Zillow Tiny Homes (2025)

FAQs

Is it cheaper to buy or build a tiny house? ›

The average cost of a tiny house is a reasonable $30,000 – $60,000, although they can cost as little as $8,000 or up to $150,000, depending on the amenities you choose to include. It's typically cheaper to build a tiny house than to buy one prebuilt, but don't get too caught up in the savings.

Tiny houses are most affordable in North Dakota, Arkansas, Kansas, and Mississippi. It would cost more than the average salary to buy a tiny house in Hawaii or Montana.

Do Tiny Houses Depreciate in Value? They sure do. Like we said before, the market for tiny homes is a lot smaller than the market for full-size family homes. If your tiny home is built to sit on wheels, it'll depreciate in value just like the truck you pull it with.

Unfortunately, tiny homes often do not retain their value the way traditional homes do. In fact, some sources indicate that you should consider your tiny home's value to be similar to that of an RV or trailer—as an investment that depreciates, rather than increases, in value as the years go by.

On Dream Home Source, we define "tiny house plans" as any home design under 1,000 square feet. Homes under 1,000 square feet can and often are used as primary residences. Empty nesters looking to downsize might appreciate a tiny house plan that requires little upkeep.

The homes may be small, but by no means frail and dainty. As per SPINDRIFT HOMES, with proper maintenance, you can expect the tiny home to last for 30 to 50 years. However, a tiny home's longevity depends on many factors. Tiny homes on a foundation tend to last longer than mobile ones.

On average, a tiny home costs about $50,000. Comparing that against the average U.S. home sale price, which was nearly $298,000 in 2021, it's astounding how much a tiny house can significantly save you money. You'll find a broad range of price tags when researching common tiny house costs.

When you decide to build your tiny house on a foundation, you have several options to choose from including slab, crawlspace, basement, or on piers. While other building foundations exist, these are the few most suitable for a smaller construction like a tiny house.

What are the biggest drawbacks of living in a tiny house? ›

The Resale Value Isn't Great

As mentioned earlier, Ramsey said those who want to sell their tiny homes may find it too hard to find interested buyers and sell for the price you paid for. Unfortunately, it's very difficult to make your investment back if you're trying to sell a tiny house.

Con: Your Home Layout May Not Be Ideal

With only so much space available, your washer and dryer may be in your kitchen and your bedroom and living room may be merged into one room. If you're not living alone, there will be a lot less privacy than what you may be used to. You'll need to be very creative with your space.

Owning a tiny home can be much cheaper than renting an apartment if you can pay cash, as this limits your monthly costs to parking and moving expenses. If you finance a tiny home, your monthly costs could be less -- or even more, depending on the type, size, and terms of the loan.

The allure of tiny house living may be enticing, yet it's crucial to know that 44% of homeowners experience regrets related to size, and 50% of tiny house homeowners divorcing or splitting up within years of purchase.

Generally, it is cheaper for you to go out and buy your materials to build a shed home.

Compact Living

Living in a 600 sq ft tiny house is about simplicity, efficiency, and cost estimates. It means having less space but also fewer chores, expenses, and cost. This lifestyle encourages people to declutter their lives, focusing on what truly matters. Tiny houses make you think creatively about space.