Americans are turning to purchasing their own smaller properties as their median house price becomes out of reach — will Aussies do the same? Pictures: Amazon/TikTok
Aussies spend hundreds of millions of dollars each year on Amazon purchases for their homes, but a new wave of shoppers are now turning to the online retail giant for the homes themselves.
With the median house price in Australia now sitting at $797,000 according to PropTrack, many people may feel that the dream of owning their own property is an impossible feat.
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But now DIY compact properties that can be assembled in less than a day can be bought for just $15,300 (US$10,000), costing a fraction of the average house or apartment.
Co-founder of Tiny Mobile Eddie Davies told The Daily Telegraph in 2023 he believes their tiny homes can help Aussies who are struggling to find quality homes on tight budgets.
Now some American buyers that have already purchased one of the diminutive dwellings have been showcasing the process on social media, revealing the truth about what it takes to put them together and how comfortable they really are.
Proud homebuyer Nathan Graham was full of praise for his new property, which he purchased online for $59,700 (US$38,999), according to Realtor.
Graham, who is known as Unspeakable online, shared a video of himself unboxing his new abode.
Amazon’s DIY tiny homes that can be assembled in less than a day are also cheaper than the average house or apartment. Pictures: Amazon/TikTok
“There’s a whole bathroom! And a shower” he and his friends exclaim as they tour the property, before expanding it out to its full size, revealing the home simply “unfolds” and clips into shape.
“I’ve never folded a house together… this thing is so easy to build, you just unfold it. It didn’t come with instructions, and we built it.”
Another influencer, 23-year-old Jeffrey Bryant from LA, also bought a Amazon home for of $39,000 (US$26,000), explaining that he worked with one of the company’s specialists to procure several “upgrades” to the home, including two free couches.
One of the A-frame homes you can purchase on Amazon. Pictures: Amazon/TikTok
Bryant’s tiny abode also came complete with a working bathroom that features a toilet and shower.
He noted that the ceilings are “very low” but adds that, on the whole, he’s thrilled with his new dwelling.
“People my age are told that we can’t afford to purchase homes, but I’m proof that it is possible,” He said in an interview with the New York Post.
Mr Bryant’s tiny home came complete with a living room and a bathroom with a working shower and toilet. Pictures: TikTok/JeffreyBryant
Another look inside Mr Bryant’s new tiny house. Pictures: Amazon/TikTok
While it may seem like a novel concept to purchase a house online, real estate salesperson Douglas Bendt, of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices said the concept is actually really old, remarking how agencies sold ‘kit homes from a catalogue in the early 1900s’.
What to know before you buy
Before you hit “buy now” on an Amazon house, it’s crucial to do your homework — and lots of it.
Sotheby’s International Realty broker Nikki Beauchamp told Realtor she would have some major concerns if a client was going to do this — namely “zoning, where to put it, and — most importantly — quality of construction.”
Before making your tiny-home dream come true, doing your due diligence is critical, particularly when it comes to figuring out where exactly you are going to build your new property.
Nathan Graham receives his home delivery. Pictures: Amazon/TikTok
What the homes look like delivered. Pictures: Amazon/TikTok
“Check the zoning laws, as it could be challenging to obtain permits and licenses even if you already have the land,” EXP Realty Los Angeles’ Chantay Bridges advised.
“You don’t want to purchase a tiny house only to find out your city does not allow them or has extremely tight restrictions.”
Connecting into the city’s sewage and water system could be another big hurdle, with agents advising potential buyers to meet with local planning and development department — as well as checking into insurance and financing — before adding one of these home kits to your cart.
Others warn that you should only consider purchasing from reputable sellers whose listings have legitimate reviews.
If you’ve done all your research and want to take the plunge, take a look at these five houses that are only a click away — and all priced at less than $77,000.
“People my age are told that we can’t afford to purchase homes, but I’m proof that it is possible.” Mr Bryant told The Post. Pictures: Amazon/TikTok
1. Adorable A-frame
Amazon price: $19,989 (US$13,078)
This modern retreat is delivered fully assembled, allowing “for hassle-free set up and relocation.”
It has one bedroom downstairs, and a second bedroom upstairs in the loft.
There is an open, airy living room along with a kitchen and bathroom.
But it’s the cabin’s incredible floor-to-ceiling windows that truly steal the show.
Find out more about the A-frame cabin here.
2. Two-storey oasis
Amazon price: $76,270 (US$49,899)
This two-storey house is approximately 7.6m long and 6.1m wide, and makes efficient use of the space with three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
The tiny home also boasts a full kitchen, a combined dining-and-living area, and an additional upstairs living room.
Its one review on Amazon says “the craftsmanship is exceptional, and the customer support throughout the process was fantastic.”
See more about the Double-Storey House.
A look at one of the two-storey houses you can buy online. Pictures: Amazon/TikTok
3. Bi-level with a balcony
Amazon price: $37,830 (US$24,750)
With its 6m expandable design, this two-bedroom, one-bathroom tiny home is surprisingly roomy.
It features double-glazed PVC sliding windows and security doors made of broken-bridge aluminium.
It comes already wired for electric and plumbing, and has a roof insulated with flame-retardant foam panels.
The listing even claims it is “typhoon- and wind resistant.”
4. Space-age ’pod mansion’
Amazon price: $53,497 (US$35,000)
This unique dwelling is described as a “space capsule cabin house hotel, designed for modern living at its finest” that “has a lifespan of more than 50-60 years.”
The one-bedroom unit is more than 12m long, with wall-to-wall windows.
It conveniently comes wired for electricity and plumbing.
Click here to see more about the Pod Mansion.
5. Traditional tiny home
Amazon price: $35,155 (US$23,000)
This tiny home’s structure is primarily made of galvanised steel, and it’s available in an array of colours including white, blue, grey, and brown.
The listing says it takes just two hours to install, “greatly reducing labour costs.”
The home also features an anti-rust, waterproof design that’s reportedly “anti-seismic.”
The all-in price includes furniture, kitchen and bathroom fixtures, electrical appliances, and decorative materials.
One of the ‘bi-level with a balcony’ homes. Pictures: Amazon/TikTok
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