If you've ever wondered how and where to find land for your tiny home, you're not alone. The search for the perfect plot can be daunting, with regulations varying from state to state and city to city. But fear not, with the right resources and tips, you can easily find the ideal land for your tiny house.
The Biggest Challenges of Land Hunting for Tiny Homes
Finding parking or land for your tiny home is the most significant hurdle for many aspiring tiny dwellers. While tiny homes are beautiful, comfortable, and affordable, outdated zoning and building codes in most states and municipalities can make it difficult to find suitable land.
But don't worry. We'll go over the best resources for finding land, how it's regulated, and solutions to common problems in this article.
Buy Your Own Land: Location, Sizing, Pricing, and Purchasing Tiny House Lots
The most straightforward option is to buy land for your tiny house. Tiny homes require less space than traditional homes and can even fit on lots that already have a house. Start by narrowing down your preferred location and then explore websites like Zillow, Trulia, Land Watch, Lands of America, and Land and Farm. These platforms offer listings in rural, suburban, and urban areas, giving you an idea of prices and available lot sizes.
Urban Areas
Finding land to buy in urban areas can be challenging and expensive due to building restrictions. Your best bet here is to rent a parking space from someone who already owns a home. Check out alternative arrangements, which we'll discuss in detail later.
Image: Accessory Dwelling Unit
Suburban Areas
Suburban areas tend to have more options for building lots. You'll be surprised by the number of available lots just a short distance outside the city. Be aware that some lots may come with restrictive building codes or homeowners associations.
Rural Areas
Rural land is generally the most accessible and affordable for building a tiny home. With lower population density, you'll have more freedom to build and live as you please. However, rural properties may lack services and access roads, requiring additional effort to set up utilities. We have a range of resources available to help you with off-grid living, such as setting up your water system or powering your tiny home.
Image: Rural Homestead
Factor in Zoning and Building Codes from the Start
Understanding zoning and building codes is crucial when building a tiny home. While there are no specific building codes for tiny houses in most of the U.S., regulations differ depending on whether your tiny home is on wheels or built on a foundation.
Tiny Homes on Wheels (THOWs)
Tiny homes on wheels are regulated as RVs and require registration with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Once registered, you can park and live in your THOW in RV parks or campgrounds. However, not all parks allow THOWs, and some areas have restrictions on full-time RV living. Research the rules in your desired location.
Image: FSC Australia
Foundation-Built Tiny Houses (ADUs)
Foundation-built tiny homes are classified as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and have specific requirements for square footage, bathrooms, egress windows, and more. ADUs are gaining acceptance in many places, and Accessorydwellings.org provides city-by-city breakdowns of building codes and zoning regulations for ADUs.
Be Open to Alternative Arrangements
Don't limit your search to traditional land buying options. Start by reaching out to friends and family who may have space available for your tiny home. Renting a parking space in someone's backyard or driveway can be a practical solution. Online platforms like Craigslist or community forums like Nextdoor can also help you find individuals willing to rent out space for your tiny home.
The tiny house community is a valuable resource, where you can connect with experienced tiny home dwellers who can provide insights and advice. Join Facebook or Reddit groups focused on tiny living to tap into a wealth of knowledge.
Image: Tiny House ATL Ponce City Market Festival
Lastly, reach out to local real estate agents. They have their finger on the pulse of available properties and may know of tiny house communities or organizations in the area.
Nuts and Bolts of Tiny House Land Purchases
When it comes to purchasing land for your tiny home, consider the following details:
Tiny Home on Wheels Building Codes and Certification
If you plan to travel with your tiny home or stay in RV parks, ensure it complies with RVIA/ANSI standards. These standards cover essential aspects such as plumbing, sewage, window placement, and internal height. Compliance increases the likelihood of being accepted at RV parks.
Access and Water Rights
For off-grid living, water rights and access are crucial factors. In many western U.S. states, you need to determine if the water rights come with the land. Access rights are also essential, as some rural properties may rely on access easements with neighboring properties. Look for land with direct access to county or state-maintained roads to avoid complications with neighbors.
Don't Miss Out on New Opportunities
Flexibility is key when it comes to finding the perfect place to live in your tiny home. As the tiny house movement continues to evolve, new opportunities may arise. Embrace change and adapt to new circumstances, and you'll increase your chances of finding an ideal spot for your tiny home.
For further reading, make sure to check out our other articles on small wood burning stoves, off-grid solar kits, and choosing the best off-grid appliances.
- Small Wood Burning Stoves Review and Buying Guide
- The Best Off Grid Solar Kits For DIYers
- How To Choose The Best Off-Grid Appliances
