Tiny homes: Are they worth it?

A few days ago, an article appeared on ZeroHedge entitled “56% Of Americans Say They Would Live In A Tiny Home.”

The popularity of tiny homes (defined as a living space under 400 square feet, and often as little as 60 square feet) is surging:

• 56% of Americans say they would live in a tiny home. 86% of first-time home buyers would consider a tiny home for their first home.

• 72% of home buyers would consider buying a tiny home as an investment property.

• Most appealing factors of tiny home living: 1. Affordability 2. Efficiency 3. Eco-friendliness 4. Minimalist lifestyle 5. The ability to downsize.

• Most desired tiny home amenities: 1. Heating/AC 2. Kitchen space 3. Designated bedroom 4. Laundry 5. Outdoor space.

• 53% of Americans can afford the median price for a starter home ($233,400) vs. 79% of Americans can afford the median price of a tiny home ($30,000-$60,000).

Of this list, I would put “cost” as an enormous priority. It’s a lot easier to afford a $30,000 tiny home than a $300,000 suburban home. The potential for mobility also seems to be an attraction.

Tiny homes also have a lower carbon footprint, and utilities are correspondingly low — all benefits for cost-conscious people. For folks who are “handy,” a tiny home can be built DIY and customized to specific needs. Tiny home “kits” are also popular. Necessities such as heat, water, septic, and other factors must be legal, of course.

Tiny homes are being touted as a solution to climate change, as well as lower living standards promoted by social engineers.

And there’s no question tiny homes can be darling.

But are they worth it?

Putting aside the very real consideration of space (or lack thereof), tiny homes have a number of strikes against them.

For their size, they are immensely heavy. If mobility is an attraction, a better investment might be a travel trailer, which are miracles of efficiency.

And speaking of investment, I’ve heard tiny homes do not hold their value. Unlike a stick-built home, they seldom accrue in value.

From a personal standpoint, my biggest concern is a tiny home makes it impossible to be self-sufficient, since there is no room for food storage or tool storage. This, to me, is not “simple” living.

Am I wrong? Am I being unnecessarily harsh? Please, change my mind. Tiny houses are darling and I really would like to like them.