In today’s insane housing market, some Americans are turning to alternative living options in a desperate attempt to escape skyrocketing real estate prices and pesky mortgage rates. Yes, you read that correctly – tiny homes and portable living spaces are becoming the latest trend for those looking to save a buck.
According to real estate agent Riley Annen, this isn’t just a passing fancy, but a full-blown lifestyle shift. Apparently, people are not only feeling the pressure of their wallets, but also a cultural movement toward simplicity and sustainability.
The global tiny homes market is projected to grow by a whopping $4.82 billion, at an estimated compound annual growth rate of 5.37%. That’s right, folks – millions of Americans are jumping on the bandwagon of living in a glorified shed. Forget saving for a down payment or building good credit – just buy a foldable house from Amazon!
Someone thought it would make for a quick and easy #offgrid home. They’ve got a few acres of land to drop it on. Well, we HAD to check it out to see is a folding house was actually on Amazon. Turns out… it is. What’s your thoughts? https://t.co/lGcPItPWce pic.twitter.com/I8ZFr2efx6
— TheOffGridCabin (@TheOffGridCabin) February 8, 2024
“I just bought a house on Amazon. I didn’t even think twice about it,” Jeffrey Bryant said as he unboxed the house for his audience.
The house has fold-out walls and ceilings that convert into a kitchenette, bedroom and living area that measures 16.5 feet by 20 feet. The home cost around $26,000, although the Tiktoker had yet to do plumbing and electric work at the time, which is likely to drive up the price.
But the madness doesn’t stop there. Social media is flooded with videos of Americans showing off their tiny homes and portable living spaces, hoping to inspire others to join the cramped and cluttered lifestyle. One couple in Los Angeles boasts about living in a 1-bed, 1-bath house that is only 399 square feet. And they even make enough to pay their monthly mortgage, which is more than the average price of a home in the entire state of Georgia.
But let’s not forget the hidden costs, as TikToker Megan Leija warns. Delivery and installation can cost a pretty penny and don’t forget about plumbing, electric work, and utility hookups.
And who knows, maybe living in a tiny home or a trailer really is a more sustainable way of life. Or maybe it’s just a clever way for companies to profit off of desperate Americans who can’t afford traditional housing.
