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All You Need to Know about Tiny Homes!
Here you’ll find out exactly what a tiny house is, the pros and cons, and where you can find a tiny home in the Raleigh / Durham area of North Carolina. If you are just looking for tiny homes for sale scroll down to the bottom of the page!
What Is a Tiny House?
Isn’t a tiny house just a small house? Well, no.
Typically, any home that’s between 400 and 1,000 square feet is considered a small house. A tiny house is even smaller, at 100 to 400 square feet. In fact, the average tiny house weighs in at just 186 square feet, according to The Tiny Life.
These houses are not just four small walls, or a large-house layout on a tiny scale, though; they’re built with thoughtful design that combines functions. Every nook and cranny is used in a creative way to maximize storage and living space. For example, a bench may hide a table that folds out when you’re ready for dinner.
Looking to become more self-sufficient? You can even get a tiny house that generates its own electricity and water, so you can live entirely off the grid.
But more than a style or a size, the tiny house is a movement. People opt for these micro spaces to live in a more environmentally friendly way, spend less on housing so they can spend more on experiences, and have fewer obligations weighing them down.
A 550 square foot tiny / small home in Chapel Hill, NC
What Are the Advantages of a Tiny House?
From finances to freedom, let’s talk about all the benefits of opting for a tiny house.
Tiny houses are (relatively) inexpensive.
The materials for the average tiny house cost just $25,000. Your total costs will depend on whether you build it yourself or have someone do it for you. Compare this to the price of regular homes in the Raleigh area, which can range from $115,000 to close to $10 million.
These money-saving benefits add up. In fact, 68% of tiny house owners have no mortgage, compared to almost 30% of all U.S. homeowners, reports The Tiny Life. And 55% boast more savings than the average American.
You can be more environmentally friendly in a tiny house.
Less space means you have less to heat and cool—which translates into lower energy usage.
A tiny house is less of an obligation.
Imagine how much less time it would take to clean 186 square feet than the median home size in 2020 of 2,386 square feet! You’ll also need to do less maintenance because...well, there’s less to maintain. Finally, you won’t have to shop for furnishings to fill up a lot of rooms you rarely use anyway.
A tiny house gives you more freedom.
Since tiny houses are less expensive and require less maintenance, you have more time and money for things you consider more important. Some people have been able to quit their jobs after buying a tiny house! Not to mention, if your house is on wheels you can travel without ever leaving home.
You may be able to live in a nicer neighborhood.
You have your eye on a particular neighborhood in the Raleigh/Durham area, whether it’s because of the quality of the schools or the proximity to a park...but the houses out of your budget. If you can build a tiny house in the neighborhood, you can get all the benefits of the location without the hefty price tag. (See below, though, for issues with zoning laws—and how some people get around them.)
Zoning may allow to you to build a tiny home where big homes aren't possible
In cities like Durham NC you can often build tiny homes on small 2,000 square foot lots, whereas larger homes would not be approved by the city for that size lot. Please check with the city on zoning prior to purchasing any lots or doing any subdivision, since this option is more available closer to downtown Durham than further away.
A 480 square foot tiny / small home located in Raleigh, NC
What Are the Disadvantages of a Tiny House?
Despite these advantages, living in such a small space is not all sunshine and roses. Let’s take a look at the cons of tiny homes.
Tiny houses may not be as inexpensive as they seem.
If you need to rent or buy land, the price of a tiny house isn’t so tiny anymore. The price can also increase depending on the materials and appliances you choose, and how much help you need building it.
Zoning laws may not allow tiny houses.
In some areas, zoning laws stipulate a minimum size for houses—and a tiny home will typically not hit that minimum. According to Money Crashers, some people get around this law by buying a larger house, renting it out, and keeping their tiny house on the property as an “outbuilding” or a “vehicle.”
Tiny homes may be bad for your health.
In an article on why so many tiny home enthusiasts end up upsizing, The Globe and Mail reported that living in an overcrowded space takes its toll on mental and physical health. Also, imagine the fights and resentment that can brew up: you love your family, but do you want to be crammed into a 200-square-foot house with them 24/7/365?
It’s hard to entertain in a tiny house.
Have a lot of friends, or a big extended family? Not in a tiny house, you don’t. You can say goodbye to hosting holiday gatherings, dinner parties, book clubs, and maybe even sleepovers for the kids. Even if you could fit that many people into your home, would you have room for all the dishes, food, and other items you need to entertain?
