WHAT IS A TINY HOME COMMUNITY?
Tiny homes typically range from 100 to 400 square feet and are built either on wheels (THOWs) or permanent foundations. A tiny home community consists of multiple units—often with shared infrastructure and communal amenities—designed to offer affordable, efficient, and livable housing.
While once considered unconventional, tiny homes now appeal to a wide range of residents including retirees, young professionals, digital nomads, and eco-conscious consumers.
WHY TINY HOMES FIT RV & MH PARKS
Many RV and MH parks are already
zoned for similar types of housing,
making them ideal for tiny home
integration. Key advantages include:
- Higher Per-Unit Rents: Tiny homes typically command higher monthly rents than RV pads while requiring similar land use.
- Longer-Term Tenants: Tiny homes attract
residents seeking semi-permanent or
permanent housing rather than short-term
stays. - Modern Aesthetic: Tiny homes offer a visually appealing upgrade, which can elevate the image of a park and attract a broader tenant base.
- Affordable Expansion: For parks with excess land or redevelopment potential, tiny homes provide a cost-effective infill strategy
THE SUB-400 SQ. FT. ADVANTAGE
Most tiny homes are under 400
square feet, and that size unlocks
several financial and operational
benefits:
- Lower Property Taxes: Many jurisdictions tax sub-400 sq. ft. homes as personal property or RVs, reducing the annual burden for both owners and residents.
- Zoning Flexibility: This size often qualifies homes as RVs or park models, allowing easier placement within existing MH or RV park zoning.
- High-Efficiency Yield: They offer strong rent per square foot, cost less to build or install, and reduce utility and maintenance costs
For operators, this compact footprint provides a high-margin, low-barrier path to modernizing or expanding a park.
MARKET DRIVERS BEHIND THE TREND
Several macro trends are fueling the
growth of tiny home communities:
- Housing Affordability Crisis: With median home prices and mortgage rates climbing, many Americans are seeking downsized solutions.
- Remote Work & Mobile Lifestyles: Flexible
housing supports location-independent living. - Sustainability: Tiny homes use fewer materials, less energy, and can integrate with off-grid systems like solar or composting toilets.
- Regulatory Shifts: Local governments are
increasingly open to tiny home zoning as part of
broader affordable housing initiatives.
For park owners and investors, tiny
homes offer several key benefits:
- Boosted Revenue: Rent premiums for tiny
homes can significantly improve gross income and overall cap rate. - Tenant Retention: More “buy-in” from residents means longer stays and lower turnover.
- Branding & Positioning: Parks that lean into design, sustainability, and community appeal can differentiate themselves in a crowded market.
- Increased Asset Value: Repositioning underutilized or aging communities with new tiny homes can enhance curb appeal and appraised value.
WHAT TO CONSIDER
Despite the upside, operators should
be aware of a few challenges:
- Zoning & Building Codes: Some municipalities still lack clear paths for legal placement, especially for THOWs.
- Infrastructure Requirements: Adding new units may require upgrades to water, sewer, and electric systems.
- Financing Models: Tenants often need alternative lending solutions, as traditional mortgages are rarely used for tiny homes.
A SCALABLE FUTURE
Tiny homes aren’t a fad—they ‘re a scalable solution to modern housing challenges. For those in the RV and MH sectors, the tiny home trend represents not just a lifestyle shift, but a business opportunity. Whether through infill, redevelopment, or new community development, tiny homes can play a valuable role in futureproofing your real estate portfolio.
