(MENAFN- The Conversation) Australia's coastal cities and surrounding hinterlands have long been popular with tourists, sea-changers and retirees. But they have a darker side. In the early morning you will often find car parks crowded with cars, vans, caravans and even tents , where refugees from the housing crisis have spent the night.
People of all ages, including families with children, are cooking breakfast, using the cold-water showers and packing up for another day, always trying to keep one step ahead of council officers or police. These unhoused people don't conform to homeless stereotypes . Many have jobs and children in school and no serious mental or physical health problems. They simply cannot find an affordable home to rent , or have lost or are unable to buy a home of their own.
Read more: homeless numbers have jumped since covid housing efforts ended – and the problem is spreading beyond the big cities
Soaring rates of housing stress are forcing Australians to explore new options, including living smaller and in tiny houses . At Griffith University's Cities Research Institute, we are surveying local government planners on whether they allow, encourage or limit tiny, temporary or alternative houses in their area.
In early findings (from a response rate of over 50% to date), nearly all respondents agree affordability is a problem for both home buyers and renters. While not representing formal council views, their responses indicate most councils now approve modular, manufactured and shipping container houses, despite a public perception they oppose such dwellings. Some have codes specifically for tiny houses on wheels.
As one planner explained:
Cumulative numbers of survey responses indicating types of dwellings permitted, considered or not allowed. Note: THOW is tiny houses on wheels, THSkids is tiny houses on skids. Data: Cities Research Institute survey/Griffith University, Author provided Read more: tiny and alternate houses can help ease australia's rental affordability crisis
All housing must comply with the law
local governments in new south wales and Queensland were the most progressive. Many councils (41%) already approve alternative housing types for permanent dwelling. But they must comply with local laws, be in an appropriate residential zone and approved as a residential dwelling, connected to services and protect local amenity.
Cumulative numbers of responses from each state indicating that the local council approves tiny houses and alternative housing types. Data: Cities Research Institute survey/Griffith University, Author provided
Cumulative numbers of responses from each state indicating that the local council may approve tiny houses and alternative housing types. Data: Cities Research Institute survey/Griffith University, Author provided
Cumulative numbers of responses from each state indicating that the local council does not approve tiny houses and alternative housing types. Data: Cities Research Institute survey/Griffith University, Author provided For example, a planner from a large regional city in NSW said options like tiny houses were possible,“subject to approval and compliance with Planning and Environment Act and Building Act requirements. All need to be approved for permanent use and hence comply with requirements for all dwellings.”
Another NSW planner said:
The fraser coast council in Queensland recently allowed property owners“to accommodate family or friends in a caravan on the dwelling allotment for up to six months in a 12-month period”.
A basic container home can be very affordable. Image: Heather Shearer, Author provided Read more: so, you want to live tiny? here's what to consider when choosing a house, van or caravan
What are the concerns about tiny houses?
Many respondents did voice concern about false advertising by the tiny house industry. As one said:
Some manufacturers market their tiny houses as not needing council approval. They fail to mention the requirements that apply to water supply, waste disposal, bushfire and flood risk, and avoiding conflict with agriculture.
Another concern is tiny houses that don't comply with building regulations.
Potential conditions of approval that apply to tiny houses and alternative housing types as indicated by survey respondents. Data: Cities Research Institute survey/Griffith University, Author provided A quest for creative solutions
The tiny house movement , despite its limitations, could help deliver some of the creative solutions the housing crisis demands. It has sparked an important conversation about alternative housing solutions , with broader implications for housing design, construction, regulation, finance and insurance.
A focus on good design, adaptability and affordability can make smaller dwellings more attractive to more people. Assembling prefabricated components on site can cut costs.
Read more: loving the idea of tiny house living, even if you don't live in one
A focus on well-designed, adaptable and affordable tiny houses will broaden their appeal as a housing solution. Image: Heather Shearer, Author provided Tiny homes can be deployed and redeployed quickly if necessary. This is important for areas hit by disasters.
Their small scale offers a way of increasing density sensitively in built-up areas. They can also be clustered together to create new communities.
Conventional strategies such as more greenfield land releases, relaxed planning controls and subsidies for first-home buyers have failed to solve the complex challenges of a seriously dysfunctional housing market. We need to experiment with new approaches to housing, and learn as we go.
Unconventional dwellings like tiny homes can make an important contribution. Our survey suggests planners around the country are willing to join in the process of developing and regulating these news ways of living.
If you work for a local council and would like to participate in our survey, you can find it here .