Mark Burns installed a tiny pod studio at his property, which he uses as a physiotherapy clinic and home office. (Source: Mark Burns)
Prefabricated tiny homes are growing in popularity as Aussies look for more affordable and quicker housing solutions or extra rental income. Hardware giant Bunnings made waves when it announced a partnership to sell flat-pack “pods” recently, which require no development approvals and can be constructed in days.
Physiotherapist Mark Burns installed a tiny pod studio at his Kiama Downs property in May last year. The 8-metre by 2.4-metre space cost him $135,000 and now serves as a fully functioning physiotherapy clinic and home office, complete with a bathroom and shower.
Burns told Yahoo Finance the whole process took about six weeks, with the construction of the pod on site taking just three days.
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“Traditionally, because that would also have required the council development application … it would have been at least a three-month process for that to happen,” Burns said.
“If I had engaged a builder, I maybe could have got it for a similar price, but it would have included $10,000 or $15,000 worth of council stuff and probably six to nine months’ worth of council back and forth.”
The tiny studio was manufactured by Elsewhere Pods and comes on wheels rather than being a fixed dwelling, which is how Burns was able to sidestep council development approvals.
The electricity and plumbing are connected to his main home on the property, which is just 100 metres away.
Burns paid $135,000 for the pre-fab pod studio, which includes a shower and bathroom. (Source: Mark Burns)
Central Coast homeowner Martijn van Eijkelenborg installed two pods in November last year for a little under $200,000.
The move allowed his family to double their living space for a fraction of the cost of a new home or an extension, adding 35 square metres.
“I think that’s still extremely affordable to double the floor space of your house, compared to having it designed by an architect and built — we’d be almost pushing a $1 million,” he told Yahoo.
Martijn van Eijkelenborg built two pods on his property. (Source: Martijn van Eijkelenborg)
Bunnings announced its partnership with Elsewhere Pods last month. It offers two DIY backyard studios measuring 4-metres by 2.4-metres, and 2.7-metres by 2.4-metres for $42,900 and $26,100 respectively.
The products offered at Bunnings are limited and the two pods are basic, with no bathroom or kitchen included.
Elsewhere Pods claims it is now fielding a call every 48 seconds and has gone from getting 10 to 15 inquiries a day to more than 500 calls a day since the deal with Bunnings was publicised.
“Australians are searching for smarter, faster and more affordable housing solutions – from backyard studios and granny flats to eco-tourism accommodation and full-time residences,” founder Matt Decarne said.
“We’re seeing first-home buyers, downsizers, regional landowners and investors all reaching out to us and it reinforces housing innovation must play a central role in addressing affordability, supply constraints and lifestyle flexibility.”
The company is now launching a $3 million capital raise to support its expansions, increasing its sales team and accelerating plans to expand warehouse and distribution capacity nationally.
Prefabricated and modular housing has been touted as a potential solution to Australia’s housing crisis, but they currently make up around 8 per cent of construction.
Recent government analysis shows some of these factory-built homes can be built up to 50 per cent faster than traditionally built homes.
Analysis from Mordor Intelligence suggests Australia’s prefabricated buildings market – which includes modular flatpack builds – is projected to grow by around 7 per cent a year to hit $18 billion by 2030.
Major lender Commonwealth Bank announced last year it would offer home loans for prehab homes in a banking first.
Burns said he expects flat-pack tiny dwellings like his will only become more popular given the logistical benefits.
“It’s been great, even better than I expected. The finishing and the quality is unreal. Everyone comments on how sleek it looks,” he said.
Burns recommended other Aussies do their research into what different companies are offering, along with any development approvals the could be required depending on the product specifications and your jurisdiction.
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