As house prices continue to soar across the country, could a van home be the answer to young people getting their foot on the ladder?
According to Vito Russo, founder of Australia’s largest relocatable and expandable homes manufacturer, VanHomes, instant housing is now the go-to real estate option for many Aussies and they are turning their affordable homes into designer havens.
“We are seeing an increase in the number of Gen Z and millennials that are purchasing an instant home and turning them into highly customised luxury pads with clever interior design techniques and furnishings,” Vito said. “With the money they are saving by avoiding the traditional housing market, they are able to splash out and create luxurious abodes complete with tech and stunning interiors. Some are even adding elaborate decks and outdoor man caves complete with TVs and a bar.”
Vito said many people do not realise that relocatable and expandable homes have evolved significantly over the last few years. “They are now very sexy and customisable! Gen Zs and millennials are all over it and are using them as their first leap into the property market and they are doing it in style.”
Relocatable and expandable homes can be ordered in a range of sizes and their interiors can be customised to meet any design aesthetic with finishes and fittings to suit 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,” Vito adds.
Many councils across Australia deem these 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.
“Interior design can transform a relocatable home into a luxurious one by enhancing its aesthetic appeal, functionality and overall comfort without spending a lot of money,” Vito said.
“If you have a driveway, side access or room at the back of your property, then you can have a relocatable expanding home. They arrive the same width as a caravan and once in place in the backyard can then be expanded out to provide up to 59 sqm of living space. That is bigger than some Sydney apartments. They really are instant housing and can be styled to achieve any type of look you want.”
VanHomes comprise studios through to three-bedroom mobile homes and range in price from $65,000 up to $136,000. Best of all, if you ever want to move to a different area, you can take your VanHome with you, towing it with a large 4WD or light truck.
Since its establishment in 2008, VanHomes has grown from a small team of two staff members to over 150 professionals in 2024. This reflects the increasing demand for affordable and flexible housing solutions in the Australian market.
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