A increasing number of people in New Zealand are moving into their own “Hobbit homes” as the country struggles with a housing affordability issue on the territory known for its association with J.R.R. Tolkien’s fictional land of Middle-earth.
Small homes, typically with floor areas of up to 60 square meters, are gaining popularity among families and individuals who live alone.
New Zealanders have faced a persistently unaffordable housing market for a long time, with the average house price currently standing at a significant NZ$900,000.
Tiny homes are now being considered the ideal solution for the island nation where the epic Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed.
These compact homes are less expensive to construct and purchase, with prices ranging from approximately NZ$50,000 to NZ$200,000.
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She works with approximately 300 contractors that can now construct up to 60 micro dwellings each quarter.
Ms. May also stated that she organizes a Tiny Homes exhibition that has significantly increasing popularity over the recent years.
Approximately three hundred and fifty people attended the event five years ago, but last year she had more than ten thousand visitors.
One tiny-home convert is Liberty Van Voorthuysen, 34, who moved into a 6meter x 2.4meter home while she was taking a break from teaching.
She claimed to have bought the shell of a small house initially and placed it at the top of the South Island.
Ms. Van Voorthuysen herself installed a composting toilet and solar panels, and she uses an outdoor shower.
She mentioned that it can become quite harsh in the winter, but that she has acquired the ability to adapt.
‘It would be challenging for larger families, however, if you’re an individual, a couple in harmony, or a group of friends who want to reside on a plot of land, it’s perfect,’ Ms Van Voorthuysen said.
Meanwhile, Kate Rowntree, 60, moved her home to Hawke’s Bay four years ago when she separated from her husband.
She said: ‘It was the ideal size for one person and more practical in terms of affordability.’
‘”The idea of living in a bigger space seems unnecessary now. I struggle to comprehend how people with smaller families see a need for such large properties, it seems incredibly extravagant.’”
Ms Rowntree noted that one of the advantages of her compact dwelling is that she has been able to relocate it twice, and this flexibility has been beneficial to her.
Regina Speer, who is currently 39 years old, has also chosen to live in a tiny house as a more cost-effective and environmentally conscious housing alternative in Christchurch.
Her house measures 3 meters wide, 6.8 meters long and 4.2 meters high and is also equipped with a composting toilet.
She claimed that she had already relocated the trailer twice to escape areas endangered by flooding or wildfires.
The couple Truely and Mahue also share their experiences with tiny homes on Instagram, which include living with their two daughters.
They explained that they created the account to “normalize a different way of becoming homeowners” and their story demonstrates that you don’t require “the biggest house to lead a full life”.
The tiny homes movement has gained significant momentum in New Zealand, and its popularity is now growing in other regions, including the US, Europe, and Australia as well.
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