Try Before Buying a Tiny House
Like all homes, tiny houses have their pros and cons. Wondering if a tiny home is right for you? Try renting one for a vacation. You can rent a tiny house on AirBnB or VRBO, and there are even vacation rental resorts like A Tiny House Resort in upstate New York.
And if you’d like to start looking now for your perfect tiny home in the Raleigh/Durham area, check out our listings below.
Tiny and Small Homes for Sale in the Raleigh / Durham Area
Cute little two bedroom, one bath house perfect for investors. Appliances are included. Home is in need of additional foundation support and priced accordingly. Property ...
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2436608 MLS
- PENDING Status
Cute 2 bedroom bungalow convenient to downtown Burlington. Bright kitchen with a gas range stove that overlooks your partially fenced back yard. Laundry off the kitchen p...
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2497529 MLS
- PENDING Status
Great investment property and rent ready with a modest rehab. Sold as-is. New AC has been installed and home is ready to go for the new owners.
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2498830 MLS
- PENDING Status
Great opportunity priced to sell. New floor coverings, new paint, new kitchen cabinets, new vanity, new countertops, new kitchen sink and modern faucet, convenient to eve...
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2489071 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Great home located in quiet community.This home has two nice size bedrooms.The floors are upgraded and the appliances are in great condition.This one will not last long.
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2490024 MLS
- PENDING Status
2 BEDROOM 1 BATH. USED AS A RENTAL PROPERTY FOR MANY YEARS. APPOINTMENT REQUIRED.
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2489814 MLS
- PENDING Status
Calling All Investors!! Cozy tiny home with inside remodel almost complete. 2 bedroom/1 bath, Open kitchen/living room with a feature stone wall, and dining/flex room. N...
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2497378 MLS
- PENDING Status
Such a CUTE house! One level on a corner lot. SUPER convenient to I-40/85 for commuting, grocery stores and more! 3 bedrooms, 1 bath. Replacement windows, exterior is nic...
- 1 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2497620 MLS
- PENDING Status
Simply charming best describes this adorable updated 2 bed/1 bath bungalow close to downtown Burlington! New windows, new roof 2023 with lifetime warranty, HVAC approxima...
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2493800 MLS
- PENDING Status
Zone LB - No value is given to the house on 500 N Main St. This is a court-ordered sale, and it is subject to Wake County Court approval. This means the commissioner will...
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2499699 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Looking to start or add to your rental portfolio OR call it home?? This is it! ADORABLE Home, 2/1 Appliances can remain! great location!! Agent available only Email. hous...
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2495906 MLS
- PENDING Status
Great opportunity in Durham. Many possibilities to renovate and make it your own, or use the land for your next project! Being sold As-Is.
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2499450 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
This remodeled home is move in ready. Refinished hardwood floors, New paint, Vinyl siding, Replacement windows, Remodeled bath, Updated kitchen.
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2499045 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Nice starter home just outside of the Haw River city limits. Nice rocking chair front porch! Floors recently updated with LVP. Stainless steel kitchen appliances. Nice la...
- 1 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2492703 MLS
- PENDING Status
Cozy bungalow with 2 beds & 1 full bathroom. Open Living, Dining and kitchen area. Front screen porch, large deck over looking fenced back yard. Additional storage space ...
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2500089 MLS
- PENDING Status
Cozy home with a big backyard. Deep lot. Very close to Downtown Durham. Central HVAC.
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2495107 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Location, location, within a mile from downtown Durham, Gloden belt, and Motorco, easy access to Brier Creek, and airport. Investor special. 1310 Manteo St. was part of 1...
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2489571 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
A handyman/investor special, 3 bedrooms and 1 bath. Located in SW Durham. Easy access to Downtown Durham, RDU and RTP. Minutes to neighborhood parks, trails, shopping and...
- 3 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2483527 MLS
- PENDING Status
Welcome Home to Greenway Park in Graham. Super Cute Home with 3 bedrooms and 1 bath. New LVP Flooring thru out home and completely painted ceiling and walls. Vinyl Replac...
- 3 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2496585 MLS
- PENDING Status
GREAT FLIP, RENTAL, OR DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY! Zoned R-5 (1 Dwelling Unit per 5,000 sqft). Tear down and build 2 new construction homes, or flip one and build the other....
