What Is a Tiny Home?
Originally conceived in the US as an antidote to go-big-or-go-home housing culture and rising house prices, the tiny house movement has now caught on worldwide, including here in Ireland.
The tiny house movement is a social movement promoting the reduction of living space to simplify life and reduce environmental impact. By definition, a tiny home is a living unit that measures under 400 square feet (roughly 37m²).
In Ireland, the average floor space of a home is 81 square metres, so we are talking about downsizing the average living space by over 50% — and that is for a house on the larger end of the tiny home scale.
There are various reasons for downsizing to a tiny home, but the most common ones are:
- They are much more affordable than traditional housing in the increasingly expensive Irish property market.
- A desire to be more environmentally friendly and reduce your carbon footprint.
- They are considered cheaper to run — lower energy bills and reduced maintenance costs give financial freedom.
- The desire to live more simply with fewer possessions.
Tiny homes make great starter homes, student accommodation, hospitality accommodation, temporary homes, and portable homes. They are also increasingly popular as rental units on existing properties.
If tiny homes are something that interest you, you might also be interested in log cabins in Ireland.
Types of Tiny Homes
Technically speaking, any home could be a tiny home, however, we list below the categories that most micro homes generally fall into:
- A cob house. This is a micro house constructed with natural and old-fashioned building materials such as clay, soil, sand, and straw. The building materials are combined to produce characteristically compressed and sculpted continuous walls, unlike other buildings constructed from bricks or blocks.
- Hobbit homes. Charmingly titled after the iconic Lord of the Rings trilogy, these are tiny homes built to blend into their surroundings and look like part of the landscape. They can be built into a hill, have grass roofs, and normally feature round windows, extensive woodwork, and natural wood sculptures.
- Kit houses. These are homes that come in prefabricated sections that can quickly be put together. You will find good examples of kit homes on the Tipperary-based Tiny Homes Ireland design webpage.
- Vardo tiny houses. These are beautiful wagon-style homes on wheels which normally feature curved roofs and are highly decorative.
- Yurts. A traditional round portable tent, used for centuries by nomadic groups in the steppes of Central Asia. They have become popular in recent years due to their use in glamping resorts.
While you may be familiar with some of the types on the above list, there are a few more exotic ones, such as:
- Bus conversions
- Cabins and log cabins
- DIY tiny homes
- Granny flats
- Houseboats
- Mobile homes, RVs, or trailers
- Treehouses
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Pros and Cons of Tiny Home Living in Ireland
Before making the leap to tiny home living, it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages carefully:
Advantages
- Significantly lower purchase price compared to traditional housing — from €7,000 for a partially built home
- Reduced energy bills due to smaller space to heat and power
- Smaller environmental footprint — studies show up to 45% reduction in ecological impact
- Greater financial freedom with lower or no mortgage payments
- Simpler, more intentional lifestyle with less clutter and maintenance
- Potential to locate closer to work, reducing commute times and transport costs
Disadvantages
- Limited living space can feel cramped, especially for families or couples
- Planning permission can be complex and varies by local authority
- Difficult to obtain a traditional mortgage — personal loans are typically required
- Resale value is uncertain as the market is still developing in Ireland
- Water, sanitation, and sewage solutions require careful planning
- Limited storage space means significant downsizing of possessions
Are Tiny Homes Legal in Ireland and Do I Need Planning Permission?
There are multiple layers to unravel to get to the bottom of the legal questions surrounding tiny homes in Ireland.
First, the size of the space you plan to live in. You can have a non-habitable structure under 25m² without having to apply for any planning permission. These are usually spaces such as a garden studio, small shed, or separate small office space.
You can then later request an “alteration” to convert these non-habitable structures into a permanent tiny house.
The second aspect to consider is whether your dwelling is a permanent fixture or considered temporary. From the list above, a bus, houseboat, mobile home, vardo home, and yurt are typically considered temporary homes.
If you are thinking of living in one of these temporary homes, no planning permission is required as long as the following conditions are met:
- You do not reside in it more than 6 months out of the year.
- The home is not connected to any public services.
- It is compliant with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) environmental laws.
- You verify the type of land you have (agricultural, rural, other) and ensure your local authority allows temporary structures on that category of land.
Any other type of building or structure will be considered a permanent fixture and you will need to go through the planning permission process to build a fixed tiny home.
The complexity of the process will also depend on which services you require for your micro home — electricity, gas, water, sanitation, etc.
Tiny Homes Water and Sanitation
We realise that water and sanitation are not the first items that spring to mind when you are dreaming of your new micro home. You may just assume it comes along with a micro bathroom, deluxe inbuilt shower, modern toilet, and stylish sink included.
However, to avoid any unpleasant situations further down the line, and any possible health or hygiene problems, there are legalities with water best dealt with and planned from the start.
Before you start dreaming of living in your new tiny home, consider the following water and sanitation points:
- Fresh Water — Tiny homes with a fixed location can source their water from a town water line, a well, or a portable water source. Those that have no fixed abode should have water tanks that can be refilled via hoses.
