Council Urges Caution When Purchasing Tiny Homes
As the popularity of tiny homes continues to grow, Livingstone Shire Council is encouraging residents to exercise caution before buying these lower-cost housing options.
Incomplete or misleading information from some tiny home suppliers has left buyers with non-compliant homes that fail to meet Australian building and plumbing standards, resulting in significant financial and safety risks.
This rise in non-compliant tiny homes is a state-wide issue, affecting communities beyond Livingstone Shire, with several other Queensland councils recently issuing similar warnings.
Cr Pat Eastwood, Co-Chair of the Development & Environment Committee, said Council building and plumbing inspectors are seeing more residents caught out by purchasing modified containers and panel-type housing options that aren’t compliant, posing risks to health, safety and the environment.
“Common issues officers are seeing include incorrect pipework, inadequate drainage and gas installations, and failure to meet energy efficiency, weatherproofing, and fire safety standards,” Cr Eastwood said.
“When this happens, residents are left with costly repairs and modifications to achieve compliance, or in some cases, a structure they can’t legally occupy.”
While Council supports secondary dwellings as a means to help alleviate the housing crisis, these homes must meet the same standards as built-on-site homes to ensure resident safety. Additionally, non-compliant homes can cause further issues at the point of resale, with buyers potentially facing expenses to bring dwellings up to code.
Cr Eastwood emphasised the importance of adhering to safety requirements, particularly in cyclone-prone areas like Livingstone Shire.
“Compact dwellings can be a fantastic solution for many, but they must meet the National Construction Code (NCC) standards, especially in regions like ours that are prone to extreme weather,” Cr Eastwood said.
“Council has a responsibility to ensure all residential developments meet Australian plumbing and building standards, safeguarding the health, safety, and well-being of residents. It’s not only a matter of personal safety but also of public responsibility,” Cr Eastwood said.
“If you’re considering purchasing a tiny home, ensure you understand your obligations as a homeowner and conduct due diligence to avoid being misled by suppliers marketing non-compliant housing options.”
Prospective buyers are urged to consult with qualified professionals, such as licenced building certifiers within Council or the private sector, to ensure plumbing, drainage and construction compliance is met.
“Taking these steps now can save substantial costs and risks down the road,” Cr Eastwood added.
For more information, residents can contact Livingstone Shire Council’s Planning and Development team on 1300 790 919 or refer to Council's Tiny Homes Information Sheet: