TinyHouse NZ (and worldwide)

Has anyone built or bought a TinyHouse here in NZ?

We have been on a bit of a minimalism journey for several years and would really like to downsize and ideally move into a container home/batch/tiny house.

The main reason preventing me from doing so is the uncertainty regarding regulations - as TinyHouses are technically not classed as dwellings they're not required to be treated as such (no sewage, electricity etc connections required).

I understand it is up to individual city councils to set bylaws regarding how those are treated and more importantly how strongly the rules are reinforced and I since I have no trust in the local government I am taking a wait and see approach.

This is a very interesting topic so me, so if you have anything to add please join in!

There's issues with mortgages as well.

You mean that banks won't lend money unless you're buying a 'proper' dwelling?
I'll add the cost of buying a TH in NZ which is disproportionate compared to other countries.  In the USA you can buy an amazing one for USD$60,000 or so, but here you're looking at $NZ110,000.

Unfortunately I don't have the know-how as I'd love to build one myself.  They have TH building courses on Wahike Island but they take two weeks and we can't do that with a toddler and no family here at the moment.

A mate of mine just got his situated in the Hawkes Bay. A company in Christchurch did the main frame build, shipped it up here and he is gonna fit it out himself. I'll try and find the company.

I like watching that on HGTV!

I must say I find some of those shows just over the top.  The whole point of the the tiny house movement is to reduce our carbon footprint, live a more sustainable life, make housing more affordable and reduce excess to concentrate on the things that truly matter to you...but some of those houses are just over the top...

I love watching the building process unfold though, that's a real experience and for someone who's totally inept at DIY, it's quite inspiring!

If you make yourself a giant then your current abode will then become tiny. Problem solved!

Kudos to you newzealandpower.

If you do end up getting this going, I'd love to see updates on your progress!

I've thought about this a lot too, but am not an early adopter (is it too late to call you an early adopter in this movement?), so interested to see how others fare in their journey...

you might find one of the bog banks would look at it. They'll lend to help buy the land and then the build as well but the amount they lend would probably be reduced due to the end value. Usually they'll lend 50% against the value of the land, and then 60-80% of the build. 

If you're not planning on owning the land then you might hit problems as they'll probably treat it like a very expensive camper van and hit you with high interest rates.

Just remembered I'd find the company my friend did his with. Its "Mi Haus" in Christchurch

For those interested in the topic, there's a Tiny House and Alternative living conference in Carterton in about a month's time (29 Sept IIRC).

Got my ticket but apparently there are few left - use the promo code AUGUST to get a discount.

Anyone else heading over the hill to Carterton to attend the Tiny House and Simple Living conference on Saturday?