- Greywater — Greywater is all wastewater that does not come from the toilet. Greywater can be reused to water plants when eco-friendly soap is used.
- Blackwater — This is all water flushed from the cistern and needs to be disposed of properly to avoid becoming a health and environmental hazard. Waterless compost toilets can be a good alternative and avoid having to deal with blackwater.
- Sewage — If your tiny house is stationary, we recommend hooking it up to the local sewerage system or a septic tank. For those more into mobile living, low-flush toilets and compost toilets are a more practical solution.
Powering and Heating Tiny Homes
Tiny homes should mean tinier electricity and heating bills, but how do you actually go about hooking them up with an energy supplier? Luckily, there are several ways to make sure your tiny home is a cosy nest for you and yours.
- If your tiny house will be in a fixed location, you can hook it up to the electricity and gas grids. Compare electricity providers to find the best deal for a small home.
- A small well-vented stove is also a great option for the colder months of the year. Learn about the best home heating options in Ireland.
- For venturing off-grid, generators, LPG tanks, and solar panels are good options for powering your home on wheels. You may also qualify for microgeneration incentives.
- Infrared heaters are also gaining in popularity for heating small homes.
- A heat pump can be a highly efficient option for fixed tiny homes, and SEAI grants may be available to offset the cost.
- Good insulation is essential — well-insulated tiny homes can dramatically reduce heating needs. Consider underfloor heating for efficient space use.
Other Legal and Planning Permission Factors to Consider
Before even beginning to look into obtaining planning permission for a tiny home, here are a few other important factors you should consider:
- Talk to your future neighbours. Although in some cases it is legally allowed to have a tiny home on your land without planning permission, your neighbour could still raise objections successfully if they deem the building unsafe or if it affects their property. It is best to get them on your side ahead of time.
- Inquire with your bank. Due to the smaller amounts of money involved in purchasing or building a tiny home, typically between €25,000–€40,000, you probably will not be able to get a mortgage. However, a personal loan should be a feasible alternative. Ensure you have sufficient funds when you embark on this venture.
- Check your BER rating requirements. Permanent dwellings in Ireland require a Building Energy Rating. Tiny homes built to high insulation standards can often achieve excellent BER ratings.
- Insurance. Standard home insurance policies may not cover tiny homes. Speak to your insurer about specialist tiny home or mobile home insurance before you move in.
Are Tiny Homes Better for the Environment?
Media coverage and the tiny house movement have pushed the idea that downsizing to tiny homes is good for the planet, but do these claims hold water?
The basis for tiny homes reducing environmental impact is the following:
- They consume fewer resources both in their construction and in energy consumption. However, for the latter to be true, people's consumption patterns would also need to change upon moving into a small home.
- In addition to consuming less energy, people who live in tiny houses also modify their food habits and consumption of goods and services, which also contributes to reducing their ecological footprint.
- In a traditional housing market, many first-time homebuyers are pushed out to the outskirts of residential areas where houses are cheaper, increasing their commute time. Tiny houses require much smaller plots of land, meaning tiny homeowners can get closer to where they need to be, typically dictated by where they work. This creates a reduction in the transportation impact on the environment.
- As small homes are such a recent concept, most of them are also built close to zero-energy or passive house standards.
In short, largely constructed from sustainable materials, with much lower heating needs, no planned obsolescence, and economical lighting, it seems that tiny homes are not only good for the environment but they are also good for your pocket!
Tiny home owners can further reduce their environmental impact by choosing renewable energy sources. Installing solar panels on a tiny home can often cover 100% of its electricity needs, and solar batteries allow you to store excess energy for later use.
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How Much Is a Tiny House in Ireland?
With so many different types of tiny homes, how much a tiny house costs is essentially how much you want to pay.
If we eliminate all temporary structures like mobile homes, yurts, and the other types mentioned earlier, then tiny homes tend to come in the following three states:
| Type | Price Range | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Partially Built | €7,000 – €19,000 | Framework and blueprints only — you install furniture, wiring, heating, and other elements yourself |
| Fully Built | €30,000 – €40,000 | Move-in ready with wiring, windows, and heating installed |
| Modular / Custom | €25,000 – €135,000+ | Choose size, layout, and number of rooms — highly customisable |
How to Build a Tiny House
If none of the partially or fully built tiny home options appeals to you, there is nothing more satisfying than building a tiny house yourself. You can then fully design a place to your taste and liking.
Do not kid yourself though — it does not always end up being cheaper than paying for one upfront. Unless you have great friends to help in the construction, you will most likely need to hire help for some jobs like plumbing and get a certified electrician to do the wiring.
Should you embark on this journey, we recommend following these steps for the successful construction of your dream tiny home:
- Research and decide on the type of tiny home you would prefer to live in.
- Determine the ideal county and location for your home.
- Verify the local authority planning permission requirements for your ideal tiny home.
- Ensure regulations fit the type of home and size you have planned.
- Have an architect draw plans for your home.
- Present the plans and obtain your planning permission from the local authority (if your home is over 25m² and will be a permanent dwelling).
- Arrange your financing — a personal loan is typically needed as mortgages rarely cover tiny homes.
- With permission in hand, you will be ready to build your tiny home.
How to Build a Tiny Home on a Trailer
If your preference is to build your own tiny home on a trailer, we recommend you examine the Tiny Life website. It contains a great handbook you can download for a step-by-step description of how to build a home on a trailer. You will also find plenty of other great tips and suggestions for living in a tiny house in Ireland.
Tiny Houses for Sale in Ireland
Although tiny homes are not yet as popular in Ireland as they are in other countries, their star is definitely on the rise, especially with the ongoing housing crisis in the Republic.
Below we have included some helpful suggestions to start you on your way in search of your perfect compact home:
- Tinyhomes.ie can promise you the tiny house of your dreams within 5 weeks from consultation. Their properties sit directly on concrete pads, so no need for foundations.
- Big Man Tiny Homes was founded by JP Simpson, a tiny home-owner, in 2018 in response to growing demand in Ireland. Customers can choose from ready-made designs or have their houses custom-designed.
- Daft.ie — Need we remind you that the Irish practically invented tiny house living? We traditionally lived in tiny cottages and bungalows, many of which can be had for the same price as a tiny home and upgraded by applying tiny house principles.
- Timber Living specialises in cabins. If wooden beauty is your thing, then Timber Living is where it is at.
Before purchasing, always check the BER rating of any pre-built tiny home and factor in the cost of a new energy connection if the property is not already connected to the grid.
Need Help Setting Up Your New Home?
Moving house? Our experts at Selectra can set up your energy, broadband, and utilities in one free call — saving you time and money.
Energy-Saving Tips for Tiny Homes
One of the biggest advantages of tiny home living is the potential for extremely low energy bills. Here are some practical tips to maximise your savings:
- Insulate thoroughly. Proper insulation is the single most important factor in keeping your tiny home warm and your bills low. Consider cavity wall insulation and draught proofing.
- Install solar panels. A small solar panel system can often power an entire tiny home. Check the cost of solar panels and available SEAI grants.
- Use energy-efficient appliances. In a small space, every appliance matters. Choose A-rated products and consider energy-saving gadgets.
- Choose the right energy plan. Compare electricity providers to find the cheapest deal. A smart meter can help you track usage in real time.
- Consider a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat ensures you only heat your tiny home when you need to.
Conclusion: Is a Tiny Home Right for You?
Tiny homes offer a compelling alternative to traditional housing in Ireland, especially as property prices continue to rise. With costs ranging from €7,000 for a partially built structure to €135,000+ for a fully customised modular home, they are significantly more affordable than the average Irish house price.
However, tiny home living is not for everyone. The legal landscape around planning permission remains complex, water and sanitation require careful thought, and the limited space demands a genuine commitment to downsizing. If you are prepared for these challenges, a tiny home can provide financial freedom, a smaller environmental footprint, and a simpler way of life.
Before taking the plunge, we recommend speaking to your local authority about planning requirements, securing your financing, and visiting existing tiny home communities or suppliers to see whether the lifestyle truly suits you.
Frequently Asked Questions About tiny homes in Ireland
Do I need planning permission for a tiny house in Ireland?
It depends on the type and use of your tiny home. Non-habitable structures under 25m² (such as garden studios or sheds) do not require planning permission. Temporary structures like mobile homes and yurts do not need permission if you live in them for fewer than 6 months per year and they are not connected to public services. Any permanent dwelling over 25m² requires full planning permission from your local authority.
How much does a tiny home cost in Ireland?
Tiny home prices in Ireland vary widely. A partially built tiny home on wheels can cost as little as €7,000 to €19,000. Fully built, move-in ready tiny homes typically range from €30,000 to €40,000. Custom modular designs start at around €25,000 and can exceed €135,000 depending on size, layout, and finishes.
Can I get a mortgage for a tiny home in Ireland?
It is very unlikely. Due to the lower amounts involved (typically €25,000–€40,000), most banks will not issue a mortgage for a tiny home. A personal loan is the most common financing option. Some credit unions may also offer favourable terms for eco-friendly housing projects. Check the Help to Buy scheme to see if any government supports apply to your situation.
How do I power and heat a tiny home?
Fixed tiny homes can be connected to the electricity and gas grids like any other dwelling. Off-grid options include solar panels, generators, and LPG tanks. For heating, options include small wood-burning stoves, infrared heaters, heat pumps, and underfloor heating. Good insulation is the most important factor in keeping heating costs low.
Are tiny homes environmentally friendly?
Yes, tiny homes are generally much better for the environment than traditional housing. They consume fewer building materials, require less energy to heat and power, and encourage a simpler lifestyle with reduced consumption. A US study found that tiny home inhabitants reduced their ecological footprint by 45% on average. Many tiny homes in Ireland are also built to near passive house standards using sustainable materials.