New Zealand sees surge in tiny home living as affordability drives demand

New Zealand is seeing a rise in tiny home living as people seek affordable housing options. The average house price is around NZ$900,000, while tiny homes can cost between NZ$50,000 and $200,000. This shift is partly due to high housing costs and a desire for mobility. Liberty Van Voorthuysen, a school teacher, built her own tiny home after taking a construction course. She is among many who have embraced this lifestyle, which offers a smaller environmental footprint and lower living expenses. The tiny home movement is growing, with tens of thousands of such homes estimated across the country. The Tiny House Hub reports a significant increase in interest, with attendance at their annual expo rising from 350 to over 10,000 in five years. Many new tiny home residents are older individuals seeking practical living solutions after life changes, such as divorce.