The Tiny Home movement — which sprouted in the early 2000s and has been growing exponentially since — has always stood as a solution to unaffordable housing. Minimalist living with significantly lower costs has become idealistic for environmentalists and those facing high housing costs.
Unfortunately, one Reddit user has noticed a concerning trend with the movement: The costs of tiny homes are skyrocketing.
"Am I the only one tired of seeing $100k+ tiny homes?" a concerned Redditor wrote in the subreddit r/tinyhomes. "I thought we were in this because a normal house was too unaffordable."
Tiny homes use fewer resources, produce less waste, and consume less energy. They are also often built with environmentally friendly materials and use sustainable building practices, according to United Tiny Homes.
Yet the rise in price is concerning to tiny-home enthusiasts. In 2021, Business Insider reported that the tiny-house market is becoming so expensive because they are "still a house, after all, subject to the same cost pressures and problems with demand and inventory." As the unaffordable housing crisis reaches new heights, so too does the tiny-house crisis.
Many Redditors in the tiny home community have felt the rise in prices.
"I have always dreamed of a tiny house to travel for the second half of my life and being disabled it was feasible at one time," one Reddit user wrote. "Not anymore unfortunately and it makes me really sad. A smaller footprint, a way to be debt-free, and live on your own terms. Just unreachable now."
However, the environmental differences that tiny homes allow could be less costly than large homes. Tiny houses ultimately cost less for living, energy, and utility bills. All the while, tax benefits from the Inflation Reduction Act could help to pay the difference with an estimated $20,000 in potential tax benefits.
Still, unaffordability for those who want to make the switch could be a barrier.
🗣️ Do you think America is in a housing crisis?
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🔘 No way 🏘️
🔘 Only in some cities 🏙️
🗳️ Click your choice to see results and speak your mind
Other Redditors suggest solutions that may not be perfect but could be a sufficient start for those wanting to live more sustainably.
"My tiny home for years was an 18ft ultralight camper [that was] 11k…before that a 1969 24 ft camper. I recommend these over the outrageous price of tiny houses," one Redditor suggested.
Others suggested getting a DIY kit and utilizing the help of friends and family.
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