What is the cheapest alternative to a house?

It's important to remember that traditional lenders often look upon alternative housing with some caution and trepidation. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) ADUs have taken the housing world by storm. ... Houseboats. ... Motorhomes. ... Towed Tiny House. ... Shipping Container Homes. ... Yurts. ... Pallet Homes. ... Silo Homes. More items... •

uniteddwelling.com - 10 of the Best Alternative Housing Ideas You Need to Know

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Alternative housing is the fastest growing property trend in the U.S. Millennials who simply cannot afford a home and boomers looking to downsize are all searching for cheaper housing alternatives. Several alternative housing ideas can fit a variety of lifestyle options and budgets. If you are searching for non-traditional homes, here are some great accommodation options.

Why Consider a Non-Traditional Home?

According to the latest housing statistics, as of May 2021, the average house price in the U.S. has reached $287,000. This represents a 13.2% increase in figures from 2020. For the majority of young people, this is simply unaffordable. In the wake of the 2008 housing bubble, lenders have tightened their lending criteria and increased their down payments. This leaves younger people in a tricky situation between wasting money on renting an expensive apartment and moving back in with their parents. Aside from the obvious financial issues, the priorities of young people have changed. No longer is the suburban house seen as the mark of success. The next generations are looking to invest their money into traveling the world and sampling new experiences. In other words, they are searching for alternatives to renting an apartment, so they can enjoy a different lifestyle. On the other hand, older Americans are looking for alternative living arrangements so they can enjoy more of their retirement funds, live closer to relatives, and avoid the burdens of taking care of a larger home. To conclude, alternative housing ideas give you access to more disposable income, less maintenance, and allow you to live in your ideal setting.

Are Non-Traditional Homes Expensive?

Even today, something different is widely considered to be expensive simply because these are novelty options. However, creative housing options can be far from expensive. Many alternative living solutions are a fraction of the price of a conventional home in the U.S. The more expensive the state you live in, the more savings you make when it comes to housing.

To live differently may only cost a few thousand dollars.

10 Creative and Easy Alternative Housing Ideas

Finding cheap, unconventional housing alternatives requires you to think outside the box. Simply moving to a cheaper area is not the answer because what you save on costs may require sacrificing local amenities and the communities you want to be a part of. A suitable/viable/sufficient alternative housing solution reduces the burden of owning a home and empowers you to embrace the alternative living options that supplement your lifestyle. It’s important to remember that traditional lenders often look upon alternative housing with some caution and trepidation. ADUs have taken the housing world by storm. These prefabricated structures can take the form of studio apartments and two-bedroom master suites. They are manufactured according to standardized specifications and allow you to enjoy a much less expensive housing alternative. States like California have eased their zoning laws, including ADU Los Angeles requirements, to allow for these smaller dwellings. While they are smaller than traditional homes, they are many times more affordable. What’s more, it only takes a matter of weeks from making an inquiry to moving into your brand-new home. Forget the months of house hunting and conveyancing; an ADU is an excellent way to own your own home now. Prefabricated units are not an alternative housing solution that requires you to compromise on your lifestyle. They come with all the appliances and features you would expect from a traditional home, with added bonuses like solar power! It’s the fastest, most budget-friendly housing alternative that requires no concessions on your part.

2. Houseboats

For those who have no problems with living on the water, consider a houseboat. It’s the only alternative housing choice that allows you to literally move your home to a new location if you are searching for a fresh start. Used houseboats can be purchased for as little as $40,000. All you need to cover is the slip rental. The price of your rental spot will depend entirely on where you want to live.

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Modern houseboats come with everything you would expect, including modern appliances and utilities. The difference is you pay a fraction of the price of a traditional home. Your home is fully mobile and can even allow for international travel. What’s more, this is perhaps one of the coolest alternatives to buying a house available.

3. Motorhomes

Motorhomes, or RVs, are another creative living option that provides you with mobility to change your neighborhood at will. When most people think of RVs, they think of the trailer-buses from the 1970s. Not so with modern RVs. State-of-the-art RVs come with the facilities and finish you would ordinarily only find within a luxury home. There has never been a better time to consider these alternative living options if you want to travel the world in style. Like with any four-wheeled vehicle, there are huge variations when it comes to the quality and style of an RV. Simple RVs that only set you back a few thousand dollars will only come with the basics, which are ideal if you enjoy a more frugal, minimalist lifestyle. On the other hand, you can pay six figures and live in the equivalent of a mobile mansion. There is an RV to suit everybody.

