A tiny home is sized between 100 and 400 square feet (as opposed to the average American home size of 2500 square feet) and usually has large windows, high ceilings, and furniture that serves multiple purposes. Although tiny homes may be small, the decision to invest is still a big one. Is it worth building or owning one as part of your property portfolio?
The advantages are obvious:
- Minimal Operating costs for long or short-term rentals, offering investors the chance to earn passive income.
- Cheaper Utilities which save investors’ money over time.
- Location Flexibility: If you own a mobile tiny home, the location can change over time, creating new possibilities for a real estate portfolio.
- Tiny Homes are inexpensive and fast to flip.
The disadvantages may not be as obvious:
- Many localities have zoning laws that regulate a minimum square footage.
- Access to necessary utility connections may be difficult.
- Limited Space could be a drawback when it comes to. This hurdle can be marketing the property.
- Trouble Obtaining Mortgages- most mortgage lenders have a minimum loan amount around $60,000which is more than the average price of a tiny home.
- Questionable future value- Although popular now, no one knows how tiny homes will be valued in 10 to 20 years.
Tiny homes are valued at about $300 per square foot, roughly two times the price per square foot of a traditional home. This is because of the super-efficient design of tiny homes which often negate the need for furniture etc. Like traditional real estate, certain features are associated with a higher return on investment, such as heating, AC, or laundry space.
Depending on the market, tiny homes can make great short-term rental properties. As with all investments, perform your due diligence and evaluate whether a Tiny Home Investment fits your portfolio and overall business goals.