- 3 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2501160 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
GREAT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY!! Fixer Upper in downtown Durham. Good opportunity for a Handyman/Flipper or Homeowner that wants Sweat Equity! Also great for a fix and hold...
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2486664 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Property leased through Sept 2023 for $1,100. NEW Trane HVAC system 2021, fresh paint 2023! This well-maintained beautiful Ranch Style home is located in a Cul-de-sac in ...
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2491773 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
LOCATION!! Calling Investors/Builders. Amazing opportunity for a complete rehab in the desirable Golden Belt Historic District. Seller already has professional historical...
- 1 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2498236 MLS
- PENDING Status
Great Investment Property in Bull City. Long time, reliable tenant in place. Brand new HVAC installed in November ‘22. Opportunity for substantial appreciation with new c...
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2494631 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Great investor or flip opportunity. 1923 bungalow has great layout. Just needs some love to bring it back to its glory. Large-fenced yard. Will be sold strictly as is...
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2497684 MLS
- PENDING Status
***Multiple Offers-BEST Offers Deadline, 3/12 at 12PM***Charming Energy Efficient home Built in 2014- 3 bedrooms and 2 baths on large lot, Freshly Painted walls & ceiling...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2498576 MLS
- PENDING Status
House is sold "AS IS". Property has been well maintained. Convenient to Downtown Durham, NCCU, Durham Technical Community College. Bus line and all other conveniences. ...
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2497989 MLS
- PENDING Status
All Acceptable Offers are subject to 10 Day Upset Court Bid. Acceptable BID has been Posted. Please Call Agent if interested in upsetting current OFFER! 10 Days start 1...
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2470064 MLS
- PENDING Status
Cozy updated ranch home in East Durham. New granite countertop, cabinets and SS appliances in kitchen. Hardwood floors throughout main living areas with vinyl flooring in...
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2498990 MLS
- PENDING Status
BUILDER'S SPECIAL! This large lot in Walltown is waiting for the right builder or person wanting to build. Existing home has framing in the interior, new windows, new vi...
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2493963 MLS
- PENDING Status
Adorable renovated Ranch in Alamance Hills! This home features landscaping, a fenced-in front and backyard, a sitting front porch, a paved driveway, four detached storage...
- 3 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2496998 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Adorable Newly Updated 2 Bedroom 1 Bath home situated in Mebane! Gorgeous Herringbone LVP Floors thru out main areas, Updated Kitchen w/Stunning Granite Counters, White C...
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2500338 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Beautifully updated condo in prime Cary location! Luxury vinyl & tile floors, HVAC 2021, Roof 2020, updated kitchen cabinets with granite/quartz countertops, flooring rep...
- 1 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2501542 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Location, Location, Location !! This property located in the hart of down town Raleigh. Property sold AS-IS. This is an investment property - tenant occupied. See agent ...
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2498106 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Charming, updated home at the edge of popular Colonial Village, less than 2.5 miles from Downtown Durham. Enter and be greeted by a living room with beautiful fireplace. ...
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2490010 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Newly renovated - Move in ready!! Close to downtown and Zebulon Community Park. Good size lot with a little over a half acre. Walk into freshly painted interior with new ...
- 3 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2491170 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Beautiful home in the heart of Durham walking distance to NCC in a quiet no exit street. Beautifully renovated with many other new build homes in the street. A perfect oa...
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2497784 MLS
- PENDING Status
Rare chance of a lifetime to own this cozy home on a pristine property in quaint and quiet Bahama! Nearly 1.5 acres of cleared land with 100 native fruit and nut trees, ...
- 1 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2482980 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Looking for your dream home in the heart of Durham, NC? Look no further than 213 Fountain Street! This stunning two-bedroom, one-bathroom home boasts a beautiful large ki...
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2498313 MLS
- PENDING Status
Stunning and completely remodeled two bedroom, one bathroom home in Durham! No HOA! New roof, HVAC, flooring, paint, water heater and more! The beautiful kitchen features...
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2493528 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Completely renovated from top to bottom!! Three bedroom, one bathroom home in Durham. New roof, HVAC, siding, plumbing, electrical, flooring, paint and more! Open concept...
