Housing affordability crisis: Parents helping kids to get ahead with instant homes

As the housing shortage, affordability pressures and rising living costs take hold, many young Australians are questioning how they will ever break into the property market.
 

According to Vito Russo, founder and CEO of VanHomes, Australia's largest relocatable and expandable homes manufacturer, instant homes are the perfect solution for young adults wanting to buy a home and an ideal way for parents to help them.
 

"Relocatable and expandable homes are not just a cost-effective housing solution, they are incredibly easy to locate in a backyard, can be customised within minimal cost and can be moved anywhere," Russo explained."
 

"Many empty nesters have homes with large, under-utilised backyards. Now, there's an opportunity to make the most of this space by placing an instant home on the property, providing a living solution for their grown-up children.
 

"We are receiving numerous enquiries from people who want to help their children or families by placing a VanHome in their backyard for them to live in. It really is the perfect solution to Australia's housing crisis."
 

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 ability to create a magnificent home is limited only by one's imagination.
 

Transportable and expanding homes on wheels that meet the motor transport act as registerable caravans are fast becoming a great housing alternative. Some forward-thinking councils are beginning to recognise the benefit of how this will help ease the growing housing crisis.
 

Russo has highlighted five key reasons why placing an instant home in the backyard is a perfect solution to help grown-up children enter the property market.
 

Fast and easy
 

"VanHomes can be installed into a backyard in a matter of hours. As long as there is access to the backyard, the expandable home can be wheeled in and set up quickly. Where necessary, we can also crane in homes, and they can then easily be connected to existing water and plumbing. Within the timeframe of 24 hours, the instant home is ready to be lived in," Russo said.

Affordability

"The benefits of living in an instant home for grown up children and their families start from day one. Renting or purchasing a traditional home can be expensive, especially for first-time buyers," Russo said.
 

"A relocatable expandable home placed in the backyard of a home is a highly cost-effective option, allowing young adults to move in and save on rent or mortgage payments while maintaining independence. It allows them to save faster for a deposit on their future property."
 

Flexibility and mobility

"Relocatable and expandable homes are designed to move with you. If your circumstances change or you buy your own land, you can take the home with you rather than starting from scratch," Russo said.
 

"When the children have enough money to buy a home on their block of land, they can take the instant home with them or sell it. Similarly, if the parents decide that they would like to use the instant home for other purposes, they can keep it and use it as a guest house, hobby room or a home gym. The options really are endless."
 

Support network

"Living close together near family provides access to a strong support system. Whether it's childcare, shared meals or company, this arrangement can reduce costs and enhance everyone's quality of life. We have seen multiple generations all living on the same property and it really makes a difference," Russo said.
 

Space for everyone

"A relocatable and expandable home is a great way to add space to a home in a way that enables people to have their own independence while being close to everyone. It can add value to a home and also add lifestyle benefits. It really is a win-win situation that helps everyone to benefit from the arrangement," Russo said.
 

Russo emphasised that instant homes offer an affordable, practical and flexible way to break into the property market while staying close to home. VanHomes are built to maximise quality, sustainability and affordability. With prices ranging from $65,000 to $130,000, they are delivered ready for use. VanHomes have helped thousands of Australians better utilise their backyards.
 

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