4. Towed Tiny House

The tiny house movement has been popular for a few years. The evolution of this movement is the tiny house in tow. Simply attach your tiny house to the back of your vehicle and go wherever you want. As long as your vehicle has enough horsepower to manage the hitch, you can use this housing alternative if you cannot afford a full-size RV. Unlike an RV, it is unnecessary to find an RV park. Newer tiny houses come with solar roofs and rainwater reclamation systems to provide you with the electricity and clean water you need. With tiny homes on wheels, there are often local ordinances on where these homes can be parked. Therefore, we always recommend doing your research!

Tiny homes range from $10,000 to $50,000.

5. Shipping Container Homes

Shipping container homes are another one of the trendiest alternative housing ideas. These large metal containers can be picked up for a pittance and renovated to provide you with the home you want. Despite how they look, you can easily cover up the metal skeleton to make it look homier. The beauty of shipping container homes is that you can bolt together as many separate shipping containers as you want to create the ideal-sized home. However, be aware that you will need to purchase a plot of land first. In some parts of the country, the land itself can be more expensive than the shipping container home. What shipping container homes offer is the creativity and flexibility to create the home you want.

6. Yurts

Yurts originally started as the primary dwelling of the nomadic tribes of Central Asia. Today, it has evolved into becoming a popular form of resort camping. Although Airbnb considers it to be a novelty form of a vacation home, some use yurts as their primary living space Not everyone wants to indulge in city life. Yurts provide that opportunity for those who want to get back to nature and explore the outdoors. From the outside, a standard yurt looks like a dome-like tent. On the inside, they can be entirely customized according to your lifestyle. Yurts can be incredibly luxurious, with high-end yurt kits costing anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000. Outdoor enthusiasts will love this housing alternative as it gives them the chance to pack up and move on as they please. The downside of yurts is that they are not connected to electricity or water. Most people who live in yurts use outhouses with a special composting toilet.

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This is not the alternative housing choice for those who are searching for a lifestyle filled with home comforts.

7. Pallet Homes

Pallets are often seen as scrap from factories and delivery companies. Some smart people have decided to turn this commercial waste into a living area. Pallet homes are entirely constructed of wooden pallets. They can also be rigged with solar power to provide electricity. While pallet homes are an excellent eco-friendly option for housing, remember that they are not the sturdiest alternative housing solution and may not be suitable for parts of the country that experience extreme weather.

8. Silo Homes

For those who want a more unique abode, the silo home can offer that option. Old agricultural silos can be found in every corner of the U.S. In many cases, simply being able to haul one away means you can get your silo for practically nothing. The drab interior and exterior can be altered. Even though the lack of defined corners can be unnerving at first, silo homes offer a unique living space that cannot be found anywhere else. Even though the circular structure of a silo may not be ideal, you can also add prefabricated add-ons to make your living space your own. They are also more than capable of taking additions like porches.

9. Earth Berms

An earth berm, or a hobbit hole, essentially refers to living in the ground. An earth berm is an underground home with only the front entrance being visible. While this may not be practical where you live, it is an excellent option if you can make it work. Not only is it one of the most unique forms of living there is, but the execution is also tremendous. You can use natural elements, such as earth rocks, to act as the interior wall decoration. Also, since you are below ground level, the temperature tends to be more well-balanced as you are not exposed to direct sunlight. This is a particularly smart option if you live in one of the hotter states, such as Arizona or Florida. Do remember that specialist excavation equipment will be required to build your earth berm. This does not come cheap, but it is still one of the most eye-catching alternatives to renting an apartment.

10. Treehouses

Another option for those who want to get closer to nature, treehouses are about as close as you can get. Enjoy living in the air with a classic treehouse or a spherical free spirit treehouse. Building a treehouse is a great way to make your childhood dreams come true. They can even be fitted with solar panels to allow them to generate their own power. One thing you need to remember is that only the right tree will suffice. Make sure you call in a professional to ensure that you choose a tree that can support the weight of you and your home. These alternatives to buying a house are best suited to single people. The vast majority of treehouses are unsuited to housing more than one or two people.

Conclusion

These alternative housing ideas are designed to suit every lifestyle imaginable. Not everyone wants to live in American suburbia with a white picket fence. Thankfully, there is a housing option to suit everybody. Regardless of what you want to do in life, choose the alternative housing that works for you. ADUs are some of the most convenient alternative housing choices available. To learn more about how they work and why they are becoming so popular, contact United Dwelling now.

uniteddwelling.com - 10 of the Best Alternative Housing Ideas You Need to Know

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