What to Know Before Buying a Portable Home in Western Australia: Don’t Make These Mistakes!

Are you considering buying a portable home in Western Australia? With increasing popularity and the promise of flexibility, portable homes, or tiny houses, offer an affordable housing alternative. 

However, before you take the plunge, there are some key points you need to know to avoid costly mistakes.

Why Buying a Portable Home in Western Australia is Gaining Popularity

The flexibility and affordability of portable homes make them a compelling option for many Western Australians. 

Whether you're looking for a temporary living solution or a permanent, off-grid retreat, a portable home could be your ideal choice. But there are crucial factors to consider before making such a big investment.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know when buying portable homes in WA, ensuring you make an informed decision and avoid any unpleasant surprises.

1. Location: Do You Have Suitable Land for Your Portable Home?

One of the most crucial things to consider before buying a portable home is the location. Do you have suitable land where you can park your tiny house? 

While some people find affordable land through rural properties or vacant blocks, it’s important to understand that land availability close to urban areas is becoming limited.

However, you might not necessarily need to own the land. Many people choose to rent land or park their portable homes on family properties. Alternatively, there are websites and online communities dedicated to helping people find rental land for tiny homes.

Before you commit to a build, we recommend organising your land first to avoid any delays, as it can take up to 15 weeks for your portable home to be completed and ready for delivery.

2. Council Regulations: Do You Need Council Approval?

In WA, certain portable homes and tiny houses fall under specific regulations. For instance, tiny homes under 10 square meters in size often don’t require council approval. However, when considering long-term or residential use, there might be stricter regulations and requirements.

It’s essential to check with your local council to understand the specific rules for placing a portable home in your area. Some local councils may have more rigid regulations, especially if you want to park your home near conservation areas or in regions with high traffic.

If your tiny house exceeds certain dimensions (over 20 square meters), you may need additional permits. Make sure to consult with local authorities or get advice from a professional before purchasing your tiny house to avoid future headaches.

3. Purpose: What Will You Use Your Portable Home For?

Before buying a portable home, it's important to clearly define its purpose. Are you looking for a weekend getaway, a full-time residence, or a rental property to generate income? Different models will suit different purposes.

For instance, Factory Fit Homes’ Gunyah and Chipper models are great for short-term stays or weekend retreats, while larger models like the Settler or Grand Haus are designed for long-term living.

Understanding your specific needs will help you choose the right size and layout for your portable home.

4. Storage: How Much Storage Do You Need?

One of the challenges of living in a portable home is limited storage space. While tiny homes are designed to be compact and efficient, storage solutions are essential.

Portable homes like those from Factory Fit Homes feature smart storage options, such as under-stair compartments, kitchen cabinets, and expandable slide-out features, maximizing every square inch of space.

If you plan on bringing items like kayaks, gardening tools, or camping equipment, consider opting for additional storage options such as a shed or external storage under the house.

5. Power: How Will You Power Your Portable Home?

Will your portable home be connected to the grid, or will you go off-grid? Many portable homes in Western Australia are designed to be both, offering flexibility to suit different lifestyles. You can easily connect to the grid by running an extension from an existing dwelling, or choose off-grid options with solar panels and generators.

Factory Fit Homes provides portable homes with both options, ensuring your home is powered efficiently and sustainably.

6. Water and Drainage: How Will You Supply Water to Your Tiny Home?

Water supply and drainage systems are vital considerations when buying a portable home. If your portable home is parked near an existing water connection, you can simply connect it to mains water. However, if you are off-grid, an off-grid water system with tanks, gutters, and pumps will be required.

Consult with a professional plumber to ensure your water system is set up correctly. In addition, consider the grey water management system to ensure safe disposal of waste.

7. Rubbish Collection: How Will You Manage Waste?

When you live in a tiny home, waste management becomes more important. If you park your portable home on a property with an existing dwelling, you can typically use their waste management system. However, if you are off-grid, options like composting toilets, incinerators, or septic systems might be necessary.

Make sure to plan for waste collection, whether that involves composting or using a local waste management service.

8. Delivery and Installation: How Far Away Is Your Delivery Site?

When you buy a portable home in WA, it’s important to factor in delivery. Delivery fees vary based on distance, accessibility, and the size of your home. Factory Fit Homes provides delivery options across Australia, and we’ll help ensure that your delivery location is accessible and ready for installation.

If the site has narrow roads or hard-to-reach areas, external crane services may be required to deliver the home safely.

9. Moving: How Transportable Do You Need Your Tiny House to Be?

Portable homes are designed to be movable, but how easy is it to transport? Depending on the size and weight of the model, some homes are easier to move than others. Smaller homes like are lightweight and can be towed by a 4WD, while larger homes may require special permits for towing.

Consider your long-term plans: Do you want to move the home frequently, or will it be a permanent fixture?

10. Ordering and Finance: How Will You Pay for Your Tiny Home?

Financing options for portable homes in WA are becoming more accessible. You may be able to secure a loan for the entire build or opt for a deposit system. 

At Factory Fit Homes, we offer a range of financing options that can help you spread the cost of your tiny home.

A deposit of $5,000 secures your place in the build queue, with payments made throughout the process. Contact us today for more details on how to finance your portable home.

Conclusion

When buying a portable home in Western Australia, understanding the cost, regulations, and functionality is key to making the right choice. At Factory Fit Homes, we ensure that your portable home is not only a great investment but also a long-term, comfortable living solution.

Ready to take the next step? Contact us today for more information and to get started on your portable home journey!

FAQs

1. How do I find suitable land for my tiny house?

Finding land can be tricky, but you can rent land or use platforms like Factory Fit Homes to find available options.

2. Do I need council approval for a portable home in WA?

Typically, tiny homes under certain size limits don’t require council approval. However, it's important to check with local councils for any specific requirements.

3. Can I live permanently in a tiny house in WA?

Yes, if the home meets local regulations and is placed on suitable land, you can live permanently in a tiny house in WA.

4. What’s the best way to finance a portable home?

You can secure financing through a loan or a deposit system. Factory Fit Homes offers a range of financing options to suit your needs.