Instant homes appeal to Gen Z and millennials because they can sell them on secondhand market

Instant homes are emerging as the preferred housing solution for many people - and not for the reason you might think. While they are virtually instant and highly cost effective - Aussies are turning to instant homes because they can take them with them when they move or sell them on the second- hand market.
 

According to Vito Russo, founder of Australia's largest and longest established relocatable and expandable homes manufacturer, VanHomes, instant housing is now the go-to real estate option for many Aussies. While instant homes are proving to be extremely affordable as well as incredibly flexible, it is the relocatable and sellable aspect of these homes that have captured the attention of many people.
 

"We are seeing an increase in the number of people turning to instant housing because of all the benefits it offers. Not only is it cost effective, it actually travels with people as their lifestyle and family situation changes and if they don't want to take their home with them, they can simply sell it on the second-hand market. This is one of the key reasons why people are finding that it is the ideal solution. Why move house, when you can move your house with you, or sell it on the second-hand market without real estate agent fees," Russo said.
 

Relocatable and expandable homes can be ordered in a range of sizes, colours and finishes. Interiors can be customised to meet the design aesthetics of any palate. Finishes and fittings can be installed to meet any bank balance, from budget to high end. Gardens, verandahs and other features can be installed to enhance entries and areas around the home. The scope to create a magnificent home is only limited by one's own imagination.
 

Many councils across Australia deem relocatable and expandable homes on wheels to be caravans as they are towable and can be rolled on to blocks for set up. This means they don't require any building approvals either.
 

Russo explains why relocatable and expandable homes are becoming so popular with Aussies all over the country.
 

Cost effective housing
 

"Relocatable and expandable homes are significantly less expensive to build than traditional homes due to standardised production methods. Since these homes are built in controlled environments, labour costs are often lower compared to on-site construction," Russo said.
 

"VanHomes range in price from $65,000 up to $136,000 for a three-bedroom home. The home also arrives on site ready with all the fittings and fixtures so there is very little additional cost required."

Speed of construction
 

"Relocatable and expandable homes can be constructed quickly, often in a matter of weeks, and then delivered to the site, saving time compared to traditional construction," Russo said.
 

"While the home is being built off-site, the actual site can be prepared simultaneously, further speeding up the process. You can literally move into your new home almost immediately instead of having to waiting months if not years."
 

Customisability
 

"Relocatable and expandable homes are highly customisable to meet specific design requirements and can be expanded or reconfigured as needed. From basic to luxury, instant homes come in various styles, sizes and configurations, catering to different needs and preferences. We can design and build to a broad range of requirements without significantly increasing cost," Russo said.
 

"Despite being prefabricated, instant homes offer a wide range of customisation options. You can tailor the layout, finishes and features to suit your personal preferences and lifestyle. These requirements can be incorporated quickly without any fuss."
 

Can be located virtually anywhere
 

"Instant homes can be placed virtually anywhere. Many people opt to located their instant home in the backyard of a family member's property. As long as we are able to access the backyard, we can install a relocatable and expandable home," Russo said.
 

"The other benefit of instant housing is that we can located them in remote or urban locations where traditional construction might be more challenging or expensive. This makes them a great choice for anyone looking to build a home in flexible locations."
 

Removable when selling the property
 

"One of the unique and highly desirable advantages of instant housing is that you can remove the home if you decide to sell the land on which the home is located," Russo said.
 

"If the home is located in the backyard of a property that is being sold, the instant home can be removed or retained to provide the new owner with a granny flat which can be used to generate additional revenue."
 

Portable
 

"Portability is the biggest and most sought after benefit of instant housing. If you decide to move, your instant home can be relocated to another block of land or positioned in the backyard of another property," Russo said.
 

"This portability provides flexibility, allowing you to take your home with you and avoid the cost of buying or building a new one elsewhere.
 

"If you have put time, energy and money into creating the home you love, why sell it and start all over again. Take it with you. We can relocate a VanHome from one property to another in less than a day for a cost from as little as a few thousand dollars.

"When the average cost of selling and buying a new home can amount to as much as $100,000 including sale works, real estate agents' fees, stamp duty, staging, legal fees and other costs, it makes sense to simply take your home with you to another site, rather than spend all this money."
 

Russo emphasised that these features make instant homes a versatile, cost-effective and flexible alternative to traditional home construction, offering unique benefits for homeowners seeking modern living solutions.
 

About VanHomes
 

Since its establishment in 2008, VanHomes has grown from a small team of two staff members to over 150 professionals in 2024. 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 four -bedroom homes, all of which can be delivered to virtually any property.
 

www.vanhomes.com.au