Ever thought of buying a tiny home? After months of sheltering in place, downsizing may not be top of mind. But, compact abodes offer major benefits — like expanded outdoor space, off-the-grid freedom and affordable ownership.
Tiny homes support a budget-friendly lifestyle that can weather economic uncertainty ahead. Plus, many are mobile, so you can pick up and move if you’re craving a change of scene (a month by the beach, perhaps?) or need to relocate for work. Finally, you can skip the Realtor and literally order your new house on the internet.
Ready to go small? We’ve rounded up five fab tiny houses you can buy online now.
Prefer something a little more spacious? Check out our tips for buying your first home or apartment.
1. The Cedar
This 150-square-foot tiny house from Tiny Homes by K.T.C. may seem pricey at $47,000 (or best offer on Ebay), until you note the immaculate construction details. Built by a professional general contractor, the Cedar is based on a 19-foot steel frame sealed with Gecko Flex undercoating to keep out moisture.
Then, the frame is crafted from redwood and finished with cedar siding and trim. R19 insulation in the walls and ceiling and a metal roof ensure all-climate liveability. For total off-the-grid living, there’s a 50-amp breaker panel, PEX plumbing, a Rinnai tankless water heater and LG dual heating and air conditioning.
Form lives up to function with exotic blue pine walls, cedar trim and hardwood bamboo engineered flooring. Seven dual-pane vinyl windows let in light and views, and the full kitchen boasts handcrafted cabinetry, an Italian stone countertop, a stainless steel refrigerator and an Avanti cooktop and oven. The bathroom has a shower and full-sized flushing toilet, but you can swap for compostable if you prefer.
Based in Redding, CA, Tiny Homes by K.T.C. offers free delivery within 100 miles. This petite house on wheels is towable, but it’s not designed for constant cross-country travel.
2. Avalon Cabin Kit
Handy? You can save a bundle on labor by building this Lasita loft cabin yourself. For about $34,000, this made-to-order tiny home ships with all the plans and materials you need. Floor boards, ceiling/roof boards and walls are made from high-quality Nordic wood.
Wall planks are 2-3/4 inches thick, so the Avalon is well-suited for chilly climates. Following simple step-by-step instructions, two adults can assemble the cabin in about two weeks. Nails, screws, fixings, handles and door locks are also included. The only thing you’ll need to procure yourself are roof shingles.
The fruits of your labor yield a beautiful lake house, guest house or full-time cottage. Enjoy 540 square feet of spacious flooring, including a 218-square-foot sleeping loft. Rooms can be allocated to your preference. Shipping is included, and you’ll see delivery in 60 to 90 days.
3. Cape Cod Playhouse
While you won’t want to live full-time in this Little Cottage Company abode, it’s an affordable way to expand your home’s footprint as a children’s play space, she-shed or even outdoor office. Its Cape Cod–style architecture charms with two windows, flower boxes, dormers, a chimney and an optional front porch.
Made in the U.S., the playhouse ships for free in one to two weeks. It arrives as a panelized kit that is pre-fabricated and ready for you to construct. (Reviewers say it’s fairly easy.) You’ll be responsible for paint and roof shingles.
For adult use, be sure to select the 8 by 12 size option, which has a seven-foot interior height and an adult-sized door. If you include a deck with painted rail and interior loft, this cozy guest abode still costs less than $5,000.
4. Flat-Roof Insulated Building
The possibilities are endless with a Duramax insulated container. An empty shell ready for your specifications, the building includes a metal foundation that allows construction on most flat-level surfaces. There are four size options ranging from 13 by 10 feet to 22 by 10 feet (with a cost between $3,759 and $5,509).
Galvanized metal walls have a pre-painted interior and fire-retardant polyurethane insulation to keep warmth in and noise out. You’ll need to assemble bolted tongue-and-groove wall panels, and you can increase your footprint with 40-inch extension kits.
With its stackable wall panels, you can even move the building with a pick-up truck should you want to relocate. But make no mistake, this is no flimsy construction. An angular roof design includes a gutter system and downspout for easy drainage. Plus, the snow load is 30 lbs per square foot, so you can set up shop in virtually any climate.
5. Richmond RV
Luxury goes off the grid in Magic Tiny Houses’ Richmond Model-7. All of the company’s cabins are classified as an RV with hidden wheels. Read: no property taxes.
The Richmond model has 217 square feet of interior space with an additional 70-square-foot loft. It boasts a roomy living space, full kitchen, bathroom, terrace and upstairs bedroom. Prices range from about $50,000 to $100,000, depending on the floor plan and specifications you choose.
Customers select the exterior siding, walls and floors for Magic Tiny Houses to build to spec. The company charges a 50% deposit, and the remaining half is collected upon shipment. All models are crafted with solid steel frames, solar panels for electric and double-glazed aluminum alloy windows. For more customization options, order a Magic Tiny House catalog for $9.95.
