Deals on Wheels: Relocatable Homes Hand Gen Z a Lifeline

Australia’s relocatable housing market is experiencing significant transformation as millennials and Generation Z seek alternative pathways to owning their own homes. The shift towards relocatable homes, which cost upwards of $65,000, is a significant change in the property landscape. As managing director of Queensland’s Bellevue Design and Construct Jak Lok points out, “before Covid, $500,000 got you a house and land package, but now that’s impossible”. Now, Lok says, first-home buyers are considering relocatable homes as a way to enter the market. The evolving nature of the sector is underlined by the experience of VanHomes, one of Australia’s largest makers of relocatable homes. The company has expanded from constructing six homes in 2008 to building 500 homes nationwide in the 2024 financial year. It projects that will top 700 by next financial year. VanHomes chief executive Vito Russo says that relocatable and expandable homes have “evolved significantly over the last few years”. The structures arrive onsite the same width as a caravan but expand to provide up to 59sq m of living space, which is bigger, Russo says than some Sydney apartments. These home are ready for occupancy within hours of delivery, offering an immediate housing solution free of the now-normal construction delays. Red tape around relocatables Regulations for this kind of home vary across states. New South Wales has implemented legislation that allows these homes on properties with household member approval, while Victoria is moving towards more accommodating regulations. Queensland’s framework typically permits secondary homes on existing properties. And on a local level, many councils still classify these homes as caravans bcause they can be towed, which can expedite development processes. ▲ The relocatable nature of the homes provides “a sense of adventure in this mobile lifestyle”, RV Resort owner Billy Rhyne says. Property buying consultant Deepak Shukla tells The Urban Developer that “skyrocketing property prices are forcing Gen Z to reimagine the traditional concept of homeownership through relocatable homes, granny flats, and instant homes”. “Relocatable homes aren’t just budget-friendly; they’re also versatile and eco-conscious, meeting the values of a generation that prioritises flexibility and sustainability,” Shukla says. RV Resort owner Billy Rhyne says relocatable homes “present a viable affordable housing solution, especially in today’s evolving lifestyle and economic setting”. “Unlike purchasing traditional homes, which often involves hefty mortgages, relocatable options allow for a lower initial investment and reduced ongoing costs,” he says. “We see diverse demographics embracing this trend, from young professionals to retirees, each drawn by the promise of affordability and mobility.” The homes’ relocatable nature adds value, as owners can transport them to new locations as circumstances change or sell them on the secondary market without incurring real estate agent fees. Buyers Collective founder and managing director Jack Freestone says they have seen a notable shift in interest from Gen Z and millennials towards relocatable and transportable homes. ▲ The rise of multi-generational living is also fuelling interest in relocatable homes. Freestone, whose property buyer’s agency has offices in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast, says about 20 per cent of inquiries from younger buyers now include questions about non-traditional housing options including granny flats, tiny homes and transportable units to put on existing properties. “These homes offer ... affordability and adaptability, appealing to a generation prioritising value, sustainability and mobility in their living choices,” Freestone says. The firm’s lead buyer’s agent Dianne Horton says the increase in interest in non-traditional housing was in part driven by families embracing multigenerational living. “We are seeing an uptick in clients engaging our services to help them find property that can accommodate a relocatable home for their Gen Z and Millennial children,” she says. “This not only fosters family cohesion but also provides financial benefits by sharing living expenses and property costs. “Relocatable homes are more than just a trend; they represent a practical and forward-thinking solution to the housing crisis ... [and] empowers young Australians to achieve their dream of homeownership while embracing a sustainable, adaptable way of living.” Development opportunities According to an industry source, modular home parks or communities with land-leasing options could provide flexibility and lower entry costs for new homeowners. “The incorporation of shared amenities aimed at younger markets, such as coworking spaces and community gardens, could enhance appeal,” they say. “Mixed-use developments combining fixed and relocatable housing options could allow residents to upgrade or modify their homes as their needs evolve. “Developers might consider subscription-based models, offering residents the freedom to move between sites within a network of developments. ▲ Relocatable and expandable homes have evolved significantly during the past few years, according to VanHomes chief executive Vito Russo. “Urban infill projects using transportable homes as secondary dwellings could maximise underutilised spaces in established areas. “Creating community hubs with shared facilities could appeal to remote workers seeking flexibility and connection.” He would also like to see more partnerships with eco-friendly builders to “offer sustainably designed homes featuring solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems, further addressing the environmental concerns of millennial and Gen Z buyers”. The sector’s growth is supported by standardised production methods and controlled environment manufacturing. Todd Devine Homes (TDH), which began producing transportable homes in 2022, builds its homes at its own 4.5ha manufacturing facility at Lang Lang, Victoria. Since 2008, TDH has been the major supplier of transportable homes for land-lease provider Lifestyle Communities. While Lifestyle Communities typically targets at the over-60s market, recent marketing campaigns have shifted to customers 10 years younger. According to a TDH statement, they build “homes for people at important times of their lives, whether it’s starting out with an affordable home in a growth area, a holiday or permanent home to accommodate a change in life, or a granny flat for when it’s time to be close to family”. The rapid deployment capability, reduced construction costs, and growing acceptance among younger buyers suggest a sustainable market for relocatable housing developments, particularly in areas where traditional housing remains out of reach for first-time buyers. Shukla sees this shift as more than a trend. “It’s a practical answer to the ongoing housing crisis … and a cost-effective way for young people to secure their own space without diving into long-term mortgage commitments or high rent.” You are currently experiencing The Urban Developer Plus (TUD+), our premium membership for property professionals. Click here to learn more.

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