As Australia faces an increasingly severe housing crisis, many homeowners are now opting for innovative do-it-yourself backyard pods and cabins as a solution to their need for additional living space.
In response to this trend, the hardware powerhouse Bunnings has broadened its inventory to include compact, flat-pack homes that can be assembled in just a matter of days. This presents a fresh, budget-friendly option for both families and property investors alike.
These offerings are part of a larger shift towards modular and prefabricated housing, reflecting a growing demand for tiny homes and DIY studios across the nation. With property prices soaring and conventional housing becoming scarce, Australians are actively seeking more accessible alternatives.
Bunnings now features Elsewhere Pods’ modular units both online and in physical stores, with prices starting at around $26,100 for a modest 2.7m by 2.4m room, escalating to $42,900 for a more spacious 4m by 2.4m studio.
The pods come packaged as flat packs, equipped with prefabricated panels, insulation, and eaves, all designed to be securely locked and waterproof. Notably, in some areas, these structures can be erected without the need for a building permit.
"They provide an affordable way for customers to add functional space to their homes," remarked Ryan Baker, the Chief Operating Officer of Bunnings.
The emergence of modular backyard dwellings coincides with the deepening housing crisis in the country. Traditional detached homes typically require a year or longer to construct, while escalating costs have compelled many Australians to look for quicker and more economical solutions.
To address this issue, state governments in places like Queensland and Victoria have eased planning regulations concerning secondary dwellings. Meanwhile, the federal government’s Housing Accord aims to facilitate the construction of 1.2 million new homes by 2029. However, projections indicate that Australia could fall short by over 400,000 homes.
According to Matt Decarne, the founder of Elsewhere Pods, part of the appeal of these units lies in their quick assembly and ease of use. "Many tiny homes, including some of our designs, don’t require planning or building approvals, which is a major attraction," he noted.
RealEstate.com reports that prefabricated and kit-built housing is rapidly gaining traction across Australia, with market analysts predicting that this sector will expand by approximately seven percent annually, potentially reaching $18 billion by the year 2030.
The increasing demand is being fueled by families, property investors, and various regional projects, with modular homes being utilized more frequently for off-grid living and eco-tourism ventures. Sales of modular units such as Elsewhere Pods have already exceeded $9 million, with nearly a third of these sales directed towards such initiatives.
These versatile modular pods are commonly repurposed as home offices, teenage retreats, or guest accommodations. Furthermore, they are becoming a favored choice among Airbnb hosts and regional property investors, providing a quick and energy-efficient alternative to traditional building methods.
