The tiny house movement has been gaining momentum across the globe, offering an affordable, sustainable, and in many cases mobile, alternative to traditional housing. In Europe, a growing number of companies are providing turnkey solutions for people who want to enjoy the benefits of tiny house principles, but don’t wish to be involved with the construction of the house.

In this article, we highlight the most important things to consider as you prepare to buy a turnkey tiny house.

The benefits of tiny house living

Affordability

The initial costs of a tiny house in Europe typically range from €20,000 to €60,000, depending on the size, design, and features desired. Significantly less material is required for the construction of a tiny house than for a house of standard proportions. This reduces the cost of materials as well as the cost of workmanship.  Furthermore, small proportions of a tiny house make it suitable for fabrication in factory, to then be carried in one whole piece to the site on a lorry. The more controllable indoor construction environment is also conducive to significant material and resource efficiency compared to in situ construction on site.

A tiny house owner can purchase a smaller plot of land to accommodate it than they would for a standard-sized house. Also, a smaller space costs less to heat (or cool) a smaller house. Apart from the savings from heating less space, the equipment required is much reduced. A tiny house doesn’t need a boiler, pipework, and radiators, an air source heat pump, or other large heating unit and system. Small spaces warm up more quickly, so single heating units are usually sufficient.

Turnkey tiny houses, usually built indoors in a controlled factory environment, are typically built to a high standard, and in some cases with consideration for easy maintenance, including access to services, or separation of materials for replacements in the long term. These innovations are more easily implemented on a ‘tiny house compared to a standard-sized house, but also they provide additional cost savings to customers.

Eco-friendly

Tiny houses use less and fewer materials to construct and, as turnkey tiny houses are usually built in factories, there are further efficiencies in the materials and fuel required to build them compared to a standard home. The reduced requirement of heating reduces the carbon emissions associated to that.

The tiny house concept attracts a significantly large proportion of environmentally conscientious people. Tiny house manufacturers have responded to this with many using reclaimed materials, and making greater-than-industry-standard efforts to reduce carbon emissions or other impacts such as the use of toxic chemicals, both in the construction of their tiny house product and in the company’s operations.

Flexibility

Tiny houses offer the flexibility to move and adapt to different lifestyles, whether you’re looking for a permanent residence, a vacation home, or a rental property. Also, tiny houses can, in general, be relocated. This might be complicated if you buy a tiny house to fit a small plot in the city. However, for those with more space, that consider having multiple tiny houses to create a community or holiday lettings, this moveability with a crane and lorry, could be a significant benefit compared to a standard home. Due to their proportions, many tiny houses are built on a chasis with wheels- a mobile tiny house.

Live simply

‘Tiny house’ is a term that really represents a global yet gentle social movement. It represents values including reduced resource use, reduce space use, and leading a simpler and less cluttered life. Embracing the tiny living lifestyle encourages simplification along with good organization, leading to a more focused and stress-free life.

Tiny house manufacturers in Europe

Tiny House France

Tiny House France offers customizable tiny homes designed to withstand the European climate. With a focus on eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems, these homes provide a comfortable and sustainable living solution. Prices range from €20,000 to €50,000.

Green Tiny Houses (Italy)

Green Tiny Houses is an Italian company specialising in eco-friendly tiny homes on wheels. They offer customization options, including solar panels and composting toilets, to meet individual needs. Prices start at €35,000.

Tiny Living (Netherlands)

Based in the Netherlands, Tiny Living offers a range of tiny house designs, including mobile and stationary models. They emphasise high-quality materials and can be tailored to individual preferences. Prices range from €40,000 to €60,000.

Norges Hus (Estonia)

Norges Hus produces eco-friendly, energy-efficient tiny houses in Estonia. With a focus on sustainability, their homes combine Scandinavian design principles with modern technology. Prices start at €30,000.

Tiny Eco Homes UK

Tiny Eco Homes UK offers a range of custom-built tiny houses on wheels, with various designs and layouts to choose from. They prioritise energy efficiency and sustainable materials in their construction process. Prices start at £25,000.

Tiny house designs and features

Tiny homes in Europe come in various sizes to accommodate different needs and budgets. Most companies offer models ranging from 10 to 40 square meters.  Turnkey tiny house solutions include tiny houses on wheels, though as these compete with camper vans and mobile homes, they are more usually built by self-builders or as unique custom-built tiny houses rather than a repeatable/ catalogue product.

Turnkey tiny houses might be off-the-shelf units that can be brought to the site with little or no design input from you, or on the other hand, you might prefer a more engaged design process, in which you are invited to make various choices that affect the overall cost and outcome. Most tiny house builders offer customization options to suit individual preferences, including interior layouts, exterior finishes, and additional features such as solar panels or composting toilets.

Off-grid capabilities

Many tiny homes can be designed with off-grid capabilities, incorporating renewable energy sources, rainwater harvesting systems, and composting toilets. These capabilities are well suited to installations where there is limited power or water infrastructure, but also owners in the city enjoy peace of mind knowing that they would not be affected by power cuts.  They may prefer not to consume grid energy which likely includes electricity or gas from fossil fuels, and they may also enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that they are contributing to reducing demand on the grid by being independent of it.

Legal considerations

Zoning laws and regulations vary across Europe, so it’s essential to research local requirements before purchasing a tiny home. Compliance with building codes is crucial for ensuring the safety and durability of a tiny home. Many companies adhere to European building standards and can provide certification upon request. Insurance for tiny homes can be more challenging to obtain than traditional home insurance, but some specialized providers do offer coverage for tiny house owners.

Pre-owned tiny houses

Purchasing a pre-owned tiny home can offer cost savings and immediate availability. Online marketplaces, such as Tiny House Listings, provide a platform for buying, selling, and renting tiny houses worldwide. For people who are purchasing a tiny house for the first time, it would be ideal to rent a tiny house for a while in order to consider what features are most important for them, and what it feels like to live in a reduced space.

Tiny house courses, communities and opportunities to learn.

Tiny house manufacturers, communities and other groups of tiny house enthusiasts organise festivals, conferences, and expos. These are all opportunities to connect with other tiny house enthusiasts, learn from experts, and view tiny houses.

Many manufacturers offer workshops and courses, or welcome visitors to their factory. Contact manufacturers by phone if possible to ask about visiting them to see the product in production, and regarding events and tiny house groups that they are aware of also.

There is a thriving ecosystem of tiny house groups on Facebook and other social media platforms, including international online communities, and local groups that advertise their events or share news and commentary about tiny-house-related changes to planning laws, etc in their local area.

A global movement

Tiny house is a global movement, a concept that is fairly clearly defined, and appeals to many people across continents. For some, it’s just a practical way to live, but for many people owning a tiny house represents making a conscientious decision to live in a way that is aligned with their environmental and social values.

As you go further to explore tiny house turnkey solutions, by making contact with tiny house manufacturers, and communities or attending tiny house events, you’ll find that there is a tangible global tiny house community that is optimistic and pragmatic. Once you’ve met inspired tiny house owners and seen what is possible, you might even be tempted to !