In recent years, tiny houses have become increasingly popular in Europe. But what is this alternative form of housing, and what does it offer that a traditional house doesn't? Find out more about the unusual concept of tiny houses.

What is a tiny house?

A tiny house is a small house with a surface area of no more than 40 square metres. These dwellings are designed to optimise living space and provide maximum comfort for their occupants. After all, not everyone dreams of buying a huge villa, so why not let yourself be tempted by a tiny house?

An economical home

Thanks to its small size, the tiny house saves you a lot of money. Firstly, you can have a tiny house built for as little as €25,000 (or €60,000 for optimum comfort), which means you can limit your mortgage payments. Secondly, it consumes less energy. There is less surface area to heat or light. And finally, because it requires very little maintenance. So your money can finally be used for leisure and travel.

An environmentally-friendly house

This type of construction also helps to reduce the environmental impact of human activity. Whether in terms of manufacture or day-to-day use, tiny homes have a smaller ecological footprint than traditional housing. They are often built from natural, local materials (mostly wood) and are self-sufficient in terms of electricity thanks to solar panels. Their small size also means that they consume less heating. In short, these cottages fit in perfectly with contemporary ideologies of respect for the environment.

A mobile home

The mini-home can also be built on wheels! A real boon for keen travellers! You'll still need a good towing vehicle to move it around safely. Ready to set up home in unusual places to enjoy the scenery?

A minimalist lifestyle

Of course, becoming the owner of such a small dwelling means respecting a certain lifestyle. Life in a tiny house is a minimalist lifestyle, with no room for bulky objects. Opting for this type of accommodation means not making impulse purchases that could take up too much space and reduce your living comfort.

But it also means living close to home. It's complicated to isolate yourself in a mini-home. The number of rooms is limited and the vast majority of spaces are open. So it's essential to live in perfect harmony with the other occupants.

Legislation still vague

Belgian law is still very vague when it comes to the domiciliation and construction of miniature homes. It does not yet recognise these tiny homes as permanent dwellings.