If you have not yet paid attention, then the tiny home movement is gaining momentum across the US and Canada. As per Comfy Living, 63% of millennials consider living and buying a tiny house as they can enjoy everyday pleasures and comforts by living in these 100 to 400 square feet houses. You can now build your own tiny home by connecting with a trusted builder via TinyHouseMe. This online directory connects established builders with potential tiny home buyers. However, before you build your own tiny house, you need to buy land for long-term living in your tiny space. Regardless of home size, land prices vary based on location. Many tiny home dwellers prefer to go to rural areas to buy land as the price is comparatively much lesser and the building codes and zonal laws are much more relaxed. So, if you are finding answers to ‘how to find land for tiny homes,’ you have come to the right place.
Decide whether you want to find land in urban, suburban, or rural areas
You need to consider several factors before deciding on the land for your tiny house. Here are a few things you need to know about different geographical settings.
Urban
Because of the limited availability of land, an urban setting for a tiny home can be a great challenge. In addition, tiny homes in an urban setting must face the strictest building and zoning restrictions. So even if you find a rare space for your tiny home, you might need to pay a premium for the lot and won’t get much room space. However, many city lovers find this a worthwhile compromise, and they select smaller, less expensive, and more tiny-home friendly cities like California and Texas.
Suburban
Finding land is easier in a suburban setting, and you get the best of both worlds. To build your own tiny home in a suburban place, you must find neighborhoods that don’t have strict HOA regulations. You can also get in touch with the local jurisdiction to determine the size of the tiny home and learn about the building codes you need to meet, along with other zoning specifications that must be followed. Surveying the land and locating underground utilities are the other two aspects that need to be checked to scour the property from obstacles. Placing a tiny home on wheels in suburban areas is a huge challenge unless they get approved as ADUs or get permission to be parked in mobile home parks.
Rural
Purchasing rural land for your tiny home is much cheaper, and you will face fewer restrictions to build your own tiny house. As population density drops, the price of land drops further, and you will find plenty of unrestricted and unincorporated land for the tiny home. However, there are downsides like lack of a driveway, electricity, and running water, and to address these drawbacks, you might need to pay for the services or get the proper equipment for a DIY job.
Where to find land for tiny homes?
As long as your tiny house complies with the state’s building codes and city zoning ordinances, it can be built anywhere. If you have a pre-owned property, ensure it complies with the county or city zonal codes. If they comply, then you are all set to go! You will need a different land for the tiny home if it doesn’t. Consider location, size, price, and other factors when looking for land for your tiny home. Fortunately, there are certain sites where you can find a property based on the specific criteria related to tiny homes.
Here are some of our recommendations:
However, if you want a recommendation from a certified builder or expert assistance, then TinyHouseMe can help. So become a member and allow us to help you find the perfect space for your tiny living. Land for tiny homes gets expensive, and there is a tendency to face complications with building codes and zoning laws, which is why TinyHouseMe can make things simpler for you. We connect you with trusted tiny home builders and showcase tiny home models to help you find the perfect space of your choice.
What are the local rules and regulations on land?
Before purchasing the land, know how the land is zoned and the building standards required. Zoning laws govern property usage in a specific location; you have to check with your city to know what’s allowed on the land and what isn’t. You cannot pick any land and assume that a tiny home is allowed. Building codes and standards are essential to consider as they regulate specific rules for every structure constructed on the property. These codes are regulated by state, county, and city governments. However, every situation varies as each county does not have building or zoning laws but does enforce safety and health regulations. Therefore, look into the local laws of the land and ensure that you are legally allowed use to build your own tiny house.
What are the utility connections for tiny house land?
After deciding on the land for a tiny house and checking with building and zoning regulations, consider utility connections. Some places need water and power access, for which you either have to pay for the services or create your own. Utilities are expensive when you are located in a far-off place from existing utility connections. Finding inexpensive and undeveloped land with utility connections is a great alternative, and that’s why it’s good to keep searching until you find the perfect land to settle in.
How much does it cost to develop land for tiny homes?
Unfortunately, there is no specific answer. However, developing land for a tiny home can get pricey. While buying a tiny home is not expensive, the land for the tiny home can add up to the costs. Here, we give you an idea of what you are paying for.
- Land
- Property survey
- Soil and water test
- Permit fees
- Engineering services
- Utility hookups like water, power, and sewage
- Tree removal
- Paving driveway or a road
Additionally, you must have fund ready for emergencies.
Have you met with a dead end?
The good news is that many states are changing their views on tiny homes, and legislation is following suit. A good builder can help you build your own tiny house and provide valuable information about purchasing land for a tiny home. Now connect with multiple builders under one platform and get expert assistance for a tiny home living – Join TinyHouseMe now!