- 3 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2493530 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Adorable ranch style, single level craftsman home inside the beltline with an open floor plan ready for you to create your own kitchen design. This 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath ha...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2485877 MLS
- PENDING Status
Come see this beautiful, brick ranch style home located in the heart of Durham, NC. This property features three bedrooms, one full bath, with newly installed laminate fl...
- 3 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2501585 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
PRICE DROP!! POPULAR RENTAL/INVESTMENT PROPERTY. Fully RENOVATED Bungalow in the heart of Raleigh! From inviting front porch walk into a spacious living room fully of s...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2495036 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Comfy Charming 2BR/1BT Cottage in the heart of Holly Springs. Enjoy one level living with a nice flat yard, peaceful screened porch & a garage with great storage within a...
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2496297 MLS
- PENDING Status
Two lots (0.26 acre each) zoned LB must be sold together - 504 N Main St (PIN#0649940463) and 0 N Main St (PIN # 0649940528). Lots are NOT adjacent!! No value is given to...
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2499292 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Wonderfully remodeled cottage on a rare 3.2 acre tract. Special features include remodeled bath with new tub, vanity, fixtures and faucets, updated cabinetry in kitchen w...
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2490765 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Back on the Market FULLY RENOVATED, super cozy Ranch in ITB, minutes away from Downtown Raleigh! Great investment opportunity, a first home, or even AirBnB. The home feat...
- 3 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2490043 MLS
- PENDING Status
Offer accepted. FULLY renovated and PERMITTED 3/1 ranch on a quarter of an acre in the heart of Durham. No corners were cut with this renovation - full scope of renovat...
- 3 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2499540 MLS
- PENDING Status
Welcome Home! Bright and cozy bungalow in the heart of Durham offers NEW paint, flooring, roof and windows. Updated kitchen with new cabinets and granite counters, bathro...
- 3 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2489778 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Beautiful lot downtown Holly Springs NC. Used to be zoned TV, SFR but is rezoned to DMX (Downtown Mixed Use), Downtown Village District. New DMX - Downtown Mixed-Use Dist...
- 1 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2473322 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Endless possibilities - renovate the existing house or develop! Zoned CN for 4 dwelling units. Can subdivide into 2+ lots. Purchase includes land w/ SFH, survey, permit r...
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2441379 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Refreshed & ready for a new adventure—This inviting 3bed 1bath home in the heart of one of Durham’s most desired neighborhoods offers a lifestyle of comfort & convenience...
- 3 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2492415 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Come discover this charming cottage which has 2 bedrooms/1 bath. The home is freshly painted w/hardwood floors, a new roof, and a remodeled bathroom. See the renovated ba...
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2489987 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Fantastic investment opportunity for a unique 2 bedroom bungalow with a 1 bedroom detached ADU in the rear of property. Main house is listed but there is an additional 38...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2495926 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Property selling "As Is". Great Location in "downtown" Raleigh within walking distance of Shaw University, Transfer Co. Food Hall, Chavis Park, Duke Energy Center Perfor...
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2478334 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Welcome to Virgie Street and this charming efficient bungalow nestled into the heart of Old West Durham. Wake up on a saturday morning and meander on over to Monuts for b...
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2498890 MLS
- PENDING Status
Awesome Downtown Raleigh Location! Beautifully renovated 3 BR 1.5 BA Bungalow Located in desirable College Park. Original hardwoods, new white kitchen cabinets, quartz co...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2491236 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
This is it. Your one-story home just minutes from Downtown Raleigh. Beautiful and well laid-out two-bedroom home, on a big corner lot with room to dream big. High ceiling...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2499854 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
A must see fully renovated ITB home! Cozy cottage situated on a large corner lot in the highly desirable Belvidere Park neighborhood. Covered front porch leads you to a ...
- 2 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2483610 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Check out this Package Deal! 2 Detached Houses - One Glorious 2.88 Acre Lot only 8 miles from Downtown Hillsborough. This Stick Built 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom has 800 Square ...
- 1 Beds
- 1 Baths
- 2501610 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
SUPER UNIQUE investment property in Downtown Durham with 2 homes! Listed information is for 1 home but there are TWO nearly identical houses on this property! Each house ...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2495925 MLS
- ACTIVE Status
Listings provided courtesy of Triangle MLS, Inc. of NC, Internet Data Exchange Database. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. © 2023 Triangle MLS, Inc. of North Carolina. Data last updated .