The backyard of mum and dad: The new housing trend taking over Australia
Announcement posted by Invigorate PR 19 Oct 2023
As the cost of living continues to rise and house prices reach new heights, an emerging housing trend is taking root: increasingly grown-up kids and their families are moving back in with mum and dad, but not into their homes, into their backyards! It's a practical solution to save money and access free childcare.
In the past, children used to rely on the 'bank of mum and dad' to borrow money for their own homes. Now, they're turning to the backyard of mum and dad to call home and the trend is completely reshaping the way families think about housing.
According to Vito Russo, founder and CEO of VanHomes, Australia's largest manufacturer of relocatable expanding homes, families are turning to relocatable homes and caravans to set up properties in the backyards of parents and grandparents to create affordable housing solutions.
"Australia is facing a housing affordability crisis and backyards are being turned into housing solutions for many people. Why have a backyard sitting there doing nothing. It makes sense to use it and that is what people are doing."
Relocatable homes, a housing solution for every need
Russo states that demand for relocatable homes is soaring as families look for ways to utilise their parents' backyard.
"VanHomes relocatable expanding homes are at the forefront of this fast-evolving housing trend. These versatile dwellings can be towed into any backyard as long as there is side access. It is a creative solution that allows grown-up kids and their families to maintain their independence while staying close to their loved ones," Russo said.
"Not only is it convenient, it is also very affordable."
No council building approvals are required
"Thanks to the design of our relocatable expanding homes, VanHomes fall under the same legislation as caravans across many parts of the country, so we are able to just tow them into people's backyards, set them up and expand them and there are no council building approvals required," Russo said.
"The homes include studios through to three-bedroom properties. They range in price from $65,000 up to $136,000, so they are incredibly affordable."
Family backyards are saving families
"We are even getting requests from families to set up small relocatable homes in their backyards so their older parents can move out of their homes into accommodation closer to the family so they can be cared for and properly supported," Russo said.
"For many people this is a better outcome than having to move into aged care."
Russo states that there are so many ways a relocatable expanding home can be used; for a small home, granny flat, retirement housing, home-office space, or any other housing need.
"As the cost of living escalates and housing affordability becomes a pressing concern, the backyard of mum and dad is transforming into a practical housing solution. With relocatable expanding homes like those offered by VanHomes, families can enjoy the comforts of home while maintaining their independence and saving money," Russo said.
"We tailor our products to meet specific requirements. Importantly, under most council legislation in Australia, VanHomes are treated as registrable caravans, reducing the need for extensive approvals.
"This means that families can purchase their new home and have it delivered quickly for not a lot of money and not have to go through the pain of lengthy red tape.
"If you have a driveway, side access or room at the back of your property, then you can have a relocatable expanding home. They arrive the same width as a caravan and once in place in the backyard can then be expanded out to provide up to 59 sqm of living space. That is bigger than some Sydney apartments. They really are instant housing."
About VanHomes
Since its establishment in 2008, VanHomes has grown from a small team of two staff members to over 150 professionals in 2023. This remarkable journey reflects the increasing demand for affordable and flexible housing solutions in the Australian market. The company makes a range of flexible relocatable expanding homes ranging from studio homes to three-bedroom homes, all of which can be delivered to virtually any property that has a driveway.