after you leave the gates. It is not a definitive rulebook, and it cannot cover every “it depends” scenario — so please ask questions. That is the only way to find the answers that apply to you.
Most of all, be inspired. Many have done this before you. Very few regret it. All have found it a little difficult and a little confusing at the beginning.
And most importantly, know that you are not alone. This is a whole community — Australia-wide — and we hope to inspire you on your own journey.
Everything you ever wanted to know about living in a tiny home...
USE THIS QR CODE FOR TIMES
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.
Your MC: Kylie Bickle
With a degree in the built environment, Kylie began her career designing furniture, objects and spaces before pivoting into building sustainability (Living Futures Institute/Green Star). Determined to create the change she wanted to see in her own backyard, she developed a project designed to work within existing planning and regulatory frameworks (Brisbane City Council).
In collaboration with ESC Consulting, Kylie authored Reimagining the Backyard – A Tiny House on Wheels in the Suburbs, a case study transforming a typical suburban block into a productive, multi-generational shared resource. Since 2021, it has been used nationwide in advocacy, demonstrating just how achievable, affordable, legal and safe siting a THOW can be.
FINANCE
Mortgages, loans and credit can feel overwhelming. Jamie Mitchell brings expertise in both tiny houses and finance, sharing practical steps to become finance-ready and answering your questions about lending options across a range of circumstances.
INSPIRATION
Hear directly from those who have already made the leap. Discover why they chose tiny living, how they navigated the obstacles, and what life truly looks like on the other side. Meet Vicky Sinclair, Briony Jenkinson, Danielle Lester and Kim Connelly — each with powerful, personal stories of change.
SUSTAINABILITY
With Kylie Bickle
Explore the future of sustainable building materials. Kylie opens the conversation on why we should be using safer, longer-lasting, environmentally responsible products — and how practical those choices really are.
AUSTRALIAN TINY HOUSE ASSOCIATION
ATHA is the voluntary organisation that assists the industry advocating for clearer rules and regulation. Joined by Advocate and event organiser, Phae Barrett, discover behind the scenes information on rules and regulations and how we are campaigning for changes.
SITE PLAN 101 – With Chris Vella
The masterclass you didn’t know you needed. Placement, preparation, water, sewerage, waste, egress — it’s all covered. With over 100
off-grid installations under his belt, Chris delivers the practical insights you must know before your tiny house arrives.
FINDING LAND
The number one question: where can you park your tiny house?
Beyond purchasing land, what real options exist? And if you own land, could hosting a tiny house be an opportunity? Briony shares practical guidance from over five years of connecting owners with land — alongside her inspiring journey as a single mum thriving in tiny living.
QUESTIONS + ANSWERS
Bring your questions. Our Q+A panel offers direct access to experienced builders, owners and industry professionals. There is no better way to gain honest, real-world insight.
The views expressed by presenters are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Tiny Home Expo organisers, nor do they constitute legal or general advice.
With more than 15 years’ experience in the construction industry, CozyCo are bringing high quality builds utilising the best, locally sourced materials to the Tiny Home world. With extensive research and careful product selection, we bring you not only functional living spaces with our one-bedroom apartment style homes; we ensure your home is built with in the rules and regulations of a home on wheels! Our homes have been developed in conjunction with a building designer, with local suppliers in mind, allowing you to select your preferred colour palette and finishes with ease, ensuring you are buying into your perfect home! With modern finishes, high quality fixtures, and extensive inclusions; once you receive your CozyCo Tiny Home, you will feel right at home!
We can’t wait to hear from you! info@cozyco.au 0400 879 506Chris@cozycotinyhomes
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delivered site ready fully insulated - floor, walls, ceiling engineered with a sturdy core steel frame kitchen appliances included + aircon customisable to suit NDIS criteria full support for the council approval process
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It has been an absolute pleasure working with Alphaline. From start to finish, their team was professional, friendly, informative and genuinely committed to creating something special.
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ARE TINY HOMES ILLEGAL?
No. Tiny homes are not illegal — but they are subject to local council rules.
CAN I BUY LAND AND PUT A TINY HOUSE ON IT?
If it’s vacant land, you’re applying for a Primary Dwelling — similar process to a standard house. Councils assess emergency access, postal services, infrastructure capacity, and environmental impact (waste, water, runoff). Even on your own land, you can’t simply bury waste — it affects neighbours and wildlife.
If there’s already a primary dwelling, a tiny home as a Secondary Dwelling is usually far easier.
DO COUNCILS ALLOW TINY HOUSES? DO I NEED A PERMIT?
Most councils don’t formally recognise “tiny houses.” That’s why terms like caravan or movable dwelling are used.
There are 537 councils in Australia — only eleven properly recognise tiny homes. Councils aren’t being difficult; they simply lack a framework. So they apply standard housing rules.
WA has a pathway. NSW has one. VIC has some supportive councils. QLD is still navigating state-level guidelines.
WHAT ABOUT MODULAR?
A tiny house on wheels is legally a caravan.
If you want a small, fixed dwelling with full council approval, consider modular (not on wheels). Most comply with the National Construction Code and are more easily approved. You’ll see examples at the expo.
