Tiny homes: the big idea to help ease SA’s housing crisis

After several years of searching and now an Adelaide musician believes he has found a solution to help ease South Australia’s housing crisis.

Jim Paterson, 63, of the band The Borderers, has recently purchased a tiny home for less than $30,000 from interstate after failing to find an affordable option in SA.

Living in it while he and his wife Alex rent out their own Ridleyton home as Airbnb accommodation, Mr Paterson said the housing form could be a viable option for those looking for an affordable rental, or for parents looking to give their children some independence, albeit in the backyard.

“There are people sleeping in their cars, and my daughter can’t afford to get her first home, so I started looking into affordable options and checked out tiny homes both here and in Queensland, but some cost up to $150,000,” Mr Paterson said.

Jim Paterson of The Borderers, is a staunch advocate for the idea of tiny homes. Picture: Dean Martin

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They’re roomier than you might expect! Picture: Dean Martin

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“But an affordable one – if they’re $30,000 like mine, or even say $50,000 – that would be quite a small mortgage and allow them to get into the market and have a place that’s theirs.

“And these places aren’t that tiny, mine has 2.4m ceilings, a separate bathroom and shower, a main living room with a kitchen, and a sofa bed, so by day it’s a lounge and by night it’s a bed.

“For people who can’t afford a home, or can’t even afford a rental – at this pricepoint, it would create an opportunity and give them a chance they might not otherwise have.”

Jim loves his cosy abode. Picture: Dean Martin

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The home even has a bathroom with a shower and toilet. Picture: Dean Martin

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Mr Paterson, who sourced his tiny home from Tiny Homes 4 U, which also makes two-bedroom versions, said his home measures 6m x 2.2m and was easily craned into his backyard.

“People all around the world are living in places this size – for a lot of people it just makes sense,” he said.

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Real Estate Institute of South Australia legislation and industry adviser Paul Edwards said tiny homes could be a great addition to the housing stock, but said landlords and tenants should clearly understand their rights and responsibilities before committing.

“Provided the floor-to-ceiling height meets the minimum requirements under the building act, and each habitable room is adequately lit and ventilated, if it fits and it’s habitable then go for it,” he said.

Paul Edwards, Real Estate Institute of South Australia. Supplied.

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“Provided the landlord doesn’t interfere with the tenant’s quiet enjoyment of the property, and if the tenant can be given privacy and access, then anything that can help ease the current housing crisis is helpful.”