To the generation that can't afford a house: Nine things tiny homes teach us

By MOOK Scenic Spots / Liao Weiren
 
In a capitalist society, young adults worldwide face the challenge of being unable to buy a home. No matter the country, purchasing property has become an aspiration out of reach. Faced with this dilemma, various types of tiny homes have become a destination for some people in their pursuit of “home”—from log cabins to pipe homes to mini houses. Our generation utilizes different methods to satisfy the same deep desire for a place of personal belonging, a space to carry our lives and chase our dreams. The following nine lessons from tiny homes are worth exploring one by one.

1.No need to be chased by massive mortgage payments
 
The reason tiny homes are so highly regarded is primarily because their construction costs are much lower compared to regular houses. The cheaper end of typical housing prices ranges between 8 to 12 million, but if you look at the most popular trailer-style mini homes in Europe and America, the cost is only between 1.2 to 1.8 million—nearly one-sixth of the price.
 
Tiny homes free young adults from being shackled by lifelong debt, from paying what seems like endless monthly mortgage payments, and from being tied down to a place for life just because of a house.

2.Not being tied to one city for life
 
In this era of rapid and constant change, we can no longer expect to stay in one place for an entire lifetime as people once did. And if you buy a house, aside from paying off a loan, there's nearly an 80% chance you can never leave again—you’re stuck in that city because of the house. Even if there are better job opportunities or a higher quality of life elsewhere, it's not easy to just pick up and move.
 
But mini homes, pipe homes, and modular homes, due to their portability, flexibility, and small size, can be relocated. They meet the needs of those who love to travel or dislike the monotony of a fixed lifestyle.

3.Lack of access to urban conveniences
 
Urban areas are rapidly developing, and land is incredibly valuable, which means tiny homes generally cannot be built within cities. As a result, they often can’t offer the convenience that city life provides and are more likely to be located in suburbs or rural areas.
 
Beyond transportation, aspects like electricity, water supply, and internet may also pose certain inconveniences in daily life. So if you're someone who highly values these living conditions, choosing a tiny home may require careful consideration.

4.Low market investment and trading activity
 
Tiny homes are an alternative path that many take in order to avoid massive mortgage debt and to own their own space. As a result, their commercial market is not large, meaning investment and trading activity are relatively low. Furthermore, most banks do not consider mini homes as real estate, and even if they are classified as such, their lower prices make them unprofitable for banks to provide loans on.
 
Additionally, those who build mini homes or log cabins usually do so out of idealism, hoping to enjoy the beauty of life. The homes they build are the fruits of their hard work, and their needs are based on personal preferences. In such cases, there’s less room for buying and selling.