Tiny houses: movement or moment?

Abstract

Contemporary tiny houses are relatively recent phenomenon, claimed by some as a panacea for housing unaffordability and unsustainable development. It is difficult to assess these claims with any rigor because a definition of what constitutes a tiny house remains elusive. It is unclear whether they represent a small, specialized housing niche or a significant ‘movement’. Drawing on data from questionnaire surveys and interviews conducted in Australia and social media, we argue the need to develop more precise definitions of the extent of tiny house living and the wider socio-cultural aspects underpinning claims of a new movement. We explore five major themes: four that motivate tiny house living—economic, secure tenure, sustainable community and freedom; and one deterrent—regulatory barriers. Our findings suggest the Australian tiny house movement is as much a manifestation of counter-cultural values as a preference for a specific dwelling type. This helps position tiny houses in the broader contemporary Australian housing market, enable preliminary international comparisons and allow some speculation about future trajectories.