Beyond the traditional 3 or 4 bedroom family home, a growing number of Kiwis are discovering the benefits and surprising versatility of small homes and cabins. Whether it's on-farm accommodation for workers, adding a second dwelling for family members, adding a rental property to the lifestyle block, or just downsizing the parents onto a more manageable setting, these compact dwellings are proving to be sought after for their affordability, sustainability, and flexibility.
This growing popularity of building smaller homes is more than just a trend, it's a fundamental shift in values towards more sustainable, affordable, and flexible living. From greater financial freedom and a lighter environmental footprint to providing versatile solutions for extended family, remote work, or income generation, tiny homes and compact dwellings offer a world of untapped possibilities! The top 4 benefits of smaller homes are outlined below.
The financial burden of traditional home ownership has become quite daunting and in some cases impossible for many young people. Small homes, sleepouts, cabins and cottages can offer a more accessible and manageable entry point onto the property ladder with much lower upfront costs and reduced ongoing expenses.
Significantly reduced building costs and footprint reduce the cost of the property compared to a conventional house, making homeownership more achievable for first-time buyers or those looking to reduce their mortgage commitments. A smaller footprint also means lower energy bills, fewer furnishings, lower maintenance costs, and sometimes, reduced council rates.
New Zealanders are increasingly conscious of their environmental footprint, and are always looking for ways to live a more sustainable way of life. Both during construction and in daily living, the small home philosophy consciously encourages consumption and waste reduction. Building a small home is the perfect opportunity to incorporate built-in water and energy-saving features, and reduce waste.
Less overall square footage means fewer raw materials for construction and ongoing environmental impact, reducing demand on natural resources. Compact spaces are much easier and more efficient to heat and cool, plus when combined with smart home design, high-performance insulation and energy-efficient appliances, small homes can achieve remarkably low energy consumption. Solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and composting toilets take it a step further and are especially popular in rural settings.
For many, the move to a small home is a deliberate choice to declutter and downsize not just their physical space, but their lives. A smaller living area necessitates a more intentional approach to possessions and purchasing needs, helping to foster a more minimalist mindset. Cleaning and upkeep also become significantly less time-consuming with a smaller home, freeing up precious free time for enjoying life however you choose!
This is where tiny homes, granny flats, sleepouts and cabins truly shine, as they offer adaptable solutions for all kinds of situations. They can be designed as fully self-contained with solar power and integrated waste and water solutions, or with easily connected water, waste and electricity solutions, allowing for easy relocation when required.
The ability to relocate these types of homes adds value when looking at selling a property, but also adds flexibility with your assets when they are no longer needed, because you are able to sell the building separately from the property. Having options is one of the biggest benefits of building smaller homes, particularly for buildings such as sleepouts, cottages and cabins.
Whether it’s a cabin, cottage, batch, tiny home on wheels, or accessory dwelling unit, small homes are very versatile and have a wide variety of uses. Here is a quick breakdown of how they are used here in NZ and how they can make your life easier!
Building storage sheds, cabins, cottages, workers' accommodation and tiny homes is particularly popular across rural New Zealand for versatility and flexibility but also to add value to a property. However, within the rural context, there are a few additional things to consider:
At Greenwood Sheds, we understand the unique needs of New Zealanders seeking to make the most of smaller homes and their benefits. We specialise in designing and building high-quality, durable, and thoughtfully crafted cabins and small homes that meet New Zealand's rigorous building standards. Explore our range of cabins and small homes specifically designed for New Zealand conditions here, or contact us today for a free consultation and let's build your ideal cabin or small home!