THE Tiny Home Expo is coming to Mornington Peninsula, and Expo Organisers say the event is gathering more and more interest as people seek alternative solutions to a multitude of pressures from rental stress, the housing crisis, and also aged care alternatives, and options for young people wanting to save rental money.
“Whilst initially the Tiny House Movement was in the realm of a alternative lifestyles, a greener solution and coming from the aspect of having less ’stuff’, in more recent years it has attracted a much wider audience in search of solutions to an array of issues, the most obvious one being the housing crisis”, says Phae Barrett, organiser of the Expos which currently feature across 4 Australian states. “Few people realise how easy it is to find land to use, and how simple it is to live in such a small space, and fewer people realise how life-changing it can be to have peace of mind and no mortgage, less stuff and a simpler living arrangement”.
Phae states that from just a handful of builders in 2019 across the country, there are now over 300 tiny home builders within the industry producing thousands of homes that are for living in, or used for AirBNB and Farmstay, or as Granny flats, spare rooms, offices and just ‘extra space’.
“They’re such a tangible item – something that needs to be seen, touched, felt and stood in – so it is awesome that people can come to an expo and be able to physically view so many different designs and spaces, as well as talk to each builder in person”, says Lance, one of the organisers. “We have real tiny rooms/offices and micro homes, and everything in between, and even 15m x 5m modulars buildings that are perfect for a studio of granny flat. Many are on wheels and are either single story, or have upstair bedrooms – the layouts are quite diverse”.
In addition there are talks and advice on finding land, dealing with councils, how to go totally off-grid (solar and water and toilets), towing, finance and general ideas. “It really does open your minds to many possibilities and people are often mind-blown by the quality and spacious, modern and luxury feel of these houses”, says Jodie who attended last year’s event and has chosen her tiny house builder. “I am super excited to start living tiny and changing my life”.
Venue: Mornington Racecourse
Dates: Fri 22 March: 10am – 3pm, Sat 23 / Sun 24 March: 9am – 5pm
The expo has a staggered ticketing system to reduce queuing into display houses, with tickets ranging from $20-$35 (children are free).
Website has a comprehensive Questions and Answers section: www.tinyhomesexpo.com.au
First published in the Mornington News – 19th March 2024