ARE THERE TINY HOUSE VILLAGES?
It sounds simple — it isn’t.
Multiple dwellings can trigger a Change of Land Use, often requiring Caravan Park status. Land, compliance, planning and environmental approvals cost millions. Private developers rarely do this cheaply.
There are successes: Moora Moora (VIC), Capel Shire (WA), and an eco-village in Gosford (NSW). Some coops and transitional housing projects (like Nestd and Youturn) also exist.
The WA village launching in 2027 may help shift regulation. Meanwhile, there are many Co-ops and ‘under the radar’ villages that are successful.
CAN I TRAVEL AUSTRALIA IN A TINY HOUSE?
Not recommended. Caravans are built for constant travel. Tiny houses are built to move occasionally. Touring “micro-house” designs are the exception.
Regular questions that come to our office, and are seen on various Tiny house Community Forums, and also asked in our Speaker Hall...
CAN TINY HOUSES BE INSURED?
Yes — but it depends on location and setup.
Some insurers prefer homes off wheels. Flood zones can be difficult. On wheels, some can be insured as caravans. Off wheels, companies like YOUI may insure them. Some owners choose to self-insure.
CAN I GET A TINY HOUSE MORTGAGE?
Not a traditional 25-year mortgage.
Finance options currently resemble personal loans, though companies like Great Escape Finance are working to improve access.
CAN I AIRBNB A TINY HOUSE?
Ironically, short-stay is often easier than permanent living. Which in the current housing climate is a realisation that state and council regulators should be thoroughly ashamed of.
Landowners can place a tiny home for holiday use, because this is seen as 'temporary stays' — Alternatively, rent space to someone who brings their own tiny house ($150–$250/week). See ParkMyTinyHouse.com.au.
ARE ALL TINY HOUSES BUILT TO CODE?
No. There are no specific regulations and few tiny houses on wheels can meet the NCC - written for large traditional houses.
However, this does not mean they are shabbily made, it means the NCC didn’t think of anything under 50sqm when writing their construction code!.
Do research your builder carefully. Look for websites with contact info, social media presence with real pics and deliveries, attendance to expos, showroom access, licences, contracts (not just invoices), and proper certifications (BAL, electrical, gas, plumbing).
NOTE: Builders supply the house— site prep and placement are usually your responsibility. So if you are expecting it halfway up a mountain to catch a view… you may need a professional site preparation, some big machinery to get it in place and some expert planning.
Finally, you really do get what you pay for - please think twice when you see super cheap imports masquerading as “tiny houses” online. There are many woeful stories, and the Tiny House industry distances itself from those units for a reason.
OFF-GRID OR ON-GRID?
Either.
Off-grid increases resale flexibility and location freedom. Upfront investment in power, water and waste can mean longterm savings — and aligns with the sustainable ethos of tiny living.
RESOURCES
Good places to do further research
JOIN: The Tiny House Association www.tinyhouse.org.au
DISCOVER: The Tiny House Industry www.tinyhouseindustry.com.au
FINANCE: www.gefinance.com.au
CONSULT: www.theoppositeofchaos.com.au
FIND LAND: www.parkmytinyhouse.com.au
INSTALLATION: www.tinyhomeinstallations.com.au
EXPOS: www.tinyhomesexpo.com.au
JOIN: Facebook groups in Australia - there is a list on this page
SOCIALS: See groups to join on this page. Be aware that many comments are based on very individual circumstances, and the ’naysaying’ is prolific. 10’s of thousands are successfully living in their tiny houses without issue - please keep positive.
Websites Info
ADVOCATE/COUNCILS/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
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
FACEBOOK Groups
Australian Tiny Houses
52,000+ members
Tiny Homes Australia
40,000+ members
Tiny Houses Brisbane & QLD
25,000+ members
Land and Tiny Houses to rent or buy in Australia
56,000+ members
Off the grid Australia
285,000+ members
Small and Tiny Houses Australia
18,400+ members
Tiny Houses - Adelaide & SA
9,200+ members
Tiny Houses buy and Sell Australia
91,000+ members
Acreage, rural properties for sale, swap & wanted
166,000+ members
Container Homes Buy & Sell Australia
13,000+ members
(Not to be confused with “Container Homes Australia" which is not an Australian Group)
Tiny Houses Tasmania 5,500+ members
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 $1.4 million 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 home - and 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. Alternative. Sustainable. Off-grid. Under the radar. A no-mortgage rebellion against traditional housing. Living closer with natureless stuff.
They were legally caravans: vehicles fitted for habitation and capable of being towed. No one buying a caravan ever asked if it came with council permission to live in it — and early tiny house owners didn’t either. Simple.
Then the housing crisis hit.
Suddenly tiny houses weren’t quirky — they were an option, and a solver of affordability issues - and have become more political. The current crisis pushed them into the spotlight, and councils, operating under frameworks written for large suburban homes, were unprepared. Trying to fit mobile dwellings into outdated definitions has created confusion nationwide. And quite frankly, a lot of anger too.
ATHA (Australian Tiny House Association) has advocated for clearer recognition for over eight years. Meanwhile, more than 500 councils are left to interpret rules individually. The result? A patchwork of policy, frustration and delay.
majority of councils reaction to a tiny house is to do nothing at all, until a neighbour complains. It is possibly correct to state that 100% of issues that come to a tiny house owner, came because of a neighbour complaint. Personally, I would go and see my neighbours long before I would entertain a phone call to council to ask for permission. Understandably, few people want to invest in a whole tiny house on the basis that their neighbour could cause significant issues and this is what brings us to advocacy.
Currently, the situation is that State pushes the problem to Council ,and council feel that State has not given them a framework. It’s almost a stalemate - and something has to give. Be assured, they will not be ‘banned’. Be assured that councils will not be running around conducting mass evictions. The situation will get better as the powers that be get their heads around this new style of living. Meanwhile, there are pathways if you can look at it with a bit of a ‘temporary’ outlook - (and hope that within 2 years, things will change - because we think it will). Also, consider that '2 years' as an opportunity for you to write 104 weekly emails, chasing up your council. This is advocacy!
Some progress exists. WA has created workable pathways. NSW is moving. A small handful of councils in VIC created their own policies. QLD are collaborating with builders to address National Construction Code concerns — things like stair angles, loft heights and clearances. But hurdles remain and as with anything ‘government’ - Oh so slow!
A key sticking point is the myth that living long-term in a caravan magically turns it into a permanent structure - and therefore must be built to NCC - despite the NCC not taking into account anything under 50sqm, built Off-Site and moveable , and not fixed to the land title. Legally, a caravan is not subject to building orders, and this has been through courts in QLD, NSW and recently the Vic Building Appeals Board. Please be assured, tiny houses are winning with the judges! A caravan remains a caravan. Even temporary plumbing connections have been upheld in court. The confusion stems from misreading infrastructure rules — not legislation.
In response, councils have kind of ‘done nothing’. The
Now, let’s talk about what advocacy is not.
Yelling. Calling councils useless, moneygrabbing and uncaring (even if they are!). Claiming tiny houses will “solve homelessness (they won’t). Demanding special treatment because your house is small. That is not advocacy — it’s counterproductive. As one of our speakers bluntly puts it, asking officials to ignore the rules just for you, edges into corruption.
Calm persistence, asking for a clear pathway, and working within the system — that’s advocacy. (You can still be quietly outraged - I know I am!)
For deeper legal resources and highlights on some good, (and some bad) councils dealing with tiny houses, visit www.tinyhomesexpo.com.au/legal-links
Visit: www.tinyhomesexpo.com.au/legal-links here you will discover lots of information on court actions, and movement around rules and regs. Also, if you want to contact your state representative, or local council - there are some tips on how to approach it: here: www.tinyhomesexpo.com.au/advocate101
At Modular Building Brokers, we believe in making your Tiny Home journey as stress-free as possible. We liaise with your build factory to get your home on your land and liveable. This includes earthworks, certifications, council approvals, transport of build, connection of services, septic/treatment plants, installation, decking, and Final Certificate of Occupancy. Safe, legal, and done right the first time.
Give us a call on 0477 409 449, or email sales@mbbrokers.com.au.
ACN: 684 445 921
ABN: 36 684 445 921
QBCC: 1550 6557
YOUR TINY HOME
Perfect as a Tiny Home, guest suite, or Air BNB; built for versatility and speed, also great for accommodation, workspaces, or investment properties anywhere in Australia. Each unit is fully insulated against Australia’s harsh climate and our 6m expanding units come standard with a kitchenette and bathroom. When combined with one of our purpose-built trailers your mobile housing needs are answered. Talk to us about our fit-out options.
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At Bush Sweat Sauna Co, our mission is simple: to bring people together. We believe in the power of connection and shared experiences. Using the timeless tradition of sauna, we aim to create spaces where people can relax, laugh, and bond while reaping the many physical and mental health benefits of sauna use. Rooted in wellness and community, we’re here to share the warmth and make meaningful connections more accessible to everyone.
Why We Sauna
We sauna because it’s a powerful way to recharge both the body and mind. The heat from the sauna promotes relaxation, relieves stress,
and boosts circulation, helping to improve overall health and wellness.
But it’s more than just physical benefits - sauna also creates a space for mental clarity, allowing us to pause, unwind, and connect with ourselves and others. The ritual of sweating it out together creates a sense of community, turning a simple wellness practice into a shared experience that brings people closer. At Bush Sweat Sauna Co, we sauna to create moments of connection, promote health and embrace the warmth that comes from being together.
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 4 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 or go to our website for more info: www.parkmytinyhouse.com.au
Briony Jenkinson ParkMyTinyHouse
Tiny Home Installations, with Chris Vella
Want to go off-grid with a tiny home but aren't sure where to start? Need transport, power and water connection, site preparation advice?
Chris Vella has installed over 100 tiny homes across Australia. We offer a lay-person consultation that digs into every tiny aspect, you may not have even thought of all of them. Peace of mind - simple, easy to follow instructionsVideo consultations and follow-up. Or, we can deliver and install on your behalf.
Start here:
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