With the growing desire for affordable and sustainable living, it’s no surprise that the tiny house movement continues to gain traction in Australia. So, how much does a tiny house cost in Australia? While they are much cheaper than traditional homes, prices vary depending on size, design, and materials. Let’s break down the factors that influence the cost of a tiny house in Australia.
Tiny House vs Normal House
Depending on where you want to live, the savings from a tiny house can vary significantly, but compared to buying a standard house, you’ll still save hundreds of thousands of dollars. For example, in Melbourne, the median house price is around $920,000, and the median unit price is $560,000. On the other hand, the turnkey price for a tiny house build with Aussie Tiny Houses range between $101,900 and $163,900 (on the higher end of the spectrum). So, even with the cost of land, a tiny house remains far more affordable than a typical home, and it can be relocated if needed!
DIY Tiny House
If you’re up for the challenge, building your own tiny house can be incredibly rewarding. Using recycled materials and DIY methods, you could potentially spend as little as $25,000. However, this doesn’t include tools or hidden costs, and you might not get a modern, comfortable living space. The process can take a long time—possibly 1.5 years if you can dedicate weekends to the build. For a more reliable and higher-quality build, consider hiring professionals or buying a pre-designed model.
Material Choices and Build Quality
The materials you choose, and the quality of the build will significantly impact the cost. New materials will cost more, and engineered trailers and frames provide extra durability and peace of mind. A new tiny house trailer typically costs between $11,200 and $22,400, and if you’re looking for a fully functional home with essential features (e.g., a full kitchen, bed space, bathroom), building a tiny house for under $35,000 will be difficult. If you want to live off the grid, expect an additional $25,000+ in costs for solar power, water collection, and other off-grid systems.
Delivery Costs
When working with a professional builder, delivery costs must be factored in. At Aussie Tiny Houses, delivery is handled by experienced towing companies with specialised vehicles. Temporary plates are attached during transport, so immediate registration isn’t necessary. Delivery costs vary by location ranging from
- South East Queensland: AUD $4.00/km + GST
- New South Wales: AUD $3.00/km + GST
- Victoria: AUD $2.50/km + GST
- ACT: AUD $3.00/km + GST
- South Australia: AUD $3.00/km + GST
- North Queensland: AUD $2.60/km + GST
- WA, TAS, NT: Quote upon request
Insurance
Insurance is another key consideration, whether you’re building your own tiny house or purchasing a pre-built model. Some insurance companies require specific documentation that only registered builders can provide, which can complicate things if you choose the DIY route.
Long-Term Savings
One of the major benefits of living in a tiny house is the long-term savings. With less space to heat, cool, and power, your energy bills will be significantly lower. Many tiny houses achieve a seven-star energy rating, which further reduces utility costs. Additionally, living on a friend’s land, using rainwater, and sharing resources with other homes can lead to savings of up to 70% on utility bills.
Some people opt to live in a tiny house on land with an existing dwelling, eliminating the need for a Development Application in Australia. This setup offers cost-effective land-sharing options and can be ideal for those looking to live sustainably.
How Much Do Aussie Tiny Houses Cost?
At Aussie Tiny Houses, we offer three stages for building your tiny house:
- Lock-up – Stage 1: Includes trailer, subfloor, steel frame, cladding, and a Colorbond roof.
- Shell – Stage 2: Includes all Stage 1 inclusions plus insulation, walls and ceiling lining, waterproof flooring, full electrical, and plumbing.
- Turn-Key – Stage 3: Includes everything from Stage 1 and 2, plus custom cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom fittings, and appliances.
Our prices range from $101,900 to $163,900, depending on design and inclusions. Here’s a breakdown of some of our popular models:
| Model | Sleep Arrangement | Dimensions | Price (AUD) |
| Balnarring 6.0 | 1x Queen size ground-level bedroom | 6.0m L x 2.4m W x 4.3m H |
Lock Up – from $51,900 Shell – from 74,900 Turn-Key – from $101,900 |
| Teewah 7.2 | 2x Queen size loft bedrooms | 7.2m L x 2.4m W x 4.3m H |
Lock Up – from $59,900 Shell – from $86,900 Turn-Key – from $121,900 |
| Mooloolaba 7.2 |
1x Queen size loft 1x Optional sofa bed |
7.2m L x 2.4m W x 4.3m H |
Lock Up – from $58,900 Shell – from $89,900 Turn-Key – from $122,900 |
| Hazel 8.4 | 2x Queen size loft bedrooms | 8.4m L x 2.4m W x 4.3m H |
Lock Up – from $62,900 Shell – from $94,900 Turn-Key – from $133,900 |
| Casuarina 9.0 | 1x Queen size ground level bedroom 1x Optional extra Sofa Bed |
9.0m L x 2.4m W x 4.3m H | Lock Up – from $59,900 Shell – from $91,900 Turn-Key – from $121,900 |
| Coogee 10 |
1x Ground-level Queen bedroom 1x King-size loft bedroom 1 x Storage loft
|
10m L x 2.4m W x 4.3m H
|
Lock Up – from $64,900 Shell – from $104,900 Turn-Key – from $139,900 |
All prices are inclusive of GST and may change. Contact us for more information or to discuss custom options.
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