Homes for $90k: New solution for housing crisis
This is the promise of relocatable and expandable homes.
Presenting as an option significantly more affordable than traditional builds or buys, the homes can be easily relocated.
This can potentially save owners some of the stress, time and cost of selling when relocating – with no building approvals needed in many areas. The reason: they are classed as caravans, allowing for an easier and quicker set up.
Van Homes were inspired by one Aussie's search for a place for his elderly parents and are a potential option for those who own land or have access to land.
Founder of VanHomes Vito Russo said he had originally considered more conventional options.
'I looked at building a granny flat in the backyard – then I came across the legislation in NSW that allows a caravan to be used for permanent living in connection with an existing dwelling.
'I didn't want my parents to be living in a caravan, I felt it was too small, looking further into it I came up with a concept of a caravan that expands so it's pretty much a relocatable home but it meets all the requirements of a caravan and fell within the legislation.'
The homes can be used in various ways, from emergency housing, backyard accommodation, vacation homes or retirement living.
Mr Russo said the concept of unfolding includes a main central part with the kitchen and bathroom, sides which expand by the floor folding down, a roof folding up, side wall folding up and the end wall swinging in.
'It basically is just like a shoebox or any box which folds to create a larger area,' he said.
MORE: Kyle Sandilands' love nest sells
According to Mr Russo, the homes also offer customisable finishing and fittings to floor plans to suit differing budget and aesthetic.
Within the expanding model designs, Mr Russo there are one, two and three bedroom options with floor sizes ranging from 35sqm up to 59sqm with prices ranging from $90,000 to $140,000.
The designs use a combination of aluminium and steel, the external includes insulated cladding.
'It's all materials which make the maintenance and upkeep of the home very easy,' he said.
'The price point is a big attraction and its quicker and easy to get into a home, with other advantages of the flexibility it provides allowing you to sell later or take it with you if your circumstances change and you are moving properties you can take the van with you or you can sell it secondhand